Forget primers, plumpers and lengtheners.This summer is a good time to bat a false eyelash, writes Melanie Morris
There are two choices when it comes to false lashes - applying half or full-length strips to the eyelid, or attaching single lashes, one-by-one where required. The former is easy enough to do yourself, the latter an absolute nightmare.
HOW TO APPLY WHOLE FALSE LASHES
Susan Ryan, MAC Cosmetics, Brown Thomas, Dublin advises:
1. Firstly, don't rip them out of the box. They're glued in and pulling at them will distort the shape. Instead, drag downwards away from packaging.
2. Measure up against your eye. False lashes are usually too long, so shorten in accordance to fit. Cut from the shorter, inside hairs.
3. Apply glue to the lashes by dabbing a quantity to (a hairless) part of your hand below the thumb. Run the edge of the lashes along the glue, adding extra to the ends.
4. To fit onto the eyes, look down. You're aiming to attach the false lashes to the lid edge, just above where your natural lashes grow from. Line up the lashes and stick the middle to outer portion down first. Tap into place, using the end of a small brush. The glue stays moist for a bit so you have time to manoeuvre the lashes around until they look - and feel - right.
5. Allow lashes to dry (about five mins). Cover the join with liquid liner or, for less drama, powder shadow applied with a diagonally cut brush. Finish with a fine stroke of mascara along the ends.
6. After use, remove the glue from the lashes and they'll last for four to five wears.
HOW TO APPLY INDIVIDUAL LASHES
Make-up artist Róisín Derrane advises:
These lashes are great for a more natural effect, and thus ideal for brides and bridesmaids as they can just be affixed to the outer lids for a fluttery, feline look.
1. Don't bother using tweezers; it only makes the process more complicated.
2. Select from small, medium or long lengths. A mix of two or three looks best, with longest ones at the end.
3. Don't bother applying individual lashes to the inner corners. Work from the start of the iris outwards.
4. Sit down in front of a mirror where your elbows can rest and be steady. Dip lash in glue.
5. Tilt head well back, look down - almost along your nose - and rest the glued individual lash above an existing real eyelash while gently pushing it back so it touches your eyelid. Again, the glue takes a while to set, so stay still and fix the lash into optimum position.
6. With individual lashes, it's best to start in the middle and work first to the outer edge, then inwards.
7. Once secure, these lashes will last for a weekend at least.
A final tip for the application of both types:
Most cosmetics counters will affix your false lashes for you, especially if you have bought them from the same company. If not, always go for brands with a focus on colour products, as they will have more experienced make-up artists on hand. It's also worth remembering that Pout in Brown Thomas will apply (and remove) individual false lashes that last up to 10 days with any purchase of €25 or more.