False lashes have come a long way – where once they were a dead giveaway (to anyone within a 5-kilometre radius at that), they’re now barely discernible from a fabulous set of the real thing. They’re not even that hard to apply anymore.
The key is in selecting the right type, and applying them the right way for your eye shape and desired effect. This is what you need to know.
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1. Work With Your Eye Shape
For downturned eyes: Place longer lashes on the outer edge. For hooded eyes: stick to mostly short lashes. For prominent eyes: natural lashes on the outer corner will enhance, not overpower.
Wide set eyes suit slightly longer lashes in the center of the eye, while close set eye types should try longer lashes on the outer corners.
2. Choose The Right Style
Strip lashes are great for boosting a bold eye look. “These give a full lash effect and look best with stronger make-up, like smoky eyes or heavy liner,” explains Manicare advisor Liz Kelsh.
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Individual lashes are the most versatile, but they do take a little time to master.
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A half strip of false lashes gives a natural or dramatic result, depending on thickness and length. “Use liner and mascara to blend with your lashes,” she says.
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3. Prep Your Lashes First
Before applying your lashes you should do every other step. “Do your eye make-up, including curling lashes and mascara, before applying false lashes,” says Kelsh.
This will ensure your finished look is bold and looks naturally flush with your actual lashes.
4. Applying Strip Lashes
The first and most important step is to “measure the lash up to your eye and trim accordingly”, explains Kelsh.
If your lashes are pre-glued, you can go straight to application – but if you need to add glue, the best way is to keep it light. Dot the glue along the strip lash, wait for it to go tacky, then apply and tap in place using tweezers.
Finally, reapply mascara so both the false lashes and your natural ones get a fresh coat.
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5. Applying Individual Lashes
When it comes to applying individual false lashes, Kelsh says “apply different lengths of individual lashes to mimic and enhance your natural fringe.”
Place a dot of lash glue on the back of your hand and wait approximately 30 seconds for it to go tacky, before holding the lash with pointed-end tweezers, then dipping the base into the glue.
Repeat the process until you get to roughly the centre of the eye, then switch to shorter lashes, continuing along to fill in the lash line.
6. Removing False Lashes
When removing, never pluck your falsies; instead, “place a makeup remover-soaked cotton pad flat on your lid and slide downward,” says Kelsh. Repeat with extra remover for any stubborn lashes.
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