Have you noticed a trend with fuller, thicker, longer lashes lately? Women didn’t suddenly start growing them at faster speeds, they’ve simply been introduced to the beauty of false eyelashes.
“Gorgeous eyelashes aren’t just for supermodels anymore,” according to ARDELL, one of the companies specializing in faux eyelashes. Thanks to companies like it, you can now have supermodel-like eyelashes too!
Before you hop into your car and drive to the nearest drugstore to snag a pair, consider the options and some tips that will facilitate your decision-making, application and removal process.
There are two two different types of eyelashes to choose from: strip and individual, and they each come with pros and cons, respectively.
Strip eyelashes, as the name indicates, come in neat strips of synthetic hair. When applying strip lashes it’s important to match the size of the strip to the size of your lash line.
Shu Uemura, a cosmetics and false eyelash provider, suggests, “If the false eyelashes seem to be too wide for your eyes, adjust the width by trimming the outer corner.”
If the strip is too long it will hang and you’ll probably get a few looks -- and not the your-eyelashes-are-beautiful kind, instead you’ll get the what’s-wrong-with-your-eye looks of concern. Make sure to cut only a few strands at a time, you want to have enough left for a full look, after all.
Once you have sized the strips accordingly, apply glue directly to the line using as little as possible. Using tweezers, simply dip the strip into the adhesive and apply as close to your lash line as possible. Make sure not to use too much adhesive because it will not only take longer to dry, it can also smudge on your eyelids and into your eyes.
If you just want to fill in a few gaps along your lash line, you can use individual eyelashes, which can last longer but also take longer to apply. Some women opt for individuals because they can create a more natural look, but if applying a full set, the process can be tedious.
ARDELL suggests applying 10 to15 lashes per eye. Applying a full set requires patience and sometimes, a higher skill set.
To apply individual eyelashes, ARDELL recommends that you first “thoroughly clean your eyelashes and eyelids so they are make-up and oil free.” Because individual strands are so small, you can blend them to your real lashes more than you can strip lashes.
For more effective application, let adhesive dry for a few seconds before applying to your lash line. The longer they dry off of your lid, the less time they will take to dry while on your lid. This applies to either lash type.
When you’re ready to part with your luscious lashes -- though why would you want to -- you can gently pull off strips or use adhesive remover for individuals.
MAKE UP FOR EVER, a professional makeup and cosmetics company, suggests you “lift the outside edge of the eyelashes and pull gently. Clean after each use: remove the glue by hand, and if necessary, clean the edge with a cotton ball soaked in acetone to remove any glue residue.”
If you care for your lashes, which includes removing them properly, they can be reused. Keep in mind that like any other eye product, you must keep them clean to prevent eye infections or irritation.
Sources:
1. ARDELL. Ardelllashes.com. Web. September 21, 2011.
http://www.ardelllashes.com/about-ardell
2. Shu uemura. Shuuemura-usa.com. Web. September 21, 2011.
http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/_us/_en/accessories/false-eyelashes/accent/mini-khaki-false-eyelashes.htm
3. MAKE UP FOR EVER. Makeupforever.com. Web. September 21, 2011.
http://www.makeupforever.com/products/single-eyelashes-25009.html
Edited by Jody Smith