1 – Choosing Lashes
False lashes come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are natural, some are super dramatic.
If you prefer a doll-like doe eye, go for lashes that are long in the centre. If you like a sexy cat-eye, get lashes that become longer towards the ends.
You can also buy individual lashes. They take a little longer to apply but yield a very natural, controllable result.
2 – Sizing Lashes
Every eye size is different. Remove lash strip from package and gently bend back and forth. This will help loosen up the lash strip, making it more pliable. Now, place lashes directly above lash line. Lashes should begin a few millimetres away from the inner corner of your eye.
When cutting lashes down to size, always trim away the outer end. Do a little at a time – you don’t want to cut off too much. Make sure your fake lash line is trimmed to fit the length of your lids, and cut it carefully at an angle to keep that flair on the outer corners. You can also trim the length of the eyelashes themselves to customise your look. If you’re going for subtle, try buying individual lashes or cutting the outer edges off of a full pair and accentuating only the outer corners of your eyes.
Contrary to popular belief, all eye makeup should be done before applying false lashes.
3 – Curl Lashes
Now is the time to curl your lashes. Once the lashes are glued on, it will be difficult to curl unruly lashes. Don’t give your lashes too severe of a curl. Remember, your falsies need to lie against your natural lashes.
4 – Adhesive
Adhesive is shown in red for demonstration
Now, there are many ways to go about this. You can apply glue directly from the tube onto lashes, but this method often results in too much glue. You can avoid sticky fingers by squeezing lash glue on top of your hand and dab it onto the back end of an eyeliner brush.
Now, hold lashes either between your finger or using a lash applicator and gently run the glue evenly along the strip. You are looking for a thin, even layer of glue on the lash strip only.
Once adhesive is applied to lash strip – WAIT, about 20 seconds! Adhesive needs time to set and become tacky. If glue is too wet when you apply your lashes, the falsies will slide around and make a big sticky mess!
5 – Apply Lashes
You’ve waited 20 seconds, and now you are ready to apply. Don’t be nervous.
Using either your fingers or a lash applicator, grasp the lash side of the falsies (lash strip facing you), tilt your head back (so that you are looking down, into your mirror) and gently place lash strip directly above your natural lashes.
Use the lash applicator or the back of an eyeliner brush, to guide the lashes as close to your lash line as possible. Using the same utensil, gently press the lash strip against your skin. This will help to secure your falsies in place.
6 – Finishing Touches
Initially, your lashes may feel funny. They will feel heavy and it may feel strange to look through them. As long as they are not pinching or painful, you will get used to the sensation. It will take about 15 minutes.
You can apply a few light strokes of mascara after the falsies are on . It’s a good way to blend your natural lashes with the false ones. It also lifts the lashes so you don’t feel like you’re looking through a curtain of hair. With Mink lashes you will find it is not nessary to apply the mascara. By doing this your mink lashes will last longer.
Fill in any gaps where skin shows with liquid liner. If for whatever reason, the lashes look completely atrocious and you’ve deemed them unsalvageable – gently peel them off, remove dried glue, and start again.
7 – Removal
Grasp the outer edge of lashes and gently pull up, toward the inner corner of your eye. If the falsies are stuck on your natural lashes, use soap and warm water to dissolve the glue a bit. Once the glue is more pliable, it should peel away more easily.
If the lashes are in good shape, peel dried glue off and place them in their original packaging. They’re good to go a few more rounds.