Here is a look at my favorite style of false eyelashes...the MAC #48's. I like to wear false eyelashes pretty frequently and will NOT go anywhere that I know I will be photographed without wearing them. That is how much I believe they make an impact in photos.
I thought it would be beneficial to dedicate a post regarding false eyelashes as for many people, it is totally new makeup territory. Whether or not you have worn them before or not, here is a compilation of my top 10 most asked questions regarding falsies.
How do the false lashes stay on? – They are applied by placing a thin layer of eyelash glue onto the strip of the false lash.
The lash glue of choice is Duo Eyelash Adhesive, which can be picked up almost anywhere (Sephora, drugstores, and even certain supermarkets).
How do I remove the false lashes? – When you are ready to remove the false eyelashes, you can gently pull on them with light pressure and they should come off easily. If you feel like they are not coming off, you can apply a little makeup remover (anything oil based will do the trick to loosen it) to the eye area to make it easier.
Can the same pair of false eyelashes be reapplied again or do they need to be disposed? – YES! They can be used again and do not need to be thrown out after one wearage. I personally try to get at least 4-5 wearages per set of false eyelashes before I start using a new pair. (This is just my personal preference). I know people who like to only wear them one time while I have met clients who will try to get about two week’s worth of a single pair.
How long do they last? – Once a pair of false eyelashes are applied and set with glue, they are long-wearing and will last the entire day. They are NOT meant to be worn overnight, meaning once you are getting ready for bed, I advise for the false eyelashes to be removed at the time all your makeup is removed.
It’s just never a good idea to sleep with them because for one, there is a chance your eyes may feel a little irritated the next day and two, the eyelashes will be totally destroyed (they’ll be bent and out of shape meaning they’ll most likely have to be thrown out afterwards).
Do I need to apply mascara, if so, before or after the false eyelashes are applied? - This answer is honestly going to vary from one artist to another and also depend on various factors. For me personally, I totally skip applying mascara. I’m NOT a mascara person in general (on me) and I believe the beauty of wearing false eyelashes is being able to skip the step of wearing mascara.
However, there are a few exceptions:
1- If your real lashes naturally do not blend into the false eyelashes (after application), a coat of mascara can join them together and make them look more natural.
2- If your hair is blond (or fair), I advise applying mascara to the natural lashes (again for blending purposes).
3- If you think the false eyelashes are still too natural and you like a more dramatic look, then adding mascara can really take it up a notch by enhancing the volume and fullness.
* In terms of applying mascara before or after, I’d say it’s better afterwards although generally it won’t make too much of a difference visually.
When is the best time to apply eyeliner and eye shadow, before or after the false lash application? – I always recommend doing your eye makeup as you normally would and then finish off the look with the false eyelashes after the eye makeup is complete. It’s just easier and this way the false eyelashes won’t get in the way.
I often will apply the eyeliner before AND after a false eyelash application. It just looks cleaner and conceals the band of the false eyelashes better.
I wear contacts, are they going to bother my eyes? – Unfortunately, I’m a makeup artist (and not an eye doctor)! I wear contacts and have no problems whatsoever wearing false eyelashes. If you have sensitive eyes, you may want to skip them altogether to avoid a risk of irritation but I always advise trying it out at least one time (you won’t know otherwise). If you sense it’s not for you, it’s easy to remove and at least you know not to bother next time.
How long will it take for the glue to dry? – The glue will dry fairly quickly (within a few minutes). You will know when they are completely dry when the glue turns clear. It goes on white, but eventually it becomes clear and looks almost invisible.
If I cry, will they come off? – In most cases, the answer is no. I can’t give a definite answer on this question as everyone is different, but they are meant to last even if you were to shed some tears. I have cried with false eyelashes on and never had an issue with them coming off.
* There is a higher chance of it coming off if you begin crying before the false eyelashes are fully set (meaning the glue is not completely dry). If this is the case, wipe the tears and wait a few minutes for the eyes to feel at ease. Then try re-applying the eyelashes again.
What is the difference between false eyelashes and lash extensions? – False eyelashes are meant for temporary use (removed at the end of the day) and lash extensions are more “permanent” (they can last up to two full weeks). Lash extensions are applied with a surgical glue and applied by single lashes, which can take up to two hours for a full application. There is also a huge difference in cost. A pair of false eyelashes can cost anywhere between $2-$15 a pair and getting lash extensions (they have to be applied by a professional) can cost up to $200 for the first full set.
(Personally, I have absolutely no desire to get lash extensions. I don’t really like the idea of it being semi-permanent and question whether it could bother your eyes in the long run. I’ll stick with my false eyelashes thank-you-very-much! ;)
[Do you currently wear false eyelashes? If not, would you try them?]
stylebymeli
