10 Tips to Perfectly “natural” False Lashes

Ever wanted those full, long lashes like the models on the mascara commercials?  Then this is the article for you!  I will teach you how to get the look of long, beautiful, and full lashes that will give your look an added umph day or night.  From which lashes to buy, to how to put them on, to how to remove them at the end of the day, you will learn everything you need to know to get the look you have always craved but were always afraid to try.

Tip #1: Individual Lashes =Longer Lasting

To start, go to your favorite beauty or drugstore and purchase a set of “individual lashes”, these are the lashes that come small bunches of 5 to 10 fibers. You will typically get about 20 bunches per pack and come with a small tube of adhesive.  These type of lashes are longer wearing and more natural looking as compared to the lashes that are just a strip of lashes.

Tip #2: Get the Glue Out

Making this process easy is what will make it the most effective.  To that end, squeezing out about a dime-size glob of glue to dip lashes in while applying is easier than getting glue from the tube each time you need it.  For this process, clear and black glue work equally well on all color lashes. 

Tip #3: Use Tweezers for Handling

A pair of slant tip tweezers will work best when you go to pick up your lashes and are much more precise than using your fingertips.  To apply lashes, pick them up by the tips with the tweezers, then gently dip the back end (the end where they are in a bunch at) into the glue you have set aside.  Aim for a thin even coating, not a huge glob, as that will affect the way they adhere to your real lashes. 

Tip #4: Apply on Top not Below Your Lashes

Once you have properly coated the back end of the lashes with the glue, take the tweezers and gently but firmly apply the lashes to the top of your lashes of your upper eyelid.  You want the glue to adhere to your real lashes as well as the lid.  For the best results, start from the outer corner of the eye and work your way toward the middle. 

Tip #5: Keep Looking Straight

This may seem like commonsense, but it is often neglected when applying lashes. You must keep your eyes open and looking into a mirror to see if you are applying the lashes evenly. 

Tip #6: The Fewer the Lashes the Better

The old saying is still true, less is always more.  To keep your look natural yet dramatic, try to only use four to five individual lashes per eye. You want the length to be at the outer edges of your eye and the effect to be more subtle (i.e. your own lashes) toward the middle of your eye. 

Tip #7: Correct any Lashes

While you are applying your lashes, you may get one that is crooked or just doesn’t look right, toss it and try again.  In each pack of lashes, there are plenty so don’t try to reuse one that just isn’t working. 

Tip #8: Camouflage & Disguise

Now that your lashes are all on and they look symmetrical on each eye, it is time to disguise your work.  Cake eyeliner applied with an angle brush works best for this step.  After the glue is dry, dip the angle brush in the cake liner and glide along lash line where the glue and lashes meet your lid. 

Tip #9: Finish with Mascara

After you apply the cake liner to both lids, grab your favorite mascara and apply at least two coats.  This is probably the most important step because is blends the false lashes into your real lashes and acts as a second adhesive for the false lashes to stay on.  Definitely don’t skip this step!

Tip #10: Remove Lashes with Eye Makeup Remover

When you are ready to remove your lashes, without pulling out any of your own, you will need a good eye makeup remover.  A personal favorite is a liquid to foam eye makeup remover because the foam is activated without the use of water and you can let it sit on the area where needed for a few minutes before rinsing.  To get all the lashes and makeup off, you may have to repeat the process a few times.

There you have it, the 10 tips to natural false lashes.  This technique works wonders for any occasion and will have you be the envy of all your friends the next time you step out.  As with any makeup or cosmetics, practice always makes perfect, especially with false lashes.  I would recommend you set aside about 30 minutes to practice a few times before wearing your lashes in public to ensure the look is natural and the lashes stay put for the duration. Please note, for eye health, you should remove your lashes after every use, never go to sleep in them.