For me one coat of mascara doesn’t cut it.
I’ve always been big on lashes, applying coat after coat. Don’t get me
wrong, I’m not a fan of clumpy tarantula lashes, but who doesn’t want giraffe
like lashes?! Getting past the animal references, I will start by saying that
there are a lot of products and tips and tricks out there when it comes to
lashes. But, in all honesty I don’t have the time, or patience, to dip a cotton
bud into baby powder and apply it to my eyelashes after each coat (saying that, I wouldn’t even say that really works?!), or apply
false lashes on a daily basis! Do you? Understandably our eyelashes
are genetically programmed and we aren’t all
blessed with killer lashes (blame Mum & Dad), but there are a few basic things you can do in
order to create the illusion of having fuller & longer lashes, without baby powder, or falsies.
1. CURL YOUR LASHES:
1. CURL YOUR LASHES:
Skipping this part is the
biggest mistake you can make. Curling your lashes can really help open up your
eyes and make them appear bigger, by flipping your lashes upwards. If you have
flat lashes, they may not even be short, so investing in a good pair of eyelash
curlers is vital. I really like the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers, they have a well deserved reputation of being one the best on the market, they don’t pinch, hold a curl and are quick and easy to use.
HOW:
Please do this carefully and gently, we are trying to create fuller and longer
lashes, not pull them out. So, hold the curlers at the base of your upper lashes and tilt the
curler upwards. Next create small pulses, by pumping the curler. Repeat this a
few more times, working your way up lashes. This will create more of a curl rather
than that ‘I blatantly just curled my lashes crimp.’ And please avoid curling your lashes after applying mascara. I state the obvious here for many, but
I made this mistake when I was younger and I pulled half my lashes out.
2.
APPLY EYELINER:
Tightlining as it is
formally known in the beauty world, is the technique of applying eyeliner
to your upper waterline. This step can really make your lashes appear much
fuller and darker and is one, which I have only recently come to realise really
does work! Now, this technique is super simple, but it can take a little practice especially
if you don’t have the steadiest of hands. You can use gel, cream or pencil, I wouldn’t advise using a liquid liner as it would be too wet. Remember you are trying to create the illusion of a fuller lash line, so if you use brown mascara, opt for a brown liner etc. I personally like to opt for a waterproof black eyeliner, like my Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner, but a cheaper alternative would be Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Khol Kajal Eye Liner. But I wouldn’t mind trying a flat liner brush and gel liner if anyone has any suggestions? Finally, I really like to wear eyeliner on my upper lash line too, but keep in mind that wearing bold liquid liner on the upper lash line can cut your lashes in half and make them appear shorter.
HOW: With one hand lift top lid and apply
eyeliner onto your waterline. I find going over it a few times works best and stop before
you get to the inner and outer corners to prevent your eyes from looking beady.
3.
APPLY MASCARA:
I could talk all day about
mascara, yep I really could. But for the time being I will keep this simple.
The type of mascara you use will obvious have an impact (or not) on the
outcome of your lashes. If your lashes refuse to hold a curl, opt for a waterproof mascara - you’ll be surprised! If you haven’t quite found the mascara that works for you, don’t be scared to double up on mascara. Use one for lengthening and one for volume. And if you find your mascara is clumping, you may have too much product on the brush, or maybe it has expired? Read more about this here.
There are hundreds of mascaras to choose from, including fibre mascaras that you brush on prior to your regular mascara application (they are like mini hair extensions but for your lashes). Now, these may work for some, but I’m not the biggest fan, as I find they fall of and drop onto my nose throughout the day. I have tried and tested so many mascaras and my favourites are - SEVENTEEN Doll’d Up Mascara (review), SEVENTEEN Falsify HD Mascara, Max Factor False Lash Effect (review) and Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara that already has fibres incorporated into the formula.
HOW: Remember slow
and steady wins the race ladies, so take your time! Firstly make sure
you’re looking down into a mirror (to really get to the base) and place the
wand underneath your top lashes, next gently wiggle the wand in a zig-zag
motion as you begin to drag it upwards towards to the tips of your
lashes. I personally like to wait a few seconds between each coat,
but this is dependent on what mascara you are using (you may find it works
better when applied this way). Make sure you apply mascara to the top
of your lashes not just the underside as this insures even distribution and
full coverage. And don’t neglect your bottom lashes, they love a coat
of mascara too! And lastly pick up any mascara thats on your skin with cotton bud, if need be comb through lashes with lash comb and pinch the tips of the hair to get rid of any clumps.