One of the common issues that my clients have is difficulty in applying their own lashes. I often get asked if there is an easy way to apply them so I thought I would share some hints and tips that might help! Applying lashes can be tricky and most strip lashes do need to be trimmed initially to fit your eye shape – it is definitely not a one-size fits all approach unfortunately. I do think that false lashes are the perfect way to finish off your makeup especially for special occasions. We are spoilt for choice these days in lash styles… short, long, full, feathery, individual, strip, mink… there is a style for anyone and everyone! So if you have been put off from using strip lashes previously I would say its worth persevering. Practice makes perfect!
So lets start…
When removing the lashes from the box, you can identify which lash corresponds to which eye by lifting the box up to your face and turning the box so that the lashes face outwards. The outer edge of each lash now mirrors the correct eye for application.
To remove the lashes from the box with minimal damage use a pair of tweezers (sometimes you will actually get a free lash applicator tool in the box so you could also use this) and then peel the lashes out of the box from the outer edge – never the inner edge.
The false lashes should be applied where your own natural lashes start to fill out on your lash line. If the false lashes are placed too close to the inner corner of your eyes they can irritate your eyes. Also if the outer corner of your lashes are over hanging on your lash line they can drag your eyes down and this is not a good look either so you may need to trim the ends of the lashes to fit your own eye shape. If the lashes hang down over the edge of your eye you will end up with sad looking eyes like Robert from Guess Who 😀 We’ll not mention his terrible blusher which clashes with his hair either. Moving on….
So, glue… most false lashes come with a free bottle of glue. I have yet to use a free bottle of glue that has staying power. If anyone has, I would genuinely be interested to know which one you have used. Most are like water. If you use false lashes regularly I would definitely recommend investing in a better quality glue that will provide you with confidence in longevity such as Duo glue. This is available in Boots/Superdrug and is priced around £5.99 (may vary in different shops). Although the glue is white is does dry clear. You can also buy a dark grey glue which dries darker on the lash line. These little tubes will also last ages! You only need to use a tiny bit for each application.
My preferred method of applying lashes is to dab a small blob of glue on the back of my hand and leave it for a minute until it starts to go tacky. Then I hold the lashes upside down (one at a time, not the pair) and slowly drag the band of the false lashes through the glue being careful not to get any glue on the lashes, only on the lash line. The glue should be a thin line but fully covered particularly on the inner and outer corner of the lash line.
Now for the tricky bit. Firstly, I always apply a coat of mascara over the natural lashes before applying falsies. This helps to blend the lashes together. Some clients have very straight lashes so I often curl the lashes too with eyelash curlers before applying the mascara and the false lashes. You need to line up the band with your own lash line ensuring the inner corner of the strip begins where the bulk of your lashes start (maybe 3 or 4 natural lashes in from the inner corner). Then push the band as close to your lash line as possible ensuring the inner and outer corners are lined up correctly and attached. Then with tweezers/lash applicator or your fingers you need to nip the false lashes to your natural lashes, pressing firmly. Ta dah!
Just a few tips…
If you wanted to wear lashes to add some length or volume (or both) but don’t want a full lash, you could snip your strip lashes in half and use the outer half of the strip to just add a little extra “something”
Also, if you have LVL lashes (lash perm) or are considering this treatment you will be unable to wear false lashes. Lash lift treatments push strip lashes off the top of the lash line so even if they stuck initially they would almost certainly come off shortly after.
I hope you have found this useful! Feel free to share with your friends!
Thanks
Gemma x