Get Lashed Up!

Strip Lashes 101.

Hey Everyone!


It was requested to do a post on how to apply false lashes and which lashes in particular are my favorite. Once I started to write about false lashes, I realized that this post was going to be very, very long. So I decided to break it up into different posts. This post is basic information & common questions regarding false lashes (strip lashes).

View my earlier post for my tutorial! :)

Where to Purchase:There are several different places you can purchase false eyelashes. You can purchase them at your local drugstore (CVS Pharmacy, Walgreen's, Etc), Target, Walmart, Beauty Supply Stores (Sally Beauty Supply, ULTA, Etc.) and more.


Walgreen's & CVS Pharmacy typically carry Modlash by Andrea, Ardell Fashion Lashes, Revlon Fantasy Lengths & Maybelline Lash Expert Lashes. I've also spotted new "Kiss" brand lashes at my local Walgreen's. Most lashes range from $3.49 to $6 a pair. I usually find them cheaper at Walgreen's opposed to CVS and Walgreen's often has sales on them.


Target carries limited styles of Ardell Fashion Lashes, a couple styles of N.Y.C false eye lashes and a few styles of Sonia Kashuk Lashes. It depends on your location as well. Larger Target stores will carry a larger selection. My nearest locations sell Ardell's for around $3.69 or so a pair.


As far as I recall, Walmart carries a range of Salon Perfect lashes, which I believe are Ardell/Andrea lashes with a different name sold exclusively at Walmart. I like purchasing Salon Perfect lashes because they are the same as Ardell's but cheaper! The regular price for a pair is $3 at my nearest location. They also carry Revlon Fantasy Lengths.


You will find the largest selection of lashes at your Beauty Supply stores. Sally's Beauty Supply carries all styles of Ardell and Andrea false lashes, whereas your local drugstores only carry limited styles. Depending on how large your ULTA store is, they may have a decent selection. The ULTA stores near me carry Ardell, and don't have many styles. Often times they don't have the style I am looking for.


You may be lucky enough to find decent lashes at your local Dollar Store.. I found some great Fashion Lashes at my local Dollar Tree. But, every location is different and certain items sell out quick. So, it can't be guaranteed that you'll find them. (You can view my post here about them for reference)


Where to purchase online: http://www.cherryculture.com. Cherryculture stocks NYX lashes & Sassi Lashes for $4.00 a pair. Although I've ordered from Cherry Culture, I've never purchased their lashes.
http://www.eyeslipsface.com. If you're on a budget, ELF has a few different styles of false lashes for $1.00 each.
http://www.madamemadeline.com. The ultimate online store to purchase various brands of false eye lashes. They carry Ardell, Andrea, Red Cherry, Revlon, Sherani, Gypsy Lashes, Elise & more. Make sure to check out their specials as they have monthly sales.
http://www.nonpareilboutique.com. They have a large variety of their own "Nonpariel Boutique" lashes for $3 a pair as well as other brands (NYX, Red Cherry, Etc.)


You can also find eyelashes on ebay, your local drugstores website and more. If you want to share any of your favorite places to purchase eyelashes, post in the comments at the bottom of this post!


Brands I like:I usually purchase Ardell and Andrea brand lashes. Since I wear false lashes often, I try and wait for a sale and I will purchase several to have on hand. I purchase Salon Perfect lashes from Walmart often, as they are less expensive. I have never tried Maybelline or Revlon lashes. I've tried N.Y.C lashes, but they only have two styles that I don't care for.. so I don't purchase them. My favorite styles are Salon Perfect #26, #23 & #28 (A longer version of #26). With all three of those styles, I always cut them in half for a less dramatic look. My favorite styles in Ardell are #105, #111 (very long & dramatic) #119, #107 & Lacies. Sometimes I purchase #103's. My favorite style in Andrea are #23, #26 (Same as Salon Perfect) & #45.






