Making The Most Of Those Lashes

Looking for a fast way to get fantastic eyelashes?  Well, having the best mascara in the world doesn’t hurt, but if you’re like me, you know that mascara can be the hardest product to find.  My favorites in my pro-kit are Lancome’s Aquacilsfor that amazing fake eyelashes look,and the newer Maybelline ‘Full ‘n Soft’ for a great cheap copy-cat of the Lancome. Other great ones are Loreal Voluminous and Clinique and Aveda for great non-waterproof brands.

Well, finding the great mascara is one thing, but application is another. Hmm, do I hear’tricks of the trade’? Well, here you go!  The best instant lash plumper around is loose powder.  Yep, you heard me.  Before you apply mascara, dust on loose powder lightly over lashes, (the easiest way is with a finger tip, or a small eye shadow brush).  Apply less than you think you need. Don’t clump it on, just a light dusting so your lashes look pale. Then apply your regular mascara on top.  Usually once is enough, but you can also do this between coats of mascara as well. What you get is a thicker lash look with the powder. Works great in a flash.

Another trick is to apply mascara by using the tip of the mascara wand.  After each application, brush through with a mascara brush, a toothbrush, or best, a lash comb, to comb through the excess.  The majority of the mascara gathers at the tip of the brush , giving you a lusher look, even from mascaras that are ‘thinner’ in consistency.

A great way to play is to alternate your mascaras. No, not every other day, but every other application.  Alternate between two favorite mascaras as you apply each coat.  You’ll find you get dramatic results, and it’s also a great trick to make your favorite mascara turn waterproof. Just apply your waterproof version as your last coat.

Want to get creative?  Colored and shiny mascaras are in at the moment. Custom-make your very own. What you need is :

•     Your favorite mascara
•     Your favorite loose eye shadow (frosted is best – try copper, gold, metallic browns, reds, etc.)
•     A Disposable mascara applicator

Fill up your disposable applicator with mascara, and then over a kleenex, either sprinkle or roll the wand into your favorite eye shadow. Make sure you shake off the excess, and apply. The mascara will mix in and you’ll get a custom color every time.  WARNING though: Do NOT use glitter in any shape or form unless you like scratching your eyes.  Glitter in eye shadow or by itself is murder if you get it in your eyes. Believe me, I know. Ouch!

Great eyelashes doesn’t just go for mascara. FALSE EYELASHES also are a huge part of those great eyelashes you see in those makeup ads.  And if you ever see an absolutely perfect and combed lash line? Aah, that’s called computer applied. (No, really.)  But false eyelashes can truly be your friend. Don’t bother spending a lot of money on designer brands. The best false lash brand around is Ardell at your favorite drug store.  Look for the super short versions (the extra long ones are what make your look more retro, or diva).   Singles are the easiest to apply overall.

The easy way to apply?  Take your strip lash out, and wrap around your finger to get the band loosened up. Then, with your white glue (the one that’s white that turns clear by Ardell) run a very thin line along the seam.  Then, rather than applying in one push (the hardiest way, and the easiest way to get glue everywhere), apply from the outer corner to the inner corner.  Look halfway down, hold the strip by the tips of the lashes, and in one flowing line, apply from outer to inner. Once in place, push into the base of the lashes to set. Let dry.  There you go!

For singles, the easiest is to apply with a tweezer.  Run the ball of the single lash into the glue (and here’s the trick) lightly bring the glue up about 1/4 up the lash itself.  Then apply using tweezers. The glue along the lash will help it stick to the lashes itself, thus staying on ALOT longer.

For the most natural look, ALWAYS apply your mascara AFTER you’ve applied your lashes.  You’ll find that the mascara usually gets in your way if you apply it first, and  it helps to blend in the two for a more natural look.   –
BY ELKE VON FREUDENBERG…