False eyelashes are available in
three types: Regular strip,
Individual flares or individual
singles.
Regular Strip Lashes
These are pre-made eyelash
extensions in an attached strip.
They are the most noticeable type
and provide a flirtatiously fake
appearance. Best for an evening
look, they tend to be the easiest to
use and offer the quickest
application.
Individual Lashes
Here is a competing technique that
uses ‘‘cluster’’ of ‘‘flare’’
lashes. Confusingly, some salons and
spas are offering these under the
name ‘‘lash extensions’’.
‘‘Clusters’’ or ‘‘flare’’ lashes can
be done in less than half the time
of true extensions, and often cost
much less. However, these little
groups of 4-6 hairs should never be
applied with the semi-permanent
adhesive used for true lash
extensions. To do so often causes
severe loss of natural lashes. This
happens because these groups of
hairs pull at the natural lashes
from several different directions at
the same time. Cluster lashes can be
perfectly safe to use, provided they
are attached with adhesives that are
worn for one day only, but it is
misleading to refer to them as
‘‘extensions’’. If a salon or spa is
advertising ‘‘eyelash extensions’’,
the lashes applied should be single,
individual hairs.
*Individual Flares
More natural looking than the
strips, they tend to be smaller and
shorter. A halfway version between
the longer strips and the individual
lashes, they can be used to add a
subtle flare to your lash line or
combined for an allover eyelash
extension.
*Individual Singles
The most natural type of eyelash
extension. They provide a similar
concept to a hair extension for your
locks. Individual strands are often
used in mascara ads to create a lush
and longer lash appearance for the
models. They are applied directly to
your existing lashes to lengthen and
add volume. For the most natural
appearance, choose a mix of brown
and black colors, and short ones for
inner part of eye and long ones for
outer part of eye.
Before Applying False Eyelashes
You will need: small scissors, free
standing magnifying mirror, eyelash
glue, tweezers, and eyeliner or eye
shadow brush with a small round
clean end, cotton pads, a small
piece of aluminum foil or plastic
sheet for the glue, and a tooth
pick.
Consider the look you want to
achieve. Eyelashes come as either a
full set to provide a dramatic and
glamorous look, ideal for evening,
small clumps which are applied to
the outer edge of your lid for a
subtle understated but well groomed
look or as individual lashes to
infill spaces and give a lighter
look. They come in different shades
so a natural look to match your own
lash color is possible.
Choose a color that complements the
occasion. For evening, stick to
black (or dark brown if you have
pale lashes), which adds drama
without requiring mascara. In the
daytime, go dark brown (light brown
or blond if you have pale lashes)
for a natural look.
Make sure all oil is off your
eyelids. You could use a
Toner-Astringent with tissue or a
thin washcloth to remove all oils
after cleansing.
If you like, you can mascara your
natural eyelashes before applying
the false ones – top and bottom
because somehow it seems to make
them look even more natural.
Do a patch test first before
applying either type of lashes to
check you're not allergic to the
glue. The last thing you want is red
eye, especially before a big night
out.
Removing False Eyelashes
1. Remove false eyelashes before you
go to bed, using a warm compress or
makeup remover.
2. Use makeup remover or a cotton
pad soaked in warm water. To remove,
gently peel false eyelashes band off
lid, starting at outer corner. If
you have difficulty put a little
vaseline/petroleum jelly on the base
of the lashes and wait until they
become loose. Its very tempting to
just pull them off but you may pull
some of your own lashes out at the
same time.
3. To clean false eyelashes, place
them on a counter and put a few
drops of water over them. After a
minute or so the glue will be easy
to pull off of the strip. Let dry
and store the lashes on the original
tray and packaging, so they do not
lose their shape and you can reuse
them.
Tips
1. Apply a dark liner to the eyelash
line to make the effect more
natural.
2. Small clumps of false lashes
trimmed to your natural eyelash
length and applied spaced out along
the lid can give a natural but very
effective look, particularly for day
time wear.
3. If the fake eyelashes are too
long, you can trim them so that they
look more natural. But, don't trim
them while they are on your eyes. At
best, you might cut off your own
eyelashes, and at worst, you might
injure your eye. Don't risk it -
trim the eyelashes before you put
them on.
4. For a more dramatic effect, apply
eyelashes on the bottom of your eyes
as well.
5. Try to attach the false eyelashes
as close to your real lashes as
possible.
6. Go easy on the glue so that it
does not build up on the false
eyelashes or clump up your real
eyelashes and leak into your eye. A
thin strip across the band should do
it. You can remove excess glue with
a cotton bud once the lashes are in
place.
7. Never apply glue directly to your
eyelids; it may get into your eyes,
or you may glue your eye shut.
8. Never sleep with fake lashes – it
may cause irritation and damage your
lashes.
Warnings
1. If eyelash glue gets in your
eyes, take the eyelashes off and
wash your eyes out. After drying the
eyelashes, you may be able to apply
them again.
2. Use the least amount of glue
necessary to avoid accidents.
3. Use clean eye lashes, tweezers
and other accessories to avoid
contamination
4. Never use someone else’s old
eyelashes without sanitizing.
5. Theatrical lashes can include
glitter or other decorative touches.
This glitter can sometimes get into
your eyes.
