How to Apply False Eyelashes

Dear Audrey,
I love the look of false eyelashes, but I’m afraid to try using them at home—they look so difficult to put on. Can you help? 

False eyelashes are a great way to enhance your eyes, whether you’re headed out for an evening of romance, or just going about your everyday business. Applied correctly, false eyelashes can add instant glam, widen small eyes and even make you look younger.  There are 2 types of false eyelashes available—strip eyelashes and individual lashes. I’m going to focus on how to apply False Strip Eyelashes. 

In the Beginning

False eyelashes (also known as strip lashes) were originally invented by silent movie director D. W. Griffith in 1916 for the heroine of his epic movie, Intolerance. But they didn’t really catch on until, in the 1940s and 1950s, make-up artist brothers David and Eric Aylott perfected false lashes for the likes of Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, and Joan Collins. These days there are so many options available, the only thing that is hard, is deciding just which ones to use!

How To

To apply your lashes you will need the following:

• Strip Eyelashes
• Tweezers
• Lash Curler
• Small Scissors
• Eyelash Adhesive  *Choose a latex-free formula if you have a latex allergy 

First, apply most of your makeup and eyeliner. Curl your own lashes and apply a light coat of black mascara.

Next check the fit of your lashes. Remove the eyelash from the tray using the tweezers, and then place them at the base of your lashes beginning at the inner corner to see if it fits your eye. If it is too long, use the small scissors to trim them to fit. 

Now here’s what most people call the tricky part, applying the adhesive—but with my simple trick, you’ll have no problem: Place a thin line of adhesive across the lash band. Next, wait at least 30 to 45 seconds to allow the adhesive to get tacky! This is vitally important. If you wait for the adhesive to get tacky first, it will immediately start to stick and not get gloppy and messy. 

Once the adhesive is tacky holding the lash with your tweezers align the lash with the center of your eye and place the strip on top of your own lashes, as close to your own lash line as possible. Using your fingertips gently press the lash in place. 

Finish off your look by blending any short lashes with a small amount of mascara and touching up your eyeliner to hide the lash band if needed. 

Removal, Cleaning, and Re-use

To remove your lashes, start at one corner and gently peel them off. Because the glue is like rubbery latex, they should come off easily.  Strip eyelashes are reusable and should be stored in the tray the came in. To clean your strip eyelashes try using a non-oily eye-makeup remover. Note that you may need to use tweezers to remove the adhesive.

Note that it’s best NOT to wear your strip eyelashes to bed—if you sleep on your side, your lashes may get bent or come off altogether. Besides, it’s always best to remove your makeup and wash your face before you go to bed.

Here’s to full, lush lashes!