Missing Your Lash Extensions? These Are The Falsies Worth Investing In

Eyelash extensions have the innate ability to widen and open the windows to our souls without much upkeep. What usually lasts two hours, lying patiently in a skilled technicians chair, is totally worth it for the fanned-out, fluttery fringe of lashes that will last for weeks.

For those of us who are avid eyelash extension wearers, it’s safe to say that we’re beyond excited to be reunited with our beloved technicians. And it seems the rest of the world is too – after re-opening their salon doors on the 4th May last year, Spain’s most popular treatment was eyelash extensions taking a whopping 49% of bookings. Over on google, [searches for ‘eyelash extensions’ saw a 76% spike](https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/blog/2020/april/top-10-most-googled-diy-beauty-treatments-during-covid-19-lockdown-social-distancingistancing) during Lockdown 1.0, proving that many of us still want in on the falsies.

Of course, it’s not an easy treatment to DIY and certainly one that's best left to the professionals – but there are temporary alternatives out there that will enhance our lashes to give them that voluminous, full finish. We’ve spoken to Nouveau Lashes Artists, Zoe Peplow and Debbie Law for all their top tips and tricks as well as our edit of the best false eyelashes around.

SHOP: The Best False Eyelashes Here

How To Apply Strip Lashes

Strip lashes are an easy, effective way to lengthen and thicken lashes without reaching for the mascara wand. Last year, retailer John Lewis noticed a 233% rise in sales of false eyelashes. And we’re not surprised. The extensive selection available - ranging in length, shape, colour and fullness - is impressive. Whether you prefer to go for an au natural, subtle look or a full fringe of sooty black lashes – there’s a strip lash out there for everyone.

‘Before you apply your eyelashes, check the fit of the strip,’ advises Peplow, ‘if it’s too long, trim the outer edge.’ Next up, ‘apply a small amount of adhesive along vein of the strip lash. Allow 30 seconds to become ‘tacky’. This will really help when applying false eyelashes - if the glue is still wet, your strip lash will slide everywhere.’

When applying false eyelashes, use tweezers or fingers and look down into a mirror rather than straight ahead. ‘You’ll be able to see exactly where you need to place the strip and the tweezers will help with precision,’ says Peplow. ‘Place the lash in the centre of your upper eyelid then work outwards to the corner of your eye.’

How To Apply Individual Lashes

For a more bespoke finish, you can also opt for individual lashes. Available to buy at several online retailers (see our favourites below), these little clusters of false lashes can be dotted along your lash line to add thickness and length where you so desire. Within a set you’ll normally find a mixture of lengths so you can create a variety of looks – from natural and wispy to full and dense.

'To successfully apply "cluster/party" lashes you need a good quality pair of fine-tip tweezers,' says Debbie Law. 'This will help you to remove them from the tray and aid precise application. Practise applying to the outer corners first and don’t attach them to the eyelid skin - stay around 0.5mm away from the lash-line.'

'For a natural result on any eye shape add length to the central area of the eye, across the width of the iris reducing length as you work towards the inner and outer corners. Use a latex-free strip lash glue to apply them as this type of adhesive will hold the lashes in place all day (sometimes longer) yet is surprisingly easy to remove with minimal risk of pulling out your natural lashes.'

Eyelash Treatments And Maintenance

‘Now is a great time to focus on your lash health and grow out your natural lashes instead,’ says Peplow. ‘Try an eyelash treatment like Noveau’s Triple Enhance Lash Serum, £29.99, that helps improve lash length, strength and volume in as little as 30 days.’ We also love Revitalash Serum, £89, blended with natural botanicals and peptides to really nourish those lashes.

READ MORE: Grazia Beauty School: How Do I Apply False Lashes?

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