Fake eyelash tips — I got you covered

They say the lashes are the boobs of the face. Or is that the eyebrows? Regardless, lashes are scrumptious, and everybody loves to look at them. Whether you like extra-voluminous false lashes, or natural-looking extensions, feeling beautiful when your eyes are (or aren’t) dolled up is what matters most.

I’ve been wearing false lashes for a decade; it’s safe to say I’m a false lash PRO. I have learned to apply them in less time than it takes to coat mascara on my lashes; three minutes per lash, tops. It certainly didn’t come naturally to me at first. With time, patience, and a bit of frustration along the way, I have picked up several tips and tricks over the last few years that I’d be honored to share with you.

The first step is determining your lash goal. Do you want very temporary strip lashes that you remove at the end of the day or a semi-permanent lash that you get filled every 2-3 weeks? Both are great options, with several pros and cons:

Strip lashes:

Pros:

Many options to choose from, and can do different looks each day
Can be reused
Makes the eyes pop more
Great for those who love dramatic lashes — like me ◡̈
Can go completely natural and lash-free whenever you want

Cons:

May be difficult to put on
Can’t get wet
Have to take them off before bed
Some can look “fake” (if you aren’t into that look)
Requires separate purchase of glue
- which may sting if gets in the eye
- which also may rip out natural lashes if removed incorrectly

Lash Extensions:

Pros:

You have long, lush lashes 24/7
Cuts down the time in which it takes to apply makeup
They can get wet (12 to 24 hours after application)
They can be natural-looking
Don’t have to worry about one popping off when shakin’ your booty at the club

Cons:

Can be expensive AF
Requires a professional to apply them
- If you go to someone who is not licensed, it can be harmful to your eyes (i.e. pink eye, infections, loss of lashes, injuries, etc.)
If you have a habit of rubbing your eyes, you won’t thrive with them
Requires daily cleaning and fluffing
Application time is time-consuming (2-ish hours)

I prefer strip lashes, mainly because I love a dramatic, extra AF lash. My experience with lash extensions hasn’t been the best when it comes to the dramatic look I go for— they never really turn out the way I want— and then I’m stuck with them. I do like the idea of having long lashes every second of the day, though!

When looking for a lash extension tech, It’s important to look for someone who is educated, clean, professional, punctual, and honest. Is that too much to ask for? According to Fox Theory Spa, not all lash artists are created equal. “Like any other industry, the lash extension one has many, many incredibly talented artists who take pride and passion in their work,” they write in a blog post. “With that said, there are many who are greedy and uncaring to the health of the client or the spa/salon.”

Look up reviews, schedule a consultation, and talk to the artist before you let them touch your precious eyes. I promise, though, the feeling you get after opening your eyes after application and taking a look in the mirror is unmatched. Once you find your lash technician soul mate, you won’t want to let go!

As for strip lashes, here are my favorite ones EVER, that I def. recommend:

The trick when applying lashes is to wait for the glue to become tacky before attempting to stick them on.

When you put glue on your falsies and try to immediately place them on your lashes, they slip and slide around on the lid, which is beyond frustrating.

Here are tips you should try next time you apply lashes:

— Apply a thin coat of mascara to your natural lashes beforehand; this will help you see your lash line and help the falsie blend easier

— Some find that curling the natural lash beforehand also helps the falsie stick on and blend better.

— Wait a good 30 seconds after applying the glue to the falsies, allowing them time to become tacky

— Keep your eye open when applying (or slightly open— don’t close it completely). Doing this will help you see the lash line and get it as close as possible.

— Place the strip in the center of the lash line first, then attach the ends by pressing down lightly with your fingertips or tweezers

— Use tweezers to get in that pesky inner corner

— Use mascara or liquid eyeliner to fill in any gaps between the natural lash line and the falsie strip

What about individual lashes?

Individual lashes are a fun DIY lash extension alternative. You can use regular lash glue to apply these to the lash, which will provide a single-use, natural look. OR, you can use an individual eyelash adhesive that is super strong and can last a week or so (and requires a remover to take them off).

*Can be damaging to the eyelashes, and most licensed techs recommend you not do this or proceed with caution if you do.

These lashes are great for those busy weeks when you don’t feel like putting strips on every day but you want to be and feel glamorous.

I apply these under my lash line with a pair of tweezers.

Tips for individual lash application:

— Pour a bit of lash glue on a piece of tin foil or another clean surface

— Much like strip lashes, you want to wait 30 seconds after dipping the lash into the glue before applying it to the lash line

— Start on the outer corner of the eye and work your way in

— Gently lift the eyelid up, and place the lash as close to the lash line as possible

— Wait 12-24 hours after application before getting them wet

— Use a product designed to remove individual lashes so that you don’t rip your natural lashes off.
- Be patient with this process.
- Soak the lashes with this product with a cotton pad, and don’t pull!

Here are my favorite individual lashes EVER: