Beauty How-To: False Lashes

I love false eyelashes. It’s the maxi-booster super-gel push-up bra equivalent for your lashes. They help to add drama to your overall look, and nothing beats the flirty fluttering that we are all so addicted to. These tips are specifically for the application of full lashes – I find the individual lashes both fiddly and time-consuming. And if you don’t apply them like a pro – they can poke in different directions haphazardly. And look like creepy spider legs. Hence full lash strips are my absolute favourite!

Here are 6 steps to help you get your peepers some eye-tention.

1. Prep and prime

Apply eyeshadow and eyeshadow primer as usual. Don’t apply pencil eyeliner as the product contains oils and waxes – which will reduce the effectiveness of the adhesive.

2. Trim the lashes to the correct length

Use sharp scissors to remove any amount of lashes that extend beyond the actual length of your eye. This will allow it to sit naturally on your lid without it irritating your eyes or lifting off.

3. Patience is your friend

Run the base of the lashes across a drop of glue. Wait 30 seconds! This will allow the glue to become tacky, preventing the lashes from slipping and sliding on your eye. Then apply the lashes with tweezers, aiming for the base of your lashes. Turn the tweezers over and use the blunt side to press it into your natural lashline. Avoid pushing this metal implement straight into your eyeballs.

4. Line away

Cover the base of the false lashes with liquid or gel liner. This also masks any imperfections or globs of glue (naughty naughty!) and makes it look more natural.

5. Mascara

Apply volumising black mascara to both your real and fake lashes to ‘blend’ them together for a seamless look. Otherwise, you will have two rows of lashes moving like dodgy windscreen wipers whenever you blink.

6. Removal

Apply liquid eye-make up removal onto a cotton pad. Hold to the eye for minute. Gently press without tugging or rubbing, because it’s only going to help produce very attractive wrinkles around your eyes. The lash adhesive should dissolve easily. And voila! No more falsies. You can also wash the lashes with a bit of cleanser and warm water. Let them dry so you can re-use them. Round two, yeah, baby!