Say goodbye to plastic looking lashes and the messy application that came with them and hello to my easy step-by-step guide to false lashes!

How to choose your next set of flirty false lashes:

1. I suggest spending the extra few dollars and purchase a pair of natural hair lashes. My favorite brand for false lashes is Shu Uemura; you can wear them more than once, but I’ll go into that later. I know it sounds funny to wear natural hair false lashes (it’s almost like an oxymoron) but they look very real and flow more naturally with your own lashes than plastic drug store brands.
2. Get wild and check out different styles, then choose one that you feel comfortable with. Shu Uemura’s new line, Tokyo Lash Bar, is delectable and perfect for the holiday season! For a less dramatic look try Retro Graphic. To kick up the drama go for Dazzling Sapphire Diamante or Dazzling Topaz Diamante!
3. If this is your first time working with false lashes, go ahead and get a spare set – just in case.

Fitting the false lashes to your lash line:

1. 1. Gently remove the lashes from the container by taking your index finger and press down on the entire lash the roll it out of the case on your fingertip. If you pull on the lash ends you can easily break the lash strip in half or distort the shape of the lash.
2. Before applying any type of adhesive to your lashes, place them on your lash lines as if you’re applying them to see if the lash strip is too long for your eyes. Trim any excess with manicure scissors by cutting the longest point of the lash removing part of the strip.

How to apply your false lashes:

1. Start by placing a hand mirror or compact flat on a table. To make it even easier, pull up a chair and have a seat! This will help give you a bit of leverage.
2. One awesome feature of the Shu Uemura False Eyelashes is that they all come with their own glue. If, for some reason, you decide on a separate adhesive, try Duo in either clear or black. The Shu Uemura glue has an easy wand applicator so you can gently paint the glue on to the strip. Try not to get any glue on the actual lashes- just the strip.
3. Let the glue set for approximately 30 seconds. This allows the glue to get tacky so it adheres easily to your lash line as you apply them.
4. Once the glue is tacky, choose which side you feel most comfortable applying first. For me, I like my right side first! Pro Tip: The longest side of the false lashes goes in the outer corner of the eyes. This is how you can tell which side is which!
5. With the lash in hand, look down into your mirror and apply starting with the outer corner and pressing your way in towards your tear duct. Just a reminder, you are applying the lash just slightly above your natural lashes along the lash line, try not to attach them to your own lashes.
6. You can use the end of a cue tip or a stiff angle brush to help press the lash down.

To finish off the look, apply a thin line of liquid liner along your lash line. This helps give a more natural look to the false lashes and helps to conceal any access adhesive. As far as eye shadow, you can either apply before or after the lash application. I prefer to have my entire face done before I apply my false lashes.

At the end of the night, remember to gently remove the lashes when you arrive home for the evening. Before washing your face, grip the outer corner of the lash and slightly pull the lash across and off. Trust me, this does not hurt! To save for another night out on the town, peel any access glue from the lash strip and place back into the container they came in. In my experience, If I’m careful, I have been able to get at least 3 uses out of one pair of lashes!

Congratulations! You’re ready to flutter your way into any holiday party and score some time under the mistletoe! Happy Holidays!