Lash Heaven!

Lashes are always in style. 

But right now one of the trends for spring is that MOD look. 

Immediately, I think of graphic liner and lashes! 

Lashes add so much to a look-- I won't lie, they are pretty addictive :) 

I don't wear them daily, but if I'm going to be on camera, or if I'm going for a night out (special occasions), I love to add them into my makeup routine. 

With a little patience and a lot of practice, you can stick these babies on in no time!

I'll provide a quick breakdown of different lash options for you to find the best one for your needs. I'll also write a step by step of a strip lash HOW TO. 

There are so many types of lashes as far as styles, adhesives, and length of wear. 

Here's a quick breakdown of lash options for every need and price range: 

$ The Strip Lash: 

This is a very easy and quick way to achieve a lash boost without too much commitment! They are applied with a latex glue that is bonded to the eyelid close to the natural lash line and can easily be removed by gently pulling them off! They have a wide range from natural looking lashes, to accent lashes, to dramatic and avant garde!

$ Individual Lashes: 

These puppies take some time to get right-- If applied well, they can look super natural, soft and subtle-- but they do take some practice! These can be applied with the same latex glue or can be used with a stronger non latex lash glue that actually bonds the false ones to your real lashes rather than the lid. The non-latex glue has a different removal process and has the potential to stay on for several days. 

$$ Lash Extensions: 

For those of you who want that lash look ALL the time, you can look into lash extensions. These are single lashes applied one by one (usually done at salons or specialty shops), and last for a couple weeks. These are pretty fragile-- so no curling, mascara, or rubbing of those eyes! You also need to go in to get them "filled" (same as acrylic nails) every couple weeks. 

$$$ Latisse: 

This is another semi-permanent type of lash. It is a prescription treatment that actually helps you to grow your own lashes longer, darker and fuller. IT WORKS-- but be sure to read the side effects and potential downfalls--use it at your own risk :)! 

*Please also note, that it is something you have to continue to use--once you stop using it, the lashes go back to the way they were. *

Getting a Natural Looking Lash at Home: 

I am always applying strip and individual lashes to clients--- because I'm so familiar with this form of lash, I'm going to give you an idea of the range strip lashes have to offer-- starting with a more natural looking lash. 

Here are some of my favorites: 

Ardell Lash Accents #315

These are perfect for someone trying lashes for the first time! They are SUPER easy to apply and are a subtle, natural looking addition to your lashes. 

Ardell Duralash Natural knot free lashes in Brown

Don't forget there are brown lashes too! For you pale skinned beauties, blondes and redheads, you can get a soft, natural lash enhancement with these. 

Ardell Twin Pack #110

These are beautiful, and very natural looking with a little extra oomph! Love them-- I use them a lot on clients. 

Going for a Dramatic Lash Look for Evening:  

Ardell Demi Pixies #102

These add some drama and glamour but aren't too heavy. They're a great transition to a nighttime lash! 

Ardell Stunning Lashes

These are a little heavier, definitely more of a night time eye look-- packing on that drama! 

Ardell Demi Wispies

These are my FAVORITE! I wear them, I use them on clients, I LOVE them! They are quite dramatic, but look FAB on camera. I do believe I wore them on New Years Eve...

They are a fuller, feathery lash that pack on some drama :) 

Adhesive

When it comes to putting these fabulous lashes on, you need to find a good latex glue. A lot of lashes come with glue in the package-- I like to save these little guys for emergency touch ups. 

DUO ADHESIVE

The Duo adhesive is probably the most popular amongst artists and consumers alike. It can be found at any drugstore or beauty supply store and works phenomenally. They have a clear version and a dark version. 

Duo Clear Adhesive

Duo Dark Tone Adhesive

How to use: 

You can put a little glue on a palette or the back of your hand and gently swipe the lash spine (the invisible band that holds the lashes) into the glue to get a thin, even layer. Don't forget to get a little extra on the ends! That's where lashes tend to lift if it gets warm, humid or wet. 

From here, you must wait a minute until the glue gets tacky. 

you can apply the lashes while the glue is still wet, but it won't adhere as well. Once you let the glue get to that tacky stage (not totally dry!), you can apply them. 

EVE PEARL

Another great lash glue that I actually carry in my kit is Eve Pearl's eye lash adhesive. 

I LOVE this glue. It only comes in the dark version, so it dries black. For most of my clients (for TV), I can use this as it's not a problem, but if I'm working on a model for a shoot or on a client who wants a very soft natural lash line, I use the Duo in clear. 

The greatest part about Eve Pearl's version, is that you don't have to wait for the glue to get tacky, you can apply it right away! And it lasts! Not that waiting a few extra seconds for the Duo to get tacky is that long, but makes a big difference if you are on set and need to get your client out of the chair asap!

Step By Step Application: 

1. Curl your lashes and apply mascara. 

2. Choose your falsies by your mood and occasion :) 

3. Gently roll the lashes off the plastic container with your thumb and flex the spine so it's not stiff!

4. Gently place it on your eye (ON the lash line), to measure it out. If you need to trim the ends to make it fit more naturally, please do! It's rare that the strip fits perfectly on someone's eye! 

5. Apply your glue of choice. If using brown (or colored liner) or NO liner, be sure to go with the clear glue, but if using black liner, you can use the black drying glue. The choice is yours!

-- If using the DUO, be sure to wait a minute for it to become tacky. --

Quick Tip: 

Using a small cosmetic stand up mirror, position it under your chin, so that you have to look down to see yourself. This way, you don't need to try to close your eye to apply the lash as you are already looking downward--it makes the application SO MUCH EASIER! I still apply lashes this way on myself!

6. While looking down into your mirror, place the CENTER of the strip onto the center of your eye. Wiggle it into place. 

VOILA! 

You are lashed out! 

It may take a few minutes to feel normal while the glue is drying, but after that, you will soon forget they're even on! 

So enjoy! Try out a set of lashes soon! 

xoxo Jen

Photos of lashes c/o ardell 

Photos of Duo Lash glue c/o Sephora 

Photos of Eve lash glue c/o evepearl.com