I’m a big fan of false eyelashes. I would never have guessed this. Especially, since I grew up in the age of “natural beauty” and less-is-more. But, the natural beauty of the fifties is not the same as the 20’s, 30’s, or even the 40’s. False eyelashes help me feel more feminine. So, I’ve learned this little trick using false lashes that are individual bunches — not the long strip of the old days, although I’ve tried those, but I hate the feel, and sure enough one corner will come unglued and then I look very un-natural and stupid.  These are much better.

My daughter wears them, so she willingly helped me out. That’s the beauty of having a daughter. So, first she did it for me and showed my the how-to; then I gave it a try. It’s not that difficult. You’re never too old for this makeup trick. I’ve had women tell me, “wow your eyelashes are long.” Then I confess they are false. They look a lot like eyelash extensions, which cost a pretty penny to get and keep up.

I buy them at Target for about $4. The glue comes in a tube. It goes on white and dries clear. I get the short or medium flare ones, they are plenty long.
What you need:
  1. Package of false flare lashes, in the bunch style. I use Dura Lash by Ardel.
  2. Adhesive in the tube, white that dries clear.
  3. Tweezers.
  4. Mirror, magnified — if you’re my age, super magnification.
  5. A steady hand.

 

 

 

Directions:
  1. Use mascara first on your natural lashes. If you want eyeliner, do that first too, but I don’t always do that.
  2. Squeeze out a little bit of the glue onto the lid of the container or piece of paper.
  3. Pick up one bunch of lashes with the tweezers.
  4. Dip the end of the lashes into the glue, still holding them with the tweezers. You only need a little glue, so just dip it into the glue to get a dab on the end.
5. Close one of your eyes and hold that lid straight with one hand, holding the tweezers in the other hand. And keep the other eye open so you can see where you’re going to place those lashes. This is where I use a good magnified mirror. I actually have to use my reading glasses to dip the lash in the glue. Then take my glasses off and look in the magnified mirror. (This shot shows no eyeliner or mascara, so you can see exactly what is gong on.)
6. Set the lashes at the base of your real lashes, just touching your lid. Start at the center and work to either side. You can use as few as six for each eye, or more. Here’s two:

Repeat for each bunch, and go from eye to eye. This way the glue has a chance to set.
Space them as evenly as possible. This shows six on each eye:

 

That’s it. Go ahead and take a look. I promise, you get better at this with practice. It’s much easier than you think, but of course I’m not sure I’d be able to pull this off with toddlers at my feet.

They last for as long as they stay on. That’s the trick. Sometimes when you sleep you may lose one or two, or if you forget you have them on while washing your face and decide to wipe your eyes, that may leave you looking ridiculous. Be sure to check your lashes in the morning, make sure you’re lookin’ good.