A Silly Grrl Guide to Fake Lashes
After performing for over a year, I’ve come to have lots of experience with fake lashes. I feel a little like a drag queen now, walking through the makeup aisle looking for the biggest, brightest and most glittery palettes. It took some practice, but I can now glue those babies on in two minutes and I have definite favorites as far as brands go.
What to Buy
I’ve found, the more curved and bendy the base of the lashes is, the easier they are to apply. They cheaper ones seem to work best and since they are tiny and delicate, I wouldn’t recommend spending more than $10 on them anyway.
NYX lashes look really, really fantastic, but they are very stiff and difficult to apply. If you’re a first-timer or running late, these are probably not a good idea. But if you have some time and patience they are definitely worth the hassle.
MAC lashes work well for an every-day, natural look. I’ve only used them a few times and found they were too delicate for all the wear and tear of performing and honestly, not really worth the price. They are flimsy, which makes them better for filling in sparse lashes.
Ardell lashes – long-lasting, easy to apply and CHEAP. These are my favorite. I probably have about six pairs I’m currently rotating for shows. They are bendy enough to put on fast and when they get too gunked-up I just toss them and buy another pair. They also have a pretty good selection of natural-looking lashes and big, crazy, spidery circus lashes. I also use the Ardell glue no matter what lashes I’m wearing.
How to apply
1. Check to see how the lashes fit. I usually end up having to trim a millimeter or so off the inner corner (sometimes after they’re already glued >_<)
2. Do all of your eye makeup first and add the lashes last
3. Apply a line of black liquid liner and let dry – this will prevent any space between your lashes from showing. (I use Maybelline Ultra Liner)
4. One at a time, apply a thin line of glue to the base of the lashes. Let the glue dry for about 30 seconds before placing it just above your lash line.
5. The plastic gripper thing that comes with some fake lashes is a piece of crap – throw it away. Instead, use the end of a bobby pin to gently nudge the fake lashes as close to your real ones as possible.
6. Once the glue has dried, add another layer of liquid liner. This will help to keep your lashes in place and make any line between your lashes and the fake ones disappear. You can add a little mascara too if they just aren’t bold enough.
Fake lashes can be cleaned with makeup remover or you can be like me and treat your lashes poorly by picking all the old glue off.
Don’t get discouraged if they are crooked and falling off on your first try – it takes lots of practice!
Now…who wants to give me a manicure?
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07.31.12 in makeup & hair, silly grrl guide
Thanks! I’ll give that a try and practice before the weekend
Any tips for using the little ‘clumps’ of 3 or 4 lashes, rather than a whole strip? Sometimes you just want a little oomph
I’ve only tried single lashes a few times and found it difficult to keep them all going in the same direction/angle. I’d recommend getting a more natural-looking pair and cutting some off the inner corner so it’s not a full strip but they’re still connected.
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I love that you’ve found ones that work for daily use and circus-y use too! That’s definitely the best of both worlds :)
I totally failed at this. I really want to make it work. Suppose I’ll have to take a swig of patience and try again.
Keep trying! It took me quite a few attempts to get it just right and that liquid liner really helps make it look perfect even if they aren’t glued exactly straight.
I love false eyelashes but I am crap at putting them on. I think I need to grab a few pairs and practice practice practice. I wonder if you can buy the ardell brand in Australia?
You might be able to – I get them at the drugstore here or places like Target/Walmart. You could probably get them online too :)
I am *awful* at fake lashes! I try and try and try but they just always feel like they’re going to fall off any second! I love the fluttery effect they give though, might have to use your tips and give them another go! xoxo
I wish a hidden camera show had been there my first time trying to apply fake lashes. It was a comedy of errors. I somehow managed to get eyelash glue in my hair and kind of glued some strands to my face without noticing. I was too distracted by my crooked not believable at all new lash appendages. This is why you don’t buy the cheapest kind and try to put them on without practice!
Ha! I love step 5! This is a great post!
cheers!