Dan's Papers - August 8, 2008

Some women have been doing it for years, others do it only on special occasions and many would never consider doing it, however, wearing false eyelashes is not only trendy, but can be a real eye-opener. Emmy-winning makeup artist Eve Pearl, personal makeup artist to Meredith Viera and formally in charge of makeup at The View says, "Giving a boost to your lashes is the single best way to dramatically change your look. As a makeup artist who has transformed countless celebrities, TV personalities and blushing brides, I'd rather give up all other eye makeup than forsake fake lashes - it makes that much of a difference." The difference may be undeniable, but with so many varieties to choose from and the difficulty of actually getting them on your eyelids, even a believer might give up before trying.

If you're a novice, start small and inexpensively with brands sold in chain drugstores. Andrea makes a great pair that is a favorite of many makeup artists and lash devotees. While they have many styles to choose from one of the most popular is style #53, available in black or brown. They are feathered and angled for a natural look, and the actual length of the lash hairs are not too long. While they'll certainly make your lashes longer, the real advantage to this style is making your lashes look thicker. Mattese, sold exclusively in Rick'ys makes a very natural pair too: Fanny Lash item # Zg-223. Both these styles have an added advantage when it comes to application: they're very easy to handle since the width of the lash (measuring from inner to outer corner of the eye) is compact and requires little, if any, trimