Hair Loss and False Eyelashes

Applying false eyelashes can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be, as I have learned many tricks over the years. False eyelashes can be a very cheap and a highly effective way to have more pronounced/ visible eyelashes.

I remember the first time I wore false eyelashes distinctly. It was my first school ball (prom), an occasion young girls dream about years in advance. I was no different. I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted to be glamorous and make my crush finally notice me. Oh, the joys of being 15. My reality was quite different. The dress I wanted was super expensive so I set out to sew my own. I had hot pink and black box braids and no hairline to support them. And I had no idea how to apply makeup. 

This was 2005- Youtube, Pinterest, and the step by step self-help videos we have now, barely existed. There were tears the night before prom as I rushed to complete my dress. There were more tears the next day as I argued with my sister (a hairdresser in training) over how to style my hair- which I ended up just wearing down and unstyled. Then there was my makeup, including my first set of false eyelashes which apparently just “stick on”. I put so much makeup on, which with my big false eyelashes, bright lipstick, and hot pink and black braids made me look like a drag queen on show. Not quite the glamorous night I had dreamt of, but an awesome night with my friends….not my crush! My glamourous plan evidentially fell to pieces…. And so did one of my false eyelashes, well it fell off. And awkwardly, I did not notice for a while.  Since then I have never relied on the “stick” that comes with false eyelashes, and neither does anyone I know. Glue is a definite must.

During University I went through a huge phase of wearing false eyelashes, they are just so cheap and add so much glam to your face….especially when you barely have your own lashes. Once you fork out and buy good glue (I strongly recommend Duo clear eyelash adhesive- approximately US$10) you are set for years, all you need to do is choose which false eyelashes to wear, which can be cheap as chips and purchased from almost anywhere, including your local dollar store etc.  In my opinion, the cheap false eyelashes are as effective as the expensive ones- especially if you are like me and usually wreck them on the first night out or want to apply mascara to them.

6 Steps to Apply False Eyelashes Easily

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8oRcPIt_Rw

Step 1: Prep your Natural Lashes

Applying false eyelashes should be one of the last things you do when applying your makeup. To prep your natural eyelashes, apply eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. This helps to blend your false eyelashes once they are applied.

Step 2: Fit the False Eyelashes

Eyes like all things come in all shapes and sizes, the same is said for false eyelashes. It is unlikely any false eyelash that you purchase fits your eye perfectly. Place the false eyelash near your eyelash and trim it to a suitable length. It’s better to be slightly shorter than your eyelash than too long. If the false eyelash is too long it will either poke the inner corner of your eye (which is super irritating and will probably result in you ripping your false eyelashes off) or it will hang off the out edge of your eye making you look sleepy/ droopy-eyed.

Step 3: Apply Glue with a Q-tip

Apply glue to a q-tip, and using the q-tip dab a thin line of glue to the lash band. Applying glue to the

q-tip first ensures you do not apply too much glue to the false eyelash. You only need a very small amount of eyelash glue to have lasting and natural appearing false eyelashes. The more glue you apply the more likely you will get glue all over your eyelids and ruin the natural appearance.

Step 4: Let the Glue Dry Slightly

Wait at least 30 seconds (maximum 60 seconds) for the glue to slightly set. This will make it easier for you to apply the false eyelash, and avoid having it all over your eyelid. I also strongly recommend dabbing slightly more on both ends of the false eyelash for extra security.

Step 5: Apply the False Eyelashes

Place a hand mirror below your eyes, and using tweezers or an eyelash applicator, place the false eyelashes right where your eyeliner is, as close as possible to your natural lash line. Once the false eyelash is correctly in place, press the false eyelash into your natural lash line. I find it easiest to use the back end of my tweezers for this. Placing the mirror below your eyes allows you to keep you eye open, therefore avoiding getting eyelash glue on your lower lashes. 

Step 6: Touch Up the Gaps

Once you have given the glue a chance to dry, inspect your eyelashes for any bits that are not quite right. Using your eyeliner touch them up to blend them in. Some experts recommend applying mascara to perfectly blend your natural eyelashes with your false eyelashes. However, if you plan on reusing your false eyelashes this is not recommended. Applying mascara to them significantly reduces their life expectancy as they will start sticking together. 

Like all things in life, false lashes are not made equally. You may need to hunt around for lashes that suit the look you are going for and which you find comfortable to wear. For me, I generally stick to lighter more subtle lashes. Because of my alopecia, I have very thin and short eyelashes. Most false eyelashes are made for “normal” hair and can be quite heavy on thin lashes. It can also be a bit of a shock to suddenly have crazy big and thick lashes, especially when you have next to nothing on my lower lash. OTher great tips and tricks i have picked up include: 

Tips and Tricks for applying False Eyelashes:

1    One size does not fit all. Trim the edges of the false eyelashes to ensure it fits your natural eyelash width. It’s better to be shorter than longer, as longer can make your eyes look droopy. Cut from the inner corner.

2    Apply your eyeliner first- this creates a baseline which makes it slightly easier to apply the eyelashes, it also helps blend your natural eyelashes with the false eyelashes.  

3    Place a hand mirror below your eyes when applying your false eyelashes, that way you can keep your eyes open and clearly see where the false eyelash needs to be applied. Keeping your eyes open helps to avoid getting glue on your lower lashes.

4    The thinner the lash band, the better. Thicker bands can be harder to blend, they are also more likely to lift up while you are wearing them. If you are using thick lash bands, just apply a little extra glue.

5    Put a drop of glue onto a Q-tip, then using the Q-tip apply the glue to the lash. Applying the glue directly to the lash often results in too much glue which is not a good look.

 

6    Try and buy false eyelashes with the desired length and curl for you. Trimming the actual lashes after the fact can wreck the curl of the lashes. 

 

What tips and tricks do you have for your false lashes?

XOX

Read more for the Pros and Cons of False Eyelashes. Are False Eyelashes suitable for alopecia or hairloss? What are the benefits of False Eyelashes? Real life reviews of False Eyelashes