It has to be said ladies, the ultimate cherry on the cake for your make up has to be the false eyelashes.  Whether it’s for a party, wedding, girls night out or your debs, the false eyelashes will top off your gorgeous look and will make you stand out from the crowd, unless everyone has the same idea, in that case, you will all look ab fab!

If you are surviving on a budget, then I would recommend the Girls Aloud Lashes at €5.99 from your local chemist.  There are five to choose from so there will most certainly be one to suit your style.  I would advise that you get a good friend to help you apply the lashes, as they can be quite tricky to do on your own and you will often be left looking like you have one lazy eye!

If you find you have an extra bit of cash, then why don’t you pop down to your local beauty salon or lash bar for a more professional look.  Try to find somewhere that uses the individual lashes as they can be tailored to suit your eyes and often look more natural.  Prices will vary from about €15 – €30 so be sure to shop around for the best value.  Before you head in for your appointment make sure to have no mascara on as you want the false lashes to stick to your lashes, and not to the mascara.  This way they will last longer.  You can apply mascara afterwards when the glue has dried, but if you want your lashes to last longer, then do not apply mascara, as the oils in it break down the lash glue quicker.  When you are getting your lashes done, your eyes might water a little as the professional glue used in salons is much stronger than the latex glue you get in over the counter products.

Removing False Lashes:

You should expect these lashes to last about one week.  Don’t use oil based eye make-up remover on the lashes as that will dissolve the glue, unless you are trying to take them off.  Using a cotton bud to cleanse eye make-up off without going near the lashes will extend their life span.  If you are having trouble removing the last few lashes, try working a bit of Vaseline into the roots for a few minutes, or indeed leave a light layer of Vaseline on over night and they should slide of quite easily the next morning.  Home kits usually have small capsules with removal liquid in the packet.  Now go get that camel eyed look for your big night out!

For more read our Ask the Expert: Individual over Strip lashes post.

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Q: False Lashes – would you recommend the individual lashes or the strips?

A: I would definitely recommend the individual lashes as the strips can feel very heavy on your eyes, and they generally only last for one night.  Having said this if you are dead set on getting the strips I recommend getting the MAC ones as I have worn them before, and they did stay on for the full night and didn’t feel too heavy.

The individual lashes can last up to a week and depending on the length you like can look very natural or if you prefer can look very dramatic!   The individual lashes really give you that “full lash” look and can be tailored to suit your eyes unlike the strips.  Slightly longer lashes on the outer corners of your eyes graduating inwards with shorter lashes will give the best effect.

I do however recommend getting the lash remover – available from your nearest Salon Services, also some salons stock this too.  If you are doing a DIY job there may be a small bottle of lash remover in the pack.  When you want to take your lashes off just put some on a wet cotton disc and hold on the lashes for a few minutes, the lashes should just slide off.  If you don’t have lash remover, cover your lashes in vaseline before you go to bed and in the morning, just slide the lashes off.  NEVER try to pull the lashes off as you will end up pulling your natural ones out too!  It would be easier to have this done at a salon so shop around to get the type you want at a reasonable price, a lot of places charge ridiculous prices.  Warning – false lashes can be very addictive!

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