Tips for Applying Fake Eyelashes

False eyelashes turn an ordinary eyeball into an extraordinary eyeball. These little items are great to get that 1960s sex kitten look, imitate Cleopatra or use for any number of Halloween costumes. Apply fake eyelashes with a gentle touch.

Things You'll Need

• Eyelash glue
• Eyelash brush
• Toothpick
• Large safety pin
• Eye makeup remover
• Cotton pads

Instructions

1. Prepare the eyelid. Cleanse the lid of any vestige of makeup, dried skin or last night’s sleep. Swipe a cotton pad dabbled in eye makeup remover across the lid. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Pat dry with a soft towel.

2. Apply the glue. Set your false eyelashes out on a clean surface and squeeze a thin line of glue along the base. Use a toothpick to distribute the glue evenly. Don’t let the glue gob or glob over the edges. Also don’t let it touch the actual lashes or they will clump together.

3. Press the eyelash base gently to the eyelid. Starting at the inner corner of the eyelid, carefully place the eyelash strip behind your natural lashes. Press gently as you move along, securing the eyelashes in place. Get as close as you can to the edge of the lid without any overhang.

4. Test the placement. Blink your eyes several times and check out your placement in the mirror. If your false eyelashes are impeding eye movement or look crooked, remove them, clean off the glue with the eye makeup remover, wash off your eyelid and start again.

5. Separate the lashes. Once your fake lashes are securely in place, use a toothpick or the sharp edge of a big, fat safety pin to carefully separate the lashes. This assures they are not clumped together and are softened to mix with your natural lashes.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply additional eye makeup only after the false eyelashes are securely in place and the glue has dried for several minutes. Be careful swiping eye shadow across the area so you don’t knock the false lashes loose.

• You can apply mascara, but be very gentle. Also try to keep the mascara on your natural lashes only to meld them a bit with the false lashes. False eyelashes are usually bold enough not to need any extra makeup on them.

• Carry your eyelash glue, toothpick and eye makeup remover with you in case your eyelashes fall off during the evening out.

• Use cotton pads rather than cotton balls. Cotton balls can leave filaments all over your lashes.

• Be careful if you throw on a pair of sunglasses or other spectacles. They can turn your eyes into a spectacle if they dislodge your lashes when you blink.