Synthetic or Human Hair? Ultimately, it's up to you to choose which you prefer. I like both, but I prefer human hair eye lashes for a few different reasons. Real human hair false lashes are made to better blend in with your lashes and give a more natural appearance. They have more "give" to them than synthetic lashes and can be bent to the shape of your eye to be worn for comfortably. They are also lightweight and should feel comfortable on your lashes. But, these are more fragile than synthetic lashes and you will typically get less uses out of them. Synthetic lashes can be made of various different fibers to best resemble real lashes. They are more stiff and you have to bend them quite a bit to fit to the shape of your eye. Depending on the brand, the band may be very stiff and it may lift off the ends, which would require frequent touch ups. Because they aren't real human hair, they hold a curl very well and are ideal if you want sky high glamour lashes. Synthetic lashes are typically shiny and can sometimes look unnatural, but once you apply a coat of mascara on them, they will blend in better with your lashes and appear less glossy. The reason many choose Synthetic lashes is because they are less expensive & they are more durable - which means that they will usually last longer.


What to look for when purchasing: It really depends on what "look" you are going for. Lashes that are very dark and thick are very noticeable and dramatic. They tend to appear less natural because of the thickness & can sometimes feel slightly heavy on your eyes. Nevertheless, they are beautiful for photo shoots or a night out. I recommend real human lashes if you want thick, because synthetic thick lashes (if they are long as well) appear very shiny, tend to curl very high and unnatural and can sometimes look "drag-ish". Steer more towards thick lashes with a natural length to add a lot of definition to your eyes.



This particular style of N.Y.C lashes are very thick and dark. You can tell that they are synthetic because they are very shiny. They are dramatic, but they aren't very long - So, they will enhance your eyes and make your eyes look darker and sultry. (Image source: www.superdrug.com)


Lashes that are natural in length and volume (refer to the "Ardell" photo above and look at #123 for example) are ideal for those with very short and fine lashes for a natural appearance.


Lashes that are natural in volume and long in length are ideal for those with short to average lashes and average volume. (refer to Ardell #121)


Lashes that are long in length with added volume are ideal for those with average length & volume who would like added length and a darker look to their lashes. (refer to Ardell #105)


The possibilities are endless. You just want to make sure to pick lashes that are longer than your own. I've purchased lashes before that were actually shorter than my lashes - but much thicker and once I applied mascara to my lashes, they looked very unnatural. If you can't decide which to purchase, steer more towards lashes that are more natural in appearance. Then, you will get an idea of if you need more length or volume, so you'll know what to purchase next time!


Lash Adhesive/Glue: There are two basic brands of Lash Glue most that most locations carry. It is Ardell LashGrip Adhesive & DUO Eyelash Adhesive. I prefer DUO over Ardell because DUO is a stronger glue. I find that when I use Ardell lash glue, my lashes are falling off by the end of the night. That doesn't happen when I use DUO. DUO comes in two shades of glue, Dark or Clear. The dark glue is gray colored when wet, and dries to black. This is ideal if you are wearing black eyeliner or a black/dark smokey eye. The clear glue is white/off white when wet and will dry clear. Don't be alarmed by the scent of the glue if it's your first time applying false lashes. It has a offensive fishy smell, but goes away once it has dried. You may also see Ardell Lashtight Adhesive for Individual Lashes.. but don't purchase that one. It is not for strip lashes. It's for eyelash extensions. I've bought it before on accident thinking I was purchasing regular adhesive. Also, you may find the Ardell glue in a different colored box.. such as yellow, blue, black or pink. It is all the same exact product.



How to Clean False Lashes: There are several ways to clean your lashes. If you have real human hair lashes, they require a very delicate touch to clean. Apply a few drops of water to them and comb them through with a lash comb to get rid of any dust, dirt or mascara. It should also soften the glue so you can pull it off easily. Let them dry flat overnight. If they are drenched in water and you let them sit, the lashes can get clumped together and will stay that way. Synthetic lashes are easy to wash. You can run them under lukewarm water and with your fingers lightly rub the lashes so any mascara or dirt runs free. Lay them on a flat surface to dry.



