Yeah, But are They Real? (The Dos and Don’ts of False Eyelashes)

Eyelashes have become the new beauty focus, it seems. In the  1960s, many women wouldn’t walk out the door without donning a pair of faux lashes. Today, the market is awash in eyelash conditioners, lengtheners and strengtheners. Many salons offer eyelash dyeing and the application of a complete fringe or long-wearing individual lashes.

I love wearing false eyelashes. They make my eyes look huge. I just don’t like applying them. It’s a painstaking process for me, and one at which I’m admittedly not very practiced. But I try …

According to Barbara Rattigan, founder of Shavasana Eyelash Extensions, “Applying beautiful, sexy lashes is truly an art.  Just like applying make up to the face, lashes can transcend your look to a new level.  Lashes can provide you with a youthful appearance and lift the eye in all the right places.” Below, Barbara offers pointers on how to “lash out” the right way:

Let’s talk about Eyelash Extensions and False lashes. False lashes are applied by you or a makeup professional for a one day look.  Eyelash Extensions will last for months with touch ups.  There are many must Do’s and please Don’ts in the lashing world.

The Do’s of False Eyelashes

• Cut the strip to fit the shape of your eye
• Use a flare lash to add dimensions and volume on the outer corner of the lash line
• Apply mascara lightly to the lashes before applying the false lash
• Use eye liner over the top of the lash line to blend the false lash and the natural lash line

The Don’ts of False Eyelashes

• Don’t rush your false lash application. Make sure to blow the adhesive completely dry or the strip could fall out when you least expect it.
• Don’t go too long or too thick unless it’s Halloween or you’re channeling your inner Gaga.

When planning to get lash extensions, you’re depending on the advice and consult of an Eyelash Extension Specialist.  Choosing your professional is important.  Make sure these are the Rules and Regulations your Salon/Spa professional follows.

Proper placement of the extensions can add dimension and fullness to your lashes while creating a youthful appearance to your eyes by lifting the lid in all the right places.  Just like proper brow shaping, proper lash placement can change your entire appearance.  Applying good lash extensions is an art. Consultation is a must.

Do’s for Eyelash Extensions

• Do choose an appropriate length and thickness to match your natural lash. Contrary to what we often see in the media, overdone lashes can make you look tired and are not often flattering. You want to look naturally blessed with amazing lashes.  To the untrained eye, it’s almost impossible to differentiate real from fake, unless the lashes are too thick or too long, which can harden your look.
• Do soften up on your make up.  Lash Extensions will add a lot of definition to your lash line.  Heavy liners or dark shadows could be too strong for the eyes to carry.
• Do follow your maintenance schedule for touch up appointments.  An overdue lash appointment can look messy and unruly. Fill in your lashes with mascara until you can make your next appointment. Make sure to only use water soluble mascara that is safe to use with your lash extensions.

Don’ts for Eyelash Extensions

• Lashes that are too thick or too long can actually age you.  The extensions should accentuate your lashes and lift the eye up, not pull it down.  The majority of women will need a professional consultation to figure out the best look for her face.
• Your extensions should extend your naturals but not double them in length.  The thickness is supposed to match your natural eyelash and adding volume can be done by building thicker lashes on the top rows.
• Colored lashes are yesterday’s fashion. The experimentation of highlighting with lashes has run its course.  If you want to highlight the color of your eyes, use make up; not colored, glittered, or highlighted lashes.
• Don’t assume that bigger is better. “The bigger the lash, the bigger my eyes will look” thought is not true when it comes to lash extensions.  Super long and extra thick extensions can actually make your eyes look smaller.  Too thick eyelashes can weigh down your lashes covering your eyes.  Too long can create the illusion of a sunken eye.  Lashes that shape your lash line correctly will open your eyelid and emphasize the color of your eyes making them look bigger.

Remember: lash extensions should accentuate your eyes.  You want people to say you have the most beautiful lashes – not the most beautiful extensions.

About Barbara Rattigan, Founder of Shavasana Eyelash Extensions

In May of 2005, licensed esthetician Barbara Rattigan launched Shavasana Eyelash Extensions in Huntington Beach, California. Shavasana Eyelash Extensions took off immediately and gained a reputation as a company that provides superior quality, luxurious lash extension products and hands-on professional eyelash extension training for beauty professionals.

About Shavasana Eyelash Extensions

Shavasana is a leading eyelash extensions company and one of the first to offer professional products and training in the procedure of eyelash extensions. The Shavasana Eyelash Extensions procedure is a semi-permanent treatment to add length and volume to the eyelash line by the addition of extensions to your own natural lashes. Shavasana Eyelash Extensions are available nationwide at select spas and salons. For a complete list of Shavasana professionals, please visit http://www.eyelash-extensions.com/find-professional-eyelash-extensions.php. Shavasana also offers a wide range of eyelash enhancing retail products for purchase at select spas and salons.