The first time I tried to glue a strip of fake lashes to my eyelid was a bit of a disaster. Too long of a strip, WAY too much glue, and using my fingers to stick them on. Yeah, the only thing wearing lashes that day was my index finger.

It was a while before I tried them again, but armed with some basic advice from a well-seasoned makeup artist, it went more smoothly than I could have hoped. Like everything in life, applying falsies requires a little practice. Before long though, if you follow these easy steps, you’ll be a pro at applying any type of lashes.

Which ones to choose?
Not all lashes are created equal. If you’re a beginner, you can’t go wrong with an inexpensive brand like Ardell. They have dozens of shapes to choose from, and with gentle care, they’re definitely reusable. I love that you can find them at your local drugstores, Target, or at beauty supply stores like Sally’s. They’re so affordable that, as a beginner, you can try a number of different shapes to find your favorites and not break the bank.

Know your eye shape!
Choosing the right set of lashes can completely depend on your mood and your own personal sense of style, but if you’re an absolute beginner, a good place to start is with your eye shape. Find your shape below and see which Ardell lashes you might want to try.

​Small Eyes
Small eyes look overwhelmed with long and wispy lashes. Keep the length on the shorter side, but experiment with the texture. Try dense and full, or maybe a fun spiky look.

Round Eyes
Round eyes find balance when the lashes are longer on the outer corners. Styles can be dramatic or natural, but keep the length on the ends. You can even try just adding a lash accent on the outer two-thirds of your eye. 

Almond Eyes
Depending on your preference, you could either enhance your shape with length in the corners, or create an illusion of roundness with length in the center. As this is the most versatile shape, go wild and try a few that catch your eye. 

​Deep-Set Eyes
Deeper set eyes can handle length that other shapes can’t. Have fun and try long lengths with different density. You can emphasize the outer corners or the middle depending on your shape (round or more almond).

Application
Check out this beginner strip lash video from Ardell for some simple application tips:

A few pointers from me to remember:

• Lashes go on last, after all your eye makeup is finished
• Eyeliner helps to blend the lash strip with your lash line
• Use a handheld mirror and hold it down low – so you have to look down into it. Infinitely easier to see where you’re placing lashes!
• Use the back of a pair of tweezers to gently pat the lashes into place. Focus on each end (those are the two areas most likely to lift!)

Have fun and enjoy your false fringe!!

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You’ve seen them in beauty magazines and on the shelves in your local salons and drug stores. Hair oils have been a beauty craze for a few years now. With familiar choices like avocado and coconut oil, and the more exotic names like Moroccan Argan and marula, how do you know which ones to choose? And how do you use them anyway?

Choosing the right oil for your hair
No one wants greasy, limp locks, so it’s best to take a moment to determine what kind of hair you’re working with.

Gals with thin hair do best with lighter oils. Avocado oil is a great choice because it will absorb into the hair without leaving it slick or greasy. If you’re blessed with thick or curly hair, you can try something a little more heavy-duty. Look for products with shea or coconut oil. Both are medium-bodied oils that can nourish a dry scalp. Dry and distressed hair may be thirsty, but that doesn’t mean using a heavy oil. In fact, a lighter oil like avocado mixed with grape seed oil is a winning combination. Grape seed oil contains a high amount of linoleic acid which can help retain moisture in the hair. Together with the avocado oil, it can make damaged hair look smoother and healthier.
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So how do you use hair oil?
There are a couple of ways you can add hair oil to your weekly beauty routine. You can the buy pure, cold-pressed oils found in your local grocery store, or you can try salon products formulated with the type of oil your hair needs.

If you’re using a cold-pressed oil, try this method once a week:

1. Shampoo your hair and squeeze out the excess water.
2. Depending on the length of your hair, measure out about 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil and massage into strands. If your scalp tends to be oily, concentrate on the bottom ¾ of your hair. Use a detangling comb to distribute it evenly.
3. Clip hair up or use a shower cap, but let the oil do its magic for at least 10 minutes.
4. Rinse well with warm water and style as usual.

If you’re using a salon product with an oil formulation, follow the instructions given on the bottle. My favorite is Mythic Oil from L’Oréal Professionnel. It’s a blend of avocado and grape seed oil. I use it after shampooing and conditioning by combing through a few pumps of Mythic Oil on my damp hair before blow drying. When my hair is just about dry, I finger comb the ends with a small amount more. The results are smooth, shiny, healthy looking hair.
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There’s an oil for every type of hair. Try one out for yourself. You’ll be surprised at the difference a quick, weekly deep conditioning can make!