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How to make strip lashes look natural. For those who prefer the idea of a minimalist falsie, this grownup guide to false lashes is for you
False lashes, like fake tans and hair extensions, get a bad rap. But faux by nature needn’t mean faux by look (unless intended, of course). Indeed, putting artifice into looking natural is big business and it’s exactly what the famous and lauded do all the time.
Just ask Gemma Chan, EmRata and Gigi – all of whom are fans of falsies by iShimmer, a brand redefining the lash category.
The brainchild of Jordanian Ayah Mufleh, who worked with make-up artists around the world, these undetectable and ultralight strip lashes don’t dominate or change the wearer’s features but enhance them as mascara (or super-natural lash extensions) would.
Here she shares her tips on how to choose and use false lashes for the minimalist.
How to choose the right lash for you
“You want to look for the lash style that complements your eye shape and enhance your features,” Mufleh says – and the best way to do this, without expensive trial and error, is to virtually try before you buy.
Many lash brands, from iShimmer to Ardell and Kiss, now have virtual try-on technology via their websites or apps. As Mufleh notes, “the lashes are identical to how they really are, with no added filter or make-up add-ons”.
In addition, generally speaking there are a couple of lash-to-eye shape combinations that work best, Mufleh advises.
“If you have round eyes, you should opt for a cat-eye effect (which are longer on the outer corner)”. From iShimmer’s selection of lashes these would include the Duchess, La Belle, Rose and Cluster Individuals which could be applied only at the outer edges. “Hooded and smaller eyes might want to avoid dramatic and long lashes,” she adds. “Usually, more natural, shorter lashes will offer thickness and create the illusion of a wider eye.” In this case you could try the Rose lashes.
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How to apply false lashes
Before application, keep these tips in mind: “Curling your lashes beforehand makes for an easier application,” reveals Mufleh, and be sure to finish eye shadow application first.
“The easiest way to apply lashes is when looking downwards,” she adds. “Place a mirror on the table with your elbows stable and look down.” Now, try these steps.
1) “Take the lashes out of the tray very gently.”
2) “Measure up the lash to your eye and if needed cut the band from outer corners.”
3) “The more curved your fake lash is the easier the application will be, so wrap it around a brush or your finger for a few seconds.”
4) “Apply some glue on a cotton bud and then with that onto the lash band then wait for a few seconds. Common mistakes to avoid here are applying too much glue – a little goes a long way – and applying the lash when the glue is still wet. The drier the glue is, the easier the lash will stick.”
5) “Looking downwards, apply the lashes to the top lash line, carefully settling them in further with tweezers [or MAC’s Lash Applicator tool] if can’t get precision with your fingers.”
Also, do note that you can re-use your falsies – as single-use strip lashes are no good for you or the environment. If you get make-up on them, simply use a cotton bud with and oil-free make-up remover to spot clean them.
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