The marmite of the beauty world, false lashes garner either fear or joy and little in-between. But for those in the former camp, rest assured that once you get the knack, they’re so much easier thank you think. And thanks to a new wave of subtle strip lashes hitting the shelves, they needn’t look OTT. 'Exaggerating what one’s natural eyelashes do, false lashes add instant emphasis and help frame not only the eye but the face too,' explains pro make-up artist Andrew Gallimore. The result? A speedy pick-me-up that, once in place, requires zero maintenance to see you through the long haul. 'Anyone can wear false lashes,' assures Andrew, 'you just need to find the right shape, length and fullness to suit you.' The key: 'Make sure the length of the strip is the same size as your own lash-line and don’t choose a thickness that will overpower your eyes.'
Photographs: Ed Miles
Grazia Beauty School - False Eye Lashes
1 of 41. Shadow First
First up, prep and prime your lids. "If you want to apply a shadow, do it now," advises Andrew. "If you do it after application, stray eyeshadow can get caught in the roots of the false lash and draw attention to the fact you are wearing falsies."
2 of 42. Line Time
"Adding liner can really help to disguise the root of the false lash, even if it's a really tiny, thin line," explains Andrew. "Opt for black or dark brown liner and avoid shimmering formulations that can also draw attention to the root of the false lash."
3 of 43. Wand Work
Don't skip mascara when working a false lash. "For a wispy, fluttering effect, apply mascara to your real lash before applying falsies," advises Andrew. "For a more dramatic lash effect and to marry the false and real lashes together, apply mascara after application."
4 of 44. Stick It To 'Em
"Rest the dry false lash to your eyelid to assess size before trimming if needed. Next, apply a thin layer of glue, allowing it to dry slightly and get tacky (fresh, wet glue can slip and slide). Holding the false lash at either end, place the strip as close to your lash line as possible, jiggling it into position. Finally, pinch the false lash and real lashes together at the roots."
'Don’t be afraid to take it off and start again until you get it right,' adds Andrew. 'A badly positioned false lash can not only look bad, but also become irritating, painful even.'
See below for our Grazia Beauty School pick of false lashes...
False Lash Killer Kit
1 of 7Je T'aime By Boudoir Lashes Gabrielle, £17.99
Best for almond eyes: "They suit most false lashes, so focus on finding the perfect effect for you."
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2 of 7Eyelure Fluttery Light No. 171 Lashes, £5.95
Best for monolids: "Avoid anything too voluminous and opt for shorter false lashes," suggests Andrew.
3 of 7Sweed Lashes Nikki Sultry Corner, £20
Best for close-set eyes: "Choose false lashes with a slight wing or thicker outer corner, to elongate the eye shape and draw the eyes outwards."
4 of 7Ardell Professional, Magnetic Liner Lashes, £17.99
These magic magnetic lashes are one of a kind. Plus, we've got the inside scoop that Amanda Holden and Laura Whitmore's MUAs uses them all the time. Add to basket asap!
5 of 7Benefit They're Real! Mascara, £22
6 of 7Duo Striplash Eyelash Glue, £5.99
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