Lashes 101 – A Beginner’s Guide to Fabulous False Lashes

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.

Ardell #108 Demi Black

Ardell Demi Pixies

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. 

Ardell Demi Whispies

Ardell #305 Lash Accents

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. 

Ardell #110

Ardell #126

Ardell #138

​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).

Ardell #105

Ardell #122

​Eyelash Glue
(No they are NOT all the same!)

Forget about using the gloppy stuff that comes in a small tube with some lash sets. These are your EYES we’re talking about here! You want control, precision, and above all, only enough glue to do the job.
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This is the only glue I can recommend without hesitation. Duo Glue Brush on Adhesive is everything you want in an eyelash glue. It brushes on easily, smooth without any glops, is iridescent when wet (so you can see exactly where it is), and dries relatively quickly (no more lashes sliding all over your lids). 

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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Editor's Note: All images courtesy of Ardell Lashes website. Retrieved from http://www.ardelllashes.com on 7/22/16 and included here under fair-use guidelines of Title 17, US Code, Copyrights belong to respective owners.