Kiss and Makeup: April 2014

Hello Beauties,

False lashes are that part of a makeup routine that most people skip over, because most seem to think that they can't pull them off, or just can't put them on. They're almost always a part of youtube tutorials and most beauty experts tend to skip over the application.

I just want to let you guys know that falsies can be done quickly, easily and correctly, whether you're a seasoned pro or just a lover of thick, lush lashes ;D

So, what are false lashes

Falsies, or fake eyelashes, come in many different shapes and styles. They are applied to the lash line of the eye to create the illusion of longer, fuller, and darker lashes. They are meant to blend in with your natural eyelashes. You can get simple natural looking ones for everyday use, dramatic full lashes, or flirty oddly shaped ones. You can even find lashes that are made of feathers, feature bright colour, or crazy patterns.

False lashes can be made out of synthetic (plastic) material, or natural hair. Less expensive lashes tend to be synthetic, they're easy to tell apart because they actually look a little shiny and are stiffer, Natural hair lashes look just like real eye lashes. They're usually made from treated, sanitary hair and blend in flawlessly with your natural lashes.

There are two main types of lashes - Band/ strip lashes and individual lashes. The two have very different application styles, but both are very doable.

Band False Lashes:

These are by far the most popular type of lashes because they're quicker and easier to apply to yourself. They are a full eye's worth of lashes, pre-attached to one another, making them easy to just glue and go.

Individual False Lashes:

Individual lashes are ideal for occasions where you want the extra drama, but definitely don't want the look of a full band of false lashes. Each individual lash is a small clump of lashes stuck together, meant to be glued one at a time into the lash line for optimal blending. These type of lashes look the most natural, but are a lot more time consuming to put on yourself.

How do you Apply False Lashes ?

Applying falsies isn't something that you're going to be able to do perfectly the first time (just ask the girls I practiced on in my makeup application class) It's much better to practice a few times before being able to go out in public donning your new luscious lashes.

This is the way that I was taught to apply falsies, and I've found that it works well for most people.

You Will Need:

Scissors
Eyelash glue
Black mascara
Eyelash curler
Tweezers

1. For strip lashes - You MUST measure and trim any excess off the band before you apply them. Not everyone has the same shaped eyes, this will help give you the best fit AND make your bank look the most natural.

2. Curl your lashes and apply a single even coat of mascara, this will make it easier to blend your natural lashed with the falsies. Take the lashes out of the package and curl them around your finger. This will make the band more pliable and easier to shape to your eye.

3. Lots of falsies come with eyelash glue (usually the glue is not the greatest though) make sure you double check to see if they set you picked does or does not BEFORE you get them home. There is nothing worse than getting home and finding out you have no way of attaching your lashes and starting your new adventure into lash town. You can usually buy inexpensive lash glue on it's own. When it's time to apply the lashes I squeeze a small dollop of glue onto my makeup pallet and then grab the lashes upside down and run the band quickly through the glue. This usually coats the band in a thin even layer of glue. For individual lashes you'll want to use tweezers to dip the knot at the bottom of the group of hairs into the glue.

4. Allow the glue to set on the lashes for about 15 seconds before you apply them to your eyes. This will allow the glue to become tackier and will help the lashes set faster.

5. With your fingers or tweezers if you're more comfortable with them, apply the lashes to the inner corner of your eye, as close to your natural lash line as possible. Applying on the inner corner makes it easier to follow the natural curve of your eye, and allows you to get as close as possible to your natural lashes.

6. Once the lashes are applied and have dried, use an eyelash curler on your natural and false lashed to blend them further, and add one more coat of mascara. This will help hold the curl and make sure the two stay blended together - Think like hairspray for your lashes.

(Individual lashes aren't as tricky to apply, even though the process takes a little longer. You don't have to worry about measuring and trimming the lashes. Most people will apply a few individual lashes to their outter lash lines to make their eyes appear bigger without looking like it's to much. You can also use individuals on your lower lash line.)

Q&A

How do I remove falsies without yanking on my eyelids ?

Using a good eye friendly makeup remove is key. You don't always have to, but the tugging on the eyelid can be unpleasant for some people when they try to take their lashes off, Try using a makeup remover with oil in it, instead of an oil free formula. If you don't want to run out and buy another product, try olive, or coconut oil. The natural oils will not cause any break outs, and a lot of people have them already in the pantry.

Can you Re-Use Falsies

Yes! you definitely can, as long as you remember to clean and sanitize them. You can get a lot of life out of your lashes, especially synthetic ones. Whenever you remove your lashes, just remember to remove all the makeup/ excess glue off of them, then give them a swipe with a q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol. Let them dry and then put them away for next time. You can use them until they literally fall apart ( and sometimes even after that...hello demi's)

My Favourites:

Some of my favourite falsies are made by Ardell, they have a HUGE variety to choose from, they really last AND are affordable.

For individual lashes I like the Ardell Duralash kit. The lashes can last up to 2 weeks with the special adhesive that is included in the starter kit.