Up your lash game!
Take your lashes to new heights.
Most of us have a simple approach to mascara: black or very black, maybe an extra coat for night. That’s all there is to it, right? Well, if the looks backstage at this season’s runway shows are any indication, we’re missing out on the fun: fat, fluttery lashes can be yours with or without falsies, special occasion lashes are flourishing, and if you’re a fan of the natural no-mascara vibe, we’ve go shortcuts for that, too. “Some women love that Instagrammy full lash,” says makeup artist Daniel Martin, “and some don’t want to look like they’ve worked hard at it.” In other words, there’s something for everyone. Find out how to zero in on your new lash looks and meet your mascara bestie. Oversized lashes were everywhere this season – especially at Dior. At home “A lash primer is your best friend,” explains celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman; it beefs up lashes before mascara goes on.
Apply a coat and let it dry. For volume, Gucci places the mascara wand at the roots in the centre: “Wiggle the brush horizontally to build body, then pull outward.” Next, add a few swipes to the inner corners. If your priority is defined length without thickness, focus on the tips, she advises. Apply a layer, wait a few seconds, then apply a second layer. At the salon One alternative to the daily mascara grind is lash extensions. Applied by a professional, these are glued to your own lashes, last for 3- 6 weeks and cost around R700. Lash extensions will give you that long, thick effect every day, hassle free. That said, they can also look doll-like and pretty fake.
“The length is the giveaway,” reveals Gucci. To make them believable, “ask a technician for various lengths – just like real lashes,” she suggests. “Get the centre a millimetre shorter than your lashes, with the outer corners a few millimetres longer,” she adds. Before applying mascara, add a primer to bulk up your lashes.
1STYLE For a quick makeover, use strip lashes (for tips on applying individual bunches, turn the page). And look for a thin band: it has more flexibility and is easier to apply. We love Eylure Texture No 117 (R60). TRIM Roughly measure the false lashes against your eye, then trim to size from the strip’s outside corner so they keep their natural shape. MASCARA Apply mascara before your falsies so they blend more seamlessly. GLUE Quality glue is key. Insider trick: let the glue dry to a tacky texture on the strip before applying so that they don’t slide around on your lid. APPLY Use tweezers, not your fingers, to position and hold the false lashes in place. You’ll get better placement and will actually be able to see what you’re doing in the mirror.
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