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Consider false eyelashes to be the stiletto heels of your beauty routine. Falsies can make sparse lashes full, short lashes lengthy and invisible hairs magically appear, all in a blink of an eye. The sticky part is getting lashes to stay in place and look as natural as possible. An appropriate lash adhesive is the glue that holds it all together and there’s a bevy of bonds to do the job. Go ahead, lash out.
A Makeup Artist Favorite
Angelique Scarpelli, owner of MyLash, an eyelash extension boutique in the Los Angeles area, always reaches for DUO Eyelash Adhesive when applying her own fake eyelashes. She says, “It holds all night and you never have to worry about that awkward moment when your falsies pop off on the dance floor.” The formula comes in both a clear and black tone (which actually applies more like a gray) and provides a smooth finish under makeup.
Drugstore Deal
Sometimes department-store alternatives really do work. Ardell Lash Grip Eyelash Adhesive Waterproof formula is easy to apply and stands up to the competition. This glue applies white but dries virtually clear – nothing a little eyeliner drawn over won’t fix. Scarpelli advises putting a little glue along the strip and waiting 10 to 15 seconds for it to settle. Then, apply lash strip as close to your natural lash line as possible while staying on the eyelid skin. She suggests using a toothpick -- tweezers would work too -- to gently press down on the strip until it’s secured on your lashes. Wait a few minutes for adhesive to dry and apply your makeup.
Designer Duds
Shu Uemura is known to produce some of the industry’s most elaborate eyelashes. The company makes sets suitable for daily wear, as well, so it’s only natural that it has created the complementary Shu Uemura Eyelash Adhesive This glue is gentle enough for daily use and is suitable for contact lens wearers. After applying a few drops to the lash strip, you have about 5 to 6 seconds before it gets tacky and you can apply the lashes, making application fast and painless.
Quick Draw
If you’re more of the two-for-one variety, Make Up For Ever sells eyelash glue paired with fake eyelashes. The adhesive comes with a thin stick applicator that makes it easy to draw a line of glue along the base of the false lashes. This helps prevent using excess material and allows the lash glue to set quickly. Use tweezers, and be ready to place the lashes in a wink, before the glue dries.
