As we saw in a previous Think Pink installment, sparse eyelashes are a common physical change when undergoing treatment. Although false eyelash application is not recommended during recovery (due to the harsh adhesives), I know many women still prefer the look, particularly for those special occasions. (Just to be sure, always consult your doctor prior to application.)
Falsies do take a little bit of practice and patience to apply, so don't fret if you don't master it on your first attempt! If you do get the go-ahead to wear them, try these handy steps for false eyelash application:
1 . Use your black eyeliner and draw a line right into the top lash line. Make sure there are no gaps between the eyeliner and where the natural lash line occurs, as this will help camouflage the band of the false eyelash strip.
2. Place a mirror on a table in front of you so that you're looking downward at it. This will give you the best vantage point to apply the lashes. (If you try to apply lashes using a mirror straight in front of you, tilt your head back slightly to apply the lashes. Looking downw
ard and revealing a tiny bit of eyelid will give you a better idea of where the lash should be placed in order to master the placement of the band - and that's key to falsies not looking so false!)
3. Pour a tiny bit (literally, one drop!) of glue (see pic at right) onto a piece of cardboard and let it sit for about 1 minute (we want the glue to become slightly tacky so it adheres better).
4. Take a make-up brush and use the bottom (non-brush) end of it to apply a thin layer of the tacky glue to the band of the fake eyelashes (see pic at left). Concentrate a tiny bit more glue on the outer and inner corner to help anchor these areas of the eyelash strip. Remember to keep the strip of glue to a thin line and wipe off any excess - otherwise, you'll end up with a sticky mess on your lids!
5. Place the band of the false eyelashes directly along the lashline, right at the base of the lashes so that they blend with your own natural lashes.
6. Allow 2-3 minutes to dry (or watch for the lash glue to turn clear).
7. Apply a curling mascara to bring the lashes all together, but avoid using an eyelash curler.
To remove falsies:
- Saturate a cotton pad with a gentle eye make-up cleanser.
- Hold the pad against the eye for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to loosen the eyelash glue.
- Lightly tug at the outer corner of the eyelash (it should not require a lot of force to remove them). If the falsies are still pretty locked into the lash line, use more eye make-up remover with a cotton pad to loosen more of the eyelash adhesive. Try again and gently pull at the rest of the false eyelash strip until it is completely removed.
TIPIf you're running into trouble applying the full strip, cut each band in half and apply the half-falsies to the outer eyelashes. The shorter strip will be much easier to apply and also gives that coveted doe-eyed look! Make sure to add a couple of coats of mascara to migrate the natural lashes with the falsies and bat away!
For more helpful Think Pink Make-up Tips, check back on Make-up Junkie to see more from this series:
I. How to Maximize Sparse Eyelashes
II. Brow Know-How
III. Applying False Eyelashes
IV. Taking Care of Skin and Nails
V. The Importance of Proper Hygiene
Rhia Amio is a Freelance Make-up Artist, Beauty Blogger and self-confessed Make-up Addict based in Toronto, ON.