How long False Lashes will last: It mainly depends on how well you take care of them. If you don't apply mascara to them or curl them with a lash curler, it will extend the life of your lashes. Make sure to always take them off at the end of the night and don't sleep with them. If you sleep with them, you may wake up to your lashes being pressed in different directions and you won't be able to wear them again. Gently peel them off at the end of the night and store them in the plastic container you purchased them in. It's important to keep them in a closed place because if you put them on your nightstand, they will collect dust and particles over night. I typically get 3 or 4 uses out of them. Sometimes I can get 5-7 uses out of them if I take extra care of them or if they are synthetic.

Tutorial: How to PROPERLY Apply False Eyelashes (Very long Post)

Applying eyelashes is very simple once you have a little bit of practice. In this tutorial I will explain step by step how to apply False Lashes. Last week, I posted about my favorite lashes, where you can purchase false lashes as well as other general information regarding false lashes. To be re-directed to that post, click here. Otherwise, Keep Reading!


Tools you will need:
False Full Strip Eyelashes (I am using ELF Essentials Dramatic Lash Kit)
Lash Adhesive (I am using DUO Dark Tone Lash Adhesive)
Tweezers



Optional Tools:
Liquid Eyeliner or a Dark Eyeshadow
Small brush (eyeliner brush, angled liner brush, smudge brush, etc.)


Where to start? Applying false lashes will be the last step of your eyes. So, make sure to prime your eyes with an eyeshadow primer, apply your eyeshadow and eyeliner & you'll be ready to apply your false lashes!


Why apply them last? You apply false lashes last because you want your lashes to be very black and clean of any eyeshadow or other products. If you apply them first, you may have lashes that are full of eyeshadow. If you'd like, you can apply a thin coat of mascara beforehand. But it's not necessary. I like having a thin coat of mascara on my lashes before I apply false lashes.


Let's Begin! I've included photos of each step along with a caption. I have written out the steps, and they are more detailed than the actual captions.



Step 1: Take your false lashes out of the box. Using your tweezers (or fingers), gently peel the lashes off of the tray. You don't want to apply too much pressure, or else you may bend or damage the band.


Step 2: Using your pointer finger and thumb, you want to hold both ends of the eyelashes at the bottom band. Lightly move both of your hands up and down a centimeter or so. Doing this will stretch the band so it isn't as stiff. This will help the lashes sit better on the contour of your eyelid. (Think of it as stretching a balloon before you blow it up) In the photo of Step 2, the top lash is properly curved and the bottom lash has not been touched yet. You can tell the band on the bottom is a bit straighter.


Step 3: Now we are going to test the lashes to see if they are the correct length for your eye shape. If you have smaller eyes, you may need to cut a little bit. Pick up the according eyelash to you eye. The shortest part of the lashes should be matched up near your tear-duct. The longest part should be at end. The way you will set them on your eyelid is with the curl facing up. Set the lashes down in the middle of your lashline. Look to see where your natural lashes start (inner corner) and pull the false lashes to the same spot. Look to see if the band extends farther out (outer corner) than your natural lash line. If it extends out longer, grab the end with your thumb & pointer finger and lift them off.


Step 4: With your scissors, cut off any excess lashes. (Set it on your lash line again to see if you cut enough)


Step 5: Squeeze a little dab of lash adhesive on a clean surface. Don't apply it from the tube directly to the lashes. A lot of product comes out at once and you don't want to damage the lashes.



Step 6: Using any tool you'd like for precise application of the glue, (many like to use a toothpick or the opposite side of the tweezers. I'm using the opposite corner of the lash adhesive tube) pick up the glue up. Don't worry it's too much. You don't want it to be too little, otherwise your lashes might not stick well.


Step 7: Pick your lashes up with your fingers or your tweezers and drag the glue across the band of the lashes. Apply a little more to each end of the lashes, as they are the spots that tend to wear off.


Step 8: Pick the lashes up with a tweezer, holding them in the middle - close to the band but not touching the glue.


Step 9: It's difficult to apply lashes while looking straight forward into a mirror. The easiest way is by sitting down or standing up and tilting your head back a little - so when you look forward, your eyes are slightly squinted. This way, you'll be getting a better view of your lashline. Like you did in Step 3, set the lashes down on your eyelid as close as possible to the base of your natural lashes, but not touching them. They should be on your eyelid, not your lashes. Make sure they are lined up with the start of your natural lashes before you press them down on your skin.




