smcabrera on How to Use False Eyelashes

think it’s definitely a matter of practice makes perfect. As the author of this How-To suggests, you want to give it a try before you decide to wear them out just to get any kinks out of the way.

If you’re afraid of false eyelashes, think of it like this - it’s only going to look like a lot eye makeup. Even cheap false eyelashes simply have the look of strong eye makeup, so don’t be too afraid. We’ve come a long way since they were only looked fit for an aging woman trying to reclaim her youth. False eyelashes now come in many different styles, so do your research before saying no. I chose a full set of sporadic lashes, as I like the look of full, thick lashes. I don’t care about them being long, I’m always on the hunt for whatever mascara gives me the thickest lashes, so a false set is ideal for me.

I start with no eye makeup, but I do “make up” the area around my eye. I put on my foundation and concealer around my eye and on my eyelids since they tend to be very pale. The lashes were a little long for my eyes, so I snipped each edge. To do this, I placed the false eyelashes along my lash line and gave it a bend where my natural lash line ended. This was an easy way to mark the spot where I would cut the lashes.

To apply glue to the lashes, I used a cotton swab. I put a teeny bit of glue at one end of the lash and quickly, spread it out along the lash line of the fake lashes. This prevents you from using too much glue and having a giant mess on your hands. The glue usually dries clear (but be sure you check the label), so there’s no mess to see once it dries, you can only feel it. To stop this, add a little bit of glue at a time versus squirting a bunch onto the lashes.

I apply the lashes starting from the outside in. I gently press the lash against the outer edge of my eye, and then quickly press it inward. To make sure it’s secure I take the other end of the cotton swab (the author suggests tweezers or a toothpick, both which sound potentially painful!) And press against the fake lashes into my lash line. After this, leave them alone! Let them dry completely and restrain from picking and prodding (which I know is hard).

Some people add eyeliner to make the false lashes and your own lash line blend. I have never done this, and I think it would be too much on me since fake lashes make me look like I’m wearing heavy liner on my top lash line. A single coat of mascara can do the same thing and blend the false and natural lashes, but all of this is up to the person wearing the lashes and how dramatic you want to get.