Lashes that will f latter any age
I HAVEN’T worn false eyelashes since the Seventies — when I was in hot pants! I am willing to give them a try again, but I’m not sure how to apply them. Do you have any tips?
Jilly, 64, Berkshire.
JuST as bigger, bolder eyebrows have become fashionable for women of all ages, so f uller lashes are this year’s must-have beauty trend. While I struggle to apply them, when a make-up artist has put them on, I have been delighted with how they make my eyes look bigger and more wide awake. So I know that like many women whose lashes have become sparser over the years, Jilly could benefit from a pair of falsies.
Of course, these are not the only answer. You can try lash- enhancing products, such as Dr Zein Obagi’s ZO lash Enhancing Serum (£50, zo-skinhealth.co.uk).
And there is always volumising mascara — try l’Oreal Paris False lash Superstar Mascara (£10.99, Boots) or Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara ultra Black (£9.99, hqhair. com). You need only one coat to see a real difference.
FOOLPROOF FALSIES
EYLURE Definition 123 lashes (£5.25, Superdrug) are suitable for all eye shapes. They come with lash glue and look natural enough to be worn every day. Eylure says a false lash should begin a little inside the inner corner of the eye and not extend beyond the outer corner, so cut to size.
The simplest way to apply them is to look down into a magnifying mirror placed on a counter top. Try Tweezermate 10x lighted mirror (£18, johnlewis.com).
The false l ashes should lie against the roots of your lashes without a gap. For more definition, curl the lashes to open the eyes and make them look bigger. Try Shu uemura eyelash curler, £20 ( shuuemura.co.uk).
As a final step, apply mascara over false lashes to blend them with your real lashes, but avoid the bottom lashes, as you’ll get an unattractive spidery look.
To avoid applying too much mascara, always wipe the wand first — kitchen towel is better than a tissue or cotton wool as it won’t leave any annoying little bits of fluff behind.
THE EXPERT
MAKE-UP coach lina Cameron, who produced the dramatic lash look on Jilly, says: ‘Women should not be scared of false lashes.
‘There is a wide range of styles, so it’s just a matter of finding the one that suits you best. You don’t have to spend a fortune on lashes, but you do need to take the time to try different ones.’
lina recommends Ardell Fashion lash Demi Wispies false eyelashes (£5.49, Boots). ‘These suit almost every woman,’ she says. ‘They are light and add length and volume. If you are older and wearing false lashes, make sure that the rest of your make-up is understated.’
THE VERDICT
JILLY says: ‘I can feel them, but in time I could get used to it. I would definitely wear them if I were going somewhere special.’
MAKE-UP: Lina Cameron. Hair: Esther at Hare & Bone.