New ways to lusher lashes
Dial up the drama by enhancing what you already have or embrace the false lash look…
1 THE LASH LOWDOWN
What types of lashes can you get? Take away the confusion with our glossary: STRIP LASHES
The easiest option for beginners. Flexible bands of lashes are secured to your upper lash line with a temporary adhesive. Some have black bands for added definition, while others are invisible for a more natural finish.
INDIVIDUAL FLARE LASHES
These are clusters of strands joined at one end. Apply them to fill in sparse areas, add more length or customise your look.
EYELASH EXTENSIONS
Unlike the other options, these can only be applied by a salon professional. Individual strands are applied to the lash line and secured with semi-permanent adhesive.
2 HOW TO APPLY FALSE LASHES
Eye-opening and de-ageing, the effect of falsies is so positive, it’s worth adding them to your routine. Make-up artist Cassie Steward suggests strip lashes, as they’re easier and quicker to use than individual ones. ‘Brands like Eylure, Ardell and Kiss all make natural-looking, pre-glued lashes that add curl and fullness’. Here’s our pro tips:
STEP ONE: Line the upper lash line with Bobbi Brown
Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner, £19. A smudgy line acts as a guide and will hide the join between your lashes and the false ones. After you’ve applied the lashes, use it to disguise any gaps.
STEP TWO: Cassie recommends trimming the inner edge of the strip to fit. ‘If they’re too long, they’ll bump the edge of your nose and start to peel off,’ she says.
STEP THREE: Curling your lashes and adding a light layer of mascara before applying the false set gels them together, says Cassie. ‘Finish with a final coat of mascara to secure them.’
3 FALSE LASHES TESTED BY THE HEARST INSTITUTE*
152 women tested 12 lash brands at home. So which ones got their seal of approval? Ardell Natural Lashes #174, £5.49, were secure and easy to apply, and testers found they stayed put for over nine hours – 87 per cent said they also enhanced eye shape. If you’re on a budget, testers were impressed with Primark Full Look False Eyelashes, £2, with 85 per cent agreeing that they felt comfortable and light, and more than 83 per cent saying they would wear them all day.
4 NEED NEW MASCARA?
BIG: Add chic, everyday definition with Glossier Lash Slick
Mascara, £14. It’s smudge-proof but rinses away easily. BIGGER: When you want more oomph, Max Factor Lash Revival Volume Boosting Primer, £12.99, strengthens lashes and provides an undercoat for the Lash Revival Mascara, £12.99, which creates a fanned out, lengthened effect.
BIGGEST: For extra wow, Stila Magnum XXX Mascara, £19, is our go-to. It adds depth, with thickening polymers holding highimpact lift and curl in place.
5 GIVE YOUR LIDS THE WOW FACTOR
Finish off your look with mesmerising colours. ‘Rose-gold tones add youthful warmth,’ says make-up artist Lee Pycroft. ‘Apply a matte taupe eyeshadow on to the lid and blend into the socket. With a small, flat brush, press gold shadow on top.’ best loves elf Baked Eyeshadow in Toasted, £4.50, and NYX Prismatic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach, £5.50.