How to apply False Eyelashes

The pinups guide to Hollywood eyes...

Sadly it is all too easy to get it wrong, and with so many choices out there these days it can be hard to know what is the right choice for you.

Best false eyelashes for you:
Firstly before you even think about how to apply false eyelashes you have to decide what false eyelashes you actually need to weed out the stuff that just wont work.
Who are you? What are the lashes for?
Daytime wear? evening? perhaps a photo shoot or Burlesque performance?

Secondly you have to think honestly about how much time you can afford to devote to them.
Will you wear them every day? if so you should consider individual false eyelashes, as they look more natural and can be worn for 3 to 5 days at a time.

Strip false eyelashes can be more dramatic and noticeable than individual false eyelashes, they are also easier to apply, and only worn for a day or hours at a time so are more flexible.

They are the right choice for when you want a specific look for a specific event, are short of time or you have trouble with applying individual false eyelashes.

Strip lashes come in many different shapes, lengths and colours, not to mention decorations.
But the ones you want for a vintage pinup girl or Hollywood starlet look are the simplest ones. Stay away from the really long or thick ones unless you actually are a Drag Queen as they will distract from the rest of your look and overpower it. The ones with crystals and feathers on them have, to my mind, no place away the Burlesque/drag stage. They read very well from the audience but close up they look rediculous.

Brown is very natural, a little too natural for the pinup Hollywood look to be honest, so you want black. The two main shapes to look for are the traditional fanned out lashes with an even curve from the centre to the edges. And the aysymetric flare shape that is longer at the outer edge than in the middle.

Both are sexy, the first is more flirty the second more femme fatale. If you have never worn them before buy one of each shape and see what feels right for you.

Customizing false eyelashes:
Strip eyelashes almost never fit properly. Everyone's eyes are a different shape and size so it would be impossible for eyelash companies to make a set to fit everyone.

Changing the length of the strip is easy if you remember to always cut off from the inside (tear duct end) only..oh and make sure you are not wearing them at the time! Just hold them against your eyes with one hand and pinch the excess strip between two fingers on the other, then cut at that point. Easy.

Changing the length of the lashes themselfs is less easy and if you need to do this I would advise you get a back up pair incase you mess it up. Trim the very tips of the lashes with small sharp nail scissors. Take off a tiny amount from the ends at a time, following the shape closely, and keep checking till it is the length you want. You can always take off more but can't stick it back on!

Strip lashes should be applied last of your makeup. You should do your foundation, eyeshadow, brows ect before you put on your strip lashes however do not put on mascara or eyeliner yet as this will interfere with the glue.

All false eyelashes today come supplied with glue. It comes out white and dries clear. You can apply it directly to the lash strip or to the back of your hand or a palette and draw the lash band through the glue to get an even coverage. Either way it goes on the false eyelash not onto your eyelid!.

Allow to dry and then finish your eyemakeup.
You may find that if you were going to apply liquid eyeliner it is no longer needed. But if you feel it is then you will have to keep your eyelids lower than usual while applying and have a tissue handy to gently wipe liner off the tips of the lashes before you blink black marks all on your perfect foundation.
You don't really need mascara as well as false eyelashes, but if you want it anyway just remember less is more, it can get really clumpy and that's hard to fix with a lash comb without un-sticking the glue. So its gentle strokes and minimal product on the wand.

How to remove false eyelashes:
Strip lashes are intended for short term wear so always remember to remove them before bed, no matter how late, or early it is. They will come unstuck and at best you will loose them in your bedding, at worst it can cause damage to your eye. If you want a false eyelash that can be worn overnight then you want to try individual false eyelashes.

To remove them safely without pulling out any of your natural lashes you should use a little lash glue remover, or sometimes a good eye makeup remover will do it. Apply to a cotton bud (Q tip) or cotton pad and hold against the lash strip until it loosens. Now gently lift the strip at the corner and pull away from the eye lid.

How to clean false eyelashes:
You can actually use strip lashes again if you remember to clean them properly and store them well.
To clean false eyelashes you soak them in warm soapy water to remove traces of glue, makeup and dust. If you need to, use tweezers to pull of any stubborn glue particles. dry and comb with a brow brush, then store them back in their box for next time.

Now you know how to apply false eyelashes in strip form why not check out the next page:
Learn how to apply Individual False Eyelashes***
False eyelashes in a tube, using lash extension mascara***
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