As we have seen proven time and again, all types of eyes can be made fascinating and beautiful. Small eyes, large, deep set eyes, and eyes that seem too close together are all very beautiful eyes when the artistry for each type is mastered.

Eye makeup emphasizes the eyes but “emphasize” does not always mean to “add;” it can also mean “take away”– such as, hiding darkness on the eye lids or under the eyes. (See Highlight) Everyone needs eye makeup - I have never known a model that was in front of a camera who was not asked to wear eye makeup…even if you could not tell by looking at the picture.

If you are not accustomed to eye makeup, be sure you experiment with it before a big event…you don’t want to rush it while you are learning. Once learned, a routine for your eye type should be simple and quick.

Mascara

Water proof – smudge proof mascara is the best to wear for obvious reasons. Anyone can wear black or brown and still keep the soft glamorous look.

How to Apply Mascara: Make sure you remove any trace of oil or cleanser from your eyelashes, eyelids and under your eyes, since oil can disturb even the best mascara. After cleansing your face, use a tissue or thin washcloth and a toner/astringent to gently remove any oils that may still be on the surface of your eyelids and lashes. Use an eyelash curler; it will give you a more open and more dramatic look.  Now you are ready to apply your mascara.  Apply one coat, then go back and apply a second coat.  Don’t forget the bottom lashes too…that’s a must! A sin would be to have many of your eyelashes sticking together!! You must separate them!!

False Eyelashes?  You Bet! Try Them!

I know. . .you don’t wear them because you don’t know how. . .or which type or color to use. . .or you have seen some that look ridiculous and you don’t want to look like “that.”  (Or you may not wear them because you don’t need them…how lucky for you!)  I am the mistress of false eyelashes….I wear them and have them on in all of my pictures over the past 45 years…can you tell…NO!  I love them! The hardest part is to find the ones that look natural, flexible, are on a clear plastic strip, not too thick and not too thin but j-u-s-t right. You have come to the right place! 

I have worn false eyelashes almost every day since I was 26 years old, I started as a model in New York. For me they provide instant glamour, and are easier to apply than you might imagine.

False lashes look real and natural if they have soft hair, are not too thick or too thin, flexible and have a CLEAR base strip that make them unnoticeable when worn. My manicurist of 10 years never knew I wore them until I called attention to them recently. They are fun, alluring and they can make you look younger! You’ll love them too!

How To Apply False Eyelashes: Make sure all oil is off your eyelids. I suggest using a Toner-Astringent with a tissue or thin washcloth to remove all oils. Then curl your own lashes. This will allow your own lashes to blend in with the false ones when applied. Next mascara your natural eyelashes (top and bottom) before applying the false ones, and they will blend in and look more natural. Apply false eyelashes after reading how below. No need to mascara the false eyelashes, but you may, if you wish...but just a little on the tip ends.

Trimming Eyelashes To Fit Your Eyes: To be sure the false eyelashes will feel comfortable on your eyelids, place each lash on a lid (without glue)  to see if the strip might be too wide. I always have to trim mine a little. Snip just a few hairs at a time until you have the correct width that is shorter than your own eye width and feels comfortable.  

Next, your natural eyelashes are shaped like this.

The false eyelash is shaped like this.

So trim the hair shorter toward your eye and also taper the outside few hairs shorter to give a more natural look. You will most likely want to trim the rest of the lash a little shorter in general.

IMPORTANT: When trimming, don’t cut the lashes straight across. Point the scissors into the lash and make a number of snips. This will create a slightly uneven, more natural appearance.

IF LASHES ARE TOO WIDE FOR YOUR EYES: Lift one eyelash out of the box. Holding it with both hands at the ends of the lashes, place it up to your eyelids next to your own lashes. You will most likely find the eyelashes are too wide for your eyes. (I always have to trim the width slightly.) Snip off a few hairs at one end and test it again. It is important not to have the false lashes too wide because the ends will stick into the eyelid and feel very uncomfortable …most irritating! When cut and applied correctly, you will not even know you have them on. Now trim the other one to match.

IF THE LENGTH OF THE LASHES ARE TOO LONG: The lashes will probably be too long also… so trim the length shorter –not too much – you can always go back. Point the end of the scissors downward into the top of the eyelashes and snip into the lash tips. Do not cut straight across in one swoop as you do not want an even cut…they look more natural when uneven.

Now apply eyelash glue on the clear strip part…I put a little glue on my vanity table then pick some up with a toothpick and place it on the strip part …you don’t need much. Some people squeeze the tube directly on the strip part….  (Whichever is most comfortable is fine.) Now with both hands holding the lash place it next to your own lashes. Use tweezers to adjust the lash next to your own lashes and to pull it to one side or the other if adjustment is needed. With tweezers you can also adjust the lash level upward or downward if need be. If you do this right away before the glue dries, it will be very easy to adjust. (You will have about a minute.)

After applying both false lashes, blend your natural lashes into them. You can do this with your fingers or a small eyelash or eyebrow brush. (On occasion I have been known to put a touch of glue on a spot between my own lashes and the false ones to keep a spot close together.)

HOW TO REMOVE: Hold the inside edge of the lash next to your nose, and gently, slowly, pull lash off toward your ear. If “stuck” put a drop of water on the stuck spot – wait a few seconds and pull it off.

HOW TO CLEAN: To clean false eyelashes, place them on a counter and put a few drops of water over them. After a minute or so the glue will be easy to pull off the clear strip with your fingers. Pull glue off lashes from the strip part of the lash and your lashes will last longer. (As opposed to pulling glue through the hair part of the lash) If the lashes are a little messed up, don’t worry; put them on your finger, lengthwise, and comb them out. Let dry and they will be ready to wear again. You can also place the lashes between tissues; wrap the tissue around a pencil and let dry or store.

I often sleep with mine on. Since I take tub baths (rather than a shower), they stay dry, so sometimes I leave them on when I cleanse my face at night and climb into bed. Occasionally I find one on the pillow in the morning or in my hair…but not to worry I always find it! When that happens, I simply clean them and put them back on! I have been known to say, “I’d rather be seen without my lipstick than without my false eyelashes” …and it’s true!