I first fell in love with false eyelashes in college. I couldn't apply them myself, so my amazing friend, Caitlin, used to put them on for me before my first class. Considering that most of the other students wore pajamas and no makeup to class, I now realize my look was a bit ridiculous...
That said, false eyelashes are a great way to step up your makeup look and appear more glamorous.
It sounds scary at first, but they're actually fairly easy to apply. You can also find lashes that don't look completely fake.
Fake eyelashes have come a long way in the past few years. In fact, some eyelash strips look so natural that they are barely detectable once applied. They simply make your lashes look fuller and more gorgeous.
If you're worried about looking like a drag queen--don't. Just remember that it's the application process that makes the difference.
Follow these simple steps and you'll be good to go:
Step 1
Cleanse your skin and remove all traces of makeup. Pay close attention to your eye area during cleansing.
Step 2
Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler. Close your eye and place the opening of the eyelash curler over your lashes. Remain still and close the eyelash curler. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat the process on the lashes of your other eye. I even like to "pump" the curler a bit after holding it in place. It adds more curl and looks more natural.
Step 3
Remove a strip of false eyelashes from their packaging. Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room.
Step 4
Lay the false eyelash strip over the top lashes of one eye. Check to see if the length of the eyelash strip is equal to that of your natural lash line or if it will require trimming. Most of the time, you will need to trim a bit. [bonus tip: if you're looking for a less dramatic look, cut the strip in half and use only the outer halves on your lids to give a little extra lift!]
Step 5
Trim the false eyelash strip using a sharp pair of scissors. Lay the false eyelash strip on a flat surface, band side up.
Step 6
Squeeze a strip of false eyelash adhesive or glue along the band. A thin strip is all that is necessary. Close your eye.
Step 7
Align the band of the false eyelash strip with your natural lash line. Press the false eyelash strip into place by applying light pressure with the pads of your fingertips.
Step 8
Repeat the process on your other eye. Apply a coat of mascara. This will help blend your natural lashes and the false eyelashes together. I even like to go over it with black liquid liner to sort of "fuse" everything together. It just makes everything look more natural.
The falsies I usually buy are Ardell Fashion Lashes. You can get their starter kit for $5.99.