Step 10: Once the lashes are lined up with your lashes, grab the beginning of the lashes with your tweezers and press it down on your lid. Again, make sure they are lined up with the start of your natural lashes. You don't want them to be any closer to your tear-duct, or it may cause your eyes to water or a pinching sensation. There should be a small space. Grab the outer end and press it down on your skin. Work Quickly before the glue sets.


Step 11: Go along the whole band, pressing it down onto your skin with the tweezers.


Step 12: To make sure it's very secure, use a brush (smudge brush, eyeliner/brow brush, etc) or sponge applicator and go across the band again pressing it down on your skin.



Step 13: Wait patiently for 1-2 minutes while the adhesive dries completely.


Step 14: For this step, you can use eye liner (liquid/pencil or gel) or a dark eyeshadow (brown, black, etc). If you're using an eyeshadow, take a small smudge brush and smudge the shadow on your lid, close to your lashline - blending it into the band of the false lashes. This will blend in the band better as well as cover up any adhesive you may have gotten on your eyelid. If you're using a liquid liner, line your eyes as you normally would - against the band of the lashes.


Step 15: Apply a coat of mascara to your lashes, starting at the base of your natural lashes all the way up to the end of the false lashes. This will blend your natural lashes in better with the false lashes as well as make the lashes look darker.


You're all finished! Enjoy your long, lush lashes!

Courtesy Miss Natty's Beauty Diary

BEAUTY TIP: Healthy Nails

Take a close look at your nails. Are they strong and healthy looking? You must know how important it is to have healthy nails. In fact, the color of your nails is an indicator of your general health! I've been receiving a lot of compliments on my nails and would like to share some tips that are a part of my weekly beauty regimen. Use these beauty tips to ensure healthy, attractive-looking nails--from home!

• Healthy nails are transparent and have a pink tonality.

• If you use nail polish on a regular basis then, remove it for a day or two every week, in order to let your nails breath. This is an important step.

• Add a nice shine to your nails by massaging coconut oil or warm castor oil on to them.

• I dip a cotton-tipped swab in hydrogen peroxide to clean under my nails to make them whiter.

• To keep your nails hydrated, rub a small amount of petroleum jelly into your cuticle and the skin surrounding your nails every evening before you go to bed or whenever your nails feel dry. Keep a jar in your purse, desk drawer, car — anywhere you might need it. If you're not a fan of petroleum jelly? Substitute with castor oil. It’s thick and contains vitamin E, which is great for your cuticles. Or head to your kitchen cupboard and grab the olive oil — it also works to moisturize your nails.

• When pushing back your cuticles (it is not necessary to cut them) come in at a 45-degree angle and be very gentle. Otherwise the cuticle will become damaged, weakening the entire nail, says Mariana Diaconescu, manicurist at the Pierre Michel Salon in New York City.

• File your nails correctly. To keep your nails at their strongest, avoid filing in a back-and-forth motion — only go in one direction. And never file just after you’ve gotten out of a shower or bath — wet nails break more easily.

• Before giving yourself a manicure dip your nails in a cup of warm water with one tablespoon of lemon juice.

• Stretch out the beauty of a manicure by applying a fresh top coat every day, says Susie Galvez, owner of Face Works Day Spa in Richmond, Virginia, and author of Hello Beautiful: 365 Ways to Be Even More Beautiful.

• Add a glass of milk and a hard-boiled egg to your daily diet. Rich in zinc---it does wonders for your nails, especially if your nails are spotted with white, a sign of low zinc intake.

• Massage your nails to keep them extra strong and shiny. Nail buffing increases blood supply to the nail, which stimulates the matrix of the nail to grow.

• Polish your nails, even if it’s just with a clear coat. It protects your nails, says manicurist Diaconescu. If you prefer color, use a base coat, two thin coats of color, and a top coat. Color should last at least seven days but should be removed after 10 days.

• Avoid polish removers with acetone or formaldehyde. They’re terribly drying to nails, says Andrea Lynn Cambio, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. Use acetate-based removers instead

I hope you enjoy these tips ! You don't have to spend $25-$40.00 bucks a week to have great nails! Put it in the bank!!