With the gazillion different kinds of false lashes you see on the market nowadays, it is no surprise that you feel lost. But fear not, Phyllis to the rescue!
Individual
Individual lashes are basically strands of synthetic hair that you place in between your own lashes to create a fuller look. They normally come in a pack and they can create the most natural-looking AND the most dramatic look, depending on how you apply them.
A common misconception is that individual lashes are the same as lash extension. But unlike lash extension, individual lashes are applied with the same glue as strip lashes and need to be removed by the end of the night.
Product Recs:
MAC Lash #30 and Ardell Duralash Flare Short
Strip
Strip lashes are a complete set of lashes on a strip that you place along the lash line. They normally require trimming and are less natural looking than individual lashes. You can apply strip lashes with a pair of tweezers or a clip made specifically for it.
Sometimes strip lashes come pre-glued but I highly suggest you apply a thin layer of glue so it stays on properly. My favorite eyelash glue is Duo but an eyelid glue would work just as well.
* Natural
Among all strip lashes, these provide the most natural look. Anyone can wear them and they are suitable for both day wear and night wear.
Product Recs:
Ardell #110 and MAC Lash #41
* Luxe
Although these look a little overwhelming, they will give you va va voom lashes. They are best used for night or whenever you are feeling sexy.
Product Recs:
MAC Lash #42 and MAC Lash #3
* Bold
Bright-colored/feather lashes are too much for every day but they are definitely great for parties. They also tend to require the most practice to apply.
Product Recs:
Make Up For Ever #25116 and #25115
Shu Uemura Premium Velvet Feather Lashes in Deep Forest
* Bottom
These are great for those with little lower lashes and for creating the doll look. You can either place them on top of your lower lashes or underneath. If you place it on top, apply glue on the bottom of the strip. If you place it under, apply glue on the top of the strip. I will do a tutorial on the application shortly.
Product Recs:
Shu Uemura Flare Under Eyelashes
* Half
These are used on the outer corner to create the illusion of bigger eyes. They are great for those who find a full set of strip lashes too much.
Product Recs:
MAC Hello Kitty Lashes and Sonia Kashuk Demi Lashes
Other Brands Worth Checking Out
* Eylure if you are located in the UK. They are the masters behind some of the most iconic looks like Twiggy’s mod lashes plus a lot of celebrities e.g. Girls Aloud, are fans. I have also used them in my previous FOTDs.
* Korean brands like Darkness, Ipum and Shisem. These are made to fit Asian eyes. They come in all kinds of different styles and require no trimming at all. They also wear really well and a pair would last forever. Definitely check them out at your local Asian market!
* My latest obsession are these strip false from Taiwan. Like the Korean lashes, they come in really pretty styles and they are the secret to my Barbie look that you ladies loved.
Stay tuned for pictures of my collection of falsies!
18 Comments
I can’t wait for your tutorial on the “under-lashes”! And by the way, I’ve heard of people sleeping in individual lashes and that they last for a couple weeks or so. I’ve tried it where I went to a camp and it was fine, but what’s your opinion on wearing individual lashes for more than a day (or couple days?)
Jennie,
I think you’re referring to lash extension. For the lashes to stay on for a few weeks, you have to use a different kind of glue and normally when people apply individual lashes, they use the regular eyelash glue for strip lashes (which is not strong enough to hold the lashes in place for such a long period of time).
I have also tried those diy lash extension kits but personally, I prefer wearing false lashes because when you get an lash extension done, you cannot use oil-based eye makeup removers (they will mess up the glue).
Hi Phyllis,
Can you let us know where we can get the Taiwanese lashes (or any kinds of falsies) online? There aren’t that many asian stores around where I live. Thanks! 🙂
You can buy them on eBay, they are very cheap. I don’t like it becouse they are very plastic and firm. All I can say about them is “running eyes” 🙂
I prefer Ardell instead. 🙂
Jac,
A friend of mine brought these back from Taiwan for me but I will see if my contacts in Hong Kong have access to them as well.
haha yay! phyllis to the rescue XD
i’ve also tried a brand called sugar cosmetics, their falsies last for over a month and they keep their shape like crazy
i also have a question, do you recon the korean or taiwanese ones? which are the most durable? thanks
Jac: I’ve seen them on ebay and they go for 10 pairs for like 10 bucks
do you think it’s an absolute must to apply mascara when wearing fake eyelashes? also, should i put mascara before the fake lashes? thank you and i can’t wait to hear more about the taiwenese lashes because you ROCK them!
Thanks for this informational post.
I’ve found that I like using individual lashes more than the strips. They look more natural to me. They do take me awhile to put them on though. lol.
Please post pics of your collection!
Thanks for this! When I first started using lashes, I used Ardell’s #110. Now, I fell in love with Red Cherry lashes…it’s under $2.
Thanks Tina! I only apply mascara before wearing falsies but I make sure I curl my lashes after so they blend in with my own lashes.
no thank you! do you wear mascara everyday? i used to, but now i am trying to discipline myself to wearing it only 4-5 days out of the week. I feel like my eyelashes are becoming brittle because i use it everyday. those days that i go without mascara, i feel so empty inside!!! i really want to do the eye lash ext but i heard it’s a big rip off 🙁
“But fear not, Phyllis to the rescue!”
haha, very cute and funny 🙂
Do you have any tips for applying falsies for those with hooded eyelids?
love ur make up!!
and i love the taiwan lashes..so affordable:)
Rachael,
I don’t see how it would be different to apply fake lashes on hooded eyelids. Just remember to choose a pair of medium length and if you are using eyeshadow, to apply the darker color on the outer corner so you draw the eye outward.
I bought some Ipum lashes the other day based on your suggestions! Can’t wait to try them!
Did I say Ipum? I totally meant Darkness. I love them! My only gripe is that the lash strip seems very thick, so they’re pretty heavy to wear all day.
Hey. I stumbled on your site while searching for falsies. I don’t live near any Asian beauty stores and wanted to know if you could recommend some online sites that sell the Korean Brand lashes? Thanks!