Alright, let’s dive into this falsie fun. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a pair of false eyelashes, wondering if applying them will be the end of your sanity (or your eyesight), trust me—you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too. It’s like a rite of passage for makeup lovers. But don’t worry, friend! I’m here to guide you through this, sharing my hard-earned lash wisdom, along with a few laughs and maybe a facepalm or two from my early, uh, “experiments.”
1. Gather Your Tools (And Your Patience)
First things first—make sure you’ve got all the essentials. False eyelashes? Check. Eyelash glue that hopefully won’t glue your eyelids shut? Check. Tweezers, a steady hand, and maybe a YouTube tutorial open in another tab? Triple check.
Here’s what you’ll need in your lash kit:
- False Eyelashes: Go ahead and pick lashes that match the vibe. Feeling extra? Go dramatic. Want to keep it low-key? Opt for natural wispy ones. Just don’t end up looking like a Vegas showgirl—unless that’s what you’re going for. Then, own it!
- Eyelash Glue: My tip? Get the glue that dries clear. Because if you’re a beginner like I was, mistakes are inevitable, and a clear-drying glue can save you from the dreaded “I sneezed mid-application” disaster.
- Tweezers or Applicator Tool: These are your magic wands. Precision is key unless you’re okay with your lashes hanging out somewhere near your eyebrows.
- Scissors: You’re probably thinking, “What are scissors doing here?!” But lashes come in standard sizes, and news flash: everyone’s eyes are different. So, trim away, Goldilocks, and get those lashes just right.
- Mascara and Eyeliner: Like peanut butter and jelly. They help everything come together. More on that later.
2. Trim to Fit Like a Glove (But For Your Eyeballs)
Ah, trimming the lashes—a step I totally ignored the first time. Rookie mistake. Let’s just say I spent an entire evening blinking like a malfunctioning robot because the lash was poking my inner eye. Not cute.
Hold that falsie up to your lash line, and if it’s too long, snip from the outer edge—never the inner. You don’t want to mess with the natural shape of the lash. Trust me, trimming is the difference between “I woke up like this” and “I wrestled with my makeup this morning and lost.”
3. The Sticky Situation: Applying the Glue
Here’s where things can go hilariously wrong. Remember, less is more. You want a thin, even line of glue along the lash band. Don’t go all “arts and crafts” on it with blobs of glue because it’ll slip and slide all over your eyelid like Bambi on ice. Give the glue about 20-30 seconds to get tacky (aka sticky but not messy). Pro tip: apply a tiny bit more glue to the inner and outer corners for extra security. Those babies won’t be going anywhere!
4. The Moment of Truth: Using Tweezers for Precision
This is where all your hopes and dreams for perfect lashes hang in the balance. Grab your tweezers, hold the falsie in the middle, and gently (I mean gently) place the lash as close to your natural lash line as possible. I like to start in the middle, then secure the inner and outer edges. If you nail this step, you’ll feel like you just leveled up in life. If not, well, deep breaths—you’ve got this!
5. Blend, Blend, Blend!
Okay, the lashes are on. Congrats! But unless you’re going for the “clearly fake lashes” look, we’re not done. Grab your mascara and give your natural and false lashes a little bonding time—literally. A coat of mascara helps fuse the two together, making them look seamless. And don’t be afraid to touch up with eyeliner to cover any gaps. It’s all about faking that flawless finish.
6. The Removal (AKA “Let’s Not Rip Out My Natural Lashes”)
At the end of the day, gently remove the falsies by peeling them off from the outer corner. Gently, I said! You’re not trying to wax your eyelids. If there’s any leftover glue on the lashes, clean it off so they’re good to go for round two.
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Lash Game
- Practice makes perfect. Yes, it’s cliché, but it’s true. The more you apply falsies, the less they’ll intimidate you. Soon, you’ll be applying them like a pro, even during a power outage (because life loves those little tests).
- Individual lashes are your friends. If you’re after a more natural look or just want to fill in sparse areas, individual lashes are great. Plus, you get to play lash artist and create a custom look.
- Magnetic lashes. Yep, they’re a thing. If glue isn’t your vibe, these bad boys use tiny magnets to cling to your lash line. Science, right? Perfect for the glue-averse.
- Lash styles matter. There’s a lash for every occasion. From subtle and wispy to bold and dramatic, pick your lash depending on whether you’re going to brunch or planning to crash the Met Gala.
Final Thoughts
Applying false lashes may seem like a daunting task at first, but with a little practice and a lot of patience, you’ll be batting those bad boys with confidence. You know, the same confidence you’ll need the next time Netflix cancels your favorite show.