How to Rock False Lashes….interview by Morgan Thompson

How to Rock False Lashes….interview by Morgan Thompson

BEAUTY | HOW-TO TIPS May 2 2012 8:47AM

How to Rock False Lashes

by Morgan Thompson

Movie stars wear them all the time. The Kardashians practically live in them. But it took a 16-year-old girl on the subway with amazing not-overdone lashes to make me wonder if it was possible to wear false lashes every day—without looking like a Rock-A-Bye baby doll.

I loved false eyelashes from the moment I sported my first pair.  The way they opened up my eyes, glammed up my look and gave me that certain “je ne sai quoi,” I was hooked. However, I’m not an actress or a reality TV star, so I usually only turn to lashes for a special event or a night out. But at a recent party, I was shocked to find out how many people actually rocked fake lashes every day, and not over-the-top lashes, just regular, natural-looking lashes.

So I sat down with Joanna “JoJo” Rodriguez, a Brooklyn-based makeup artist with more than 10 years of experience. Her work has appeared in music videos, commercials, print and runway, and she’s worked with celebs like Lady Gaga, Paula Patton and Zoe Saldana—just to name a few! JoJo gave me a valuable lesson in natural lashes 101.

M.T.: What type of eyelashes would you recommend for a natural look?

J.R.: Individual lashes really give the best natural look, but they take patience and perseverance to apply. So for the eyelash novice, I would recommend strip lashes.  Drugstores actually have a great selection of good quality, low cost lashes for $2-3 a pair. Brands like Ardell, KISS, Red Cherry and ELF are perfect because you can buy a few pairs to practice with. If you want to spend a little more, Makeup For Ever and MAC are some of my go-to brands.

M.T.: It’s good to know you don’t have to spend a million bucks to get good lashes—especially if you’re planning on wearing them every day! What about the glue? Does that make a difference?

J.R.: Yes, the glue is a major factor, because it really determines how long you can wear the lashes. One of my favorite brands is DUO, they have a surgical adhesive product that is also waterproof. Some glue brands are super strong, almost like crazy glue, so when you remove the lashes, you run the risk of taking out some of your own eyelashes, too. So you have to be really careful and choose the right type of glue. I recommend using white glue because it dries clear. Black glue can show mistakes if you haven’t perfected your technique yet.

M.T.: Any other tips to picking the right lashes for every day?

J.R.: I’m not a fan of the big baby doll lashes (unless you’re at a photo shoot!), so for a natural look, I would search for a basic style that is more or less an extension of your natural lashes. Similar to how you would pick a hair weave that complements your natural hair.

M.T.: Ok, got it.  Speaking of weaves, how do you feel about lash extensions?

J.R.: I think they look beautiful if done correctly. You have to go to a professional to really get them done right. And then they are a lot of upkeep, so be prepared! You’ll have to go every two weeks to get them filled in—because they will fall out like your natural eyelashes with everyday movement—and they should last a few weeks.

M.T.: All right, I think I’m armed and ready to apply some lashes!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Measure the strip of lashes against your eye; use cuticle scissors to cut off any extra width.

Step 2: Use a pair of tweezers as your glue applicator. Apply a thin line of glue on the base of the lashes.  Let glue dry until it becomes tacky.

Step 3: Apply mascara to your natural lashes before you place the strip on your eyes. The color of the mascara adds depth and wetness to bring your natural lashes and the false lashes together. Make sure you keep the mascara close to the root.

Step 4:  Important tip: When you are applying the lashes yourself, lift your chin up and drop the lashes on your lashline the best you can. The main objective is to get the strip of lashes as close as possible to your lashline. Then go back in and adjust.

Step 5: Affix the lash to place with your fingers.

Step 6: Add some black, brown or navy eyeliner, and you are done!

Check out JoJo’s Tumblr page for more fabulous beauty inspiration! http://beautysuite.tumblr.com/

Morgan Thompson is a lifestyle writer and on-air personality in New York. Follow her on Twitter @morgib

 


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