What Ladies Ought to Know About False Eyelashes

from makeup

False eyelashes are something most women, Asian or not, are afraid of trying. I've definitely coerced many women into trying them for the first time whether they were young adults or in their seventies. You can make them look natural or dramatic. It depends on the type you choose.

Full strip lashes

Full strips come in many forms (the set shown here is medium height and fullness). The longer and fuller they are the more dramatic effect they'll add to your eyes. For a natural look, avoid glittery or very dense lashes.

Three-cjuarter strip lashes

These lashes are hard to find, but look amazing. Notice how they crisscross at the base as natural lashes would. I love these because they'll never poke you in the inner corners of the eye even if you put them on wrong.

Individual lashes

Individual lashes create the most natural look. You can't even tell they're there most of the time. They are difficult to apply if you have minimal lashes, though, so stick with three-quarter length or full lashes if that's the case.

Lower lashes

I usually only use lower lashes for strong period looks like the 1960s look shown here. I have been known to wear them out at night, but always with smoky eye makeup and always with upper lashes as well. If you have minimal lashes lay them on top of your existing lashes; otherwise apply them beneath your lower lashes.

I've heard many times from Asian women that they simply don't bother with their lashes because they have so few lashes they don't see the point. The reality is even if your lashes seem sparse, there are many products you can use to make your lashes look fuller, giving your eyes a more open, youthful look.

Mascara

When purchasing mascara look for products with small brushes with defined bristles that'll separate and are not too wet (a good way to test this is if there is a big clump on the mascara brush and the liquid looks somewhat drippy). Heavy mascaras will make natural lashes fall. Waterproof mascara is a great option for Asian women who have trouble with lashes staying up. It will also help lashes hold curl longer and is easy to take off if you have a great eye makeup remover. Look for silicone-based eye makeup removers that remove mascara easily.

Lash curler

You definitely get what you pay for with lash curlers. My favorites are high-end metal lash curlers that are usually made in Japan and found in department stores. You'll notice that you only need one squeeze to curl Asian lashes—this is not the case with drugstore brands yet. For natural-looking lashes, curl at the base, middle, and tips of eyelashes.

Lash glue

Yes, you even have to be careful in choosing your lash glue. Make sure that the glue is not too runny or too strong. If the glue is too strong the lashes can be very painful to take off, which is terrible for the delicate eyelid area. The very strong glues tend to be clear and you can feel the fumes when the glue gets close to your eyes. I prefer glue in a tube that comes out white and dries clear, usually a latex base.

Lash extensions

Lash extensions are expensive and high-maintenance, but if you're that type of girl they may be worth the cost. Extensions are conceptually a brilliant idea and are great if you don't wear eye makeup daily and have the money and time for upkeep. Hairs are glued onto existing hairs. They have to be attached to natural hairs so if you don't have many it may not be worth it for you. This must be done by a professional who has been specifically trained to do lash extensions. The extensions can be attached to both upper and lower lids. I've seen lash extensions look so natural that I couldn't tell where the real lashes began and extensions ended. Extensions take a few hours to apply and last one to two months and touch-ups have to be done in between, usually after two weeks for any hairs that may have fallen off. I, however, recommend every week. If they don't get touched up the hairs twist around and can't be pulled off manually. You also can't use certain makeup products with extensions, usually any makeup that contains any form of oil, cream shadows, some liners, and no mascara. When applying liner and shadows, it becomes a little more difficult as you have to constantly be careful while working around the lashes.

Lash tinting

You have to get this done at a reputable salon as it can be very dangerous if you use the wrong dye and you could even be blinded. Tinting colors the lashes but doesn't add bulk. I personally didn't notice much difference when I got mine tinted as my lashes are black anyway, but women with paler or full lashes might find it appealing.

Lash perming

Think of this as similar to a regular perm. Lashes are wrapped around small rods to curl them up. I notice very little difference in results between this and an eyelash curler. In fact, I think a metal eyelash curler works a thousand times better. Call me old school, but I prefer mascara and an eyelash curler.

False individual lashes

False individual lashes have three to four single hairs attached to one tip. They are great for women who have some lashes and only want to fill in gaps or just need some lashes at the ends to lift or lengthen the eye.

Single Lashes

I hardly ever use these myself because they are harder to use and take a long time to apply. Single lashes are literally individual hairs that are applied to the lash line. You can use these for a truly separated lash look, but they do fall more often on Asian eyes as they don't have many natural hairs to sit on. I use a strong glue with these because they do fall so quickly.

False lash strips

I think a lot of women say they have tried strips and found them too fake looking. However, strips are very versatile and come in dozens of different styles. Some will give you a retro look while others will give you a winged eye). When looking for strips pay attention to the shape of your eye. If you have narrow, wide-set eyes, look for lashes that will open up your eyes, drawing lashes up not farther out. This means lashes that have length in the center of the strip and taper down at both ends. If your eyes are more close-set, choose lashes that start short and have length at the ends of the lashes. This draws eyes out. When in doubt try a few different styles to see what's best for you. You never learn unless you try—and have some fun with them!