Afternoon beauty fix: A few tricks to help you master false lashes this weekend

I need to go back to the drawing board with false lashes—my previous attempts ended in visible glue and obvious misplacement. What am I doing wrong, and how can I get the application right?
Once you learn to apply false lashes correctly, it’ll be as though you’ve gained a Masters in beauty techniques. We agree, it’s tough—and one of those things you really do have to try and try again to perfect. However, we have a few tips to help you along the way. Make sure you’re purchasing lashes that actually fit your lash line. Often, a strip of lashes can be too long or simply “too much” for the shape of your eye. Measure against your own eyelashes and then trim them down to size with a pair of scissors, or opt for individual flares, such as Quo Individual Lashes ($8 at Shoppers Drug Mart), for easier lash customization. And here’s another trick: line your eyelid with black liner before proceeding. We like one that’s super black, like Cover Girl LiquilineBlast in “Black Fire” ($11 at drug stores) because it’ll easily marry the divide between your real and pretend lashes. Once you’re ready to put lash-to-lid, hold the falsie with tweezers in one hand and use an old, fine-tipped paint brush or toothpick to spread on the adhesive—allowing the it to breathe a moment will make glue more tacky and more likely to stay put. Place the falsie directly above your natural set then gently pull it downwards and hold into place. Once the glue is completely dry, re-trace your lash line with eyeliner and apply a sweep of mascara to your natural set. Then open wide, bright eyes! You’ve just graduated from the school of beauty hard knocks.

In need of an afternoon beauty pick-me-up? Email us at beautyfix@fashionmagazine.com.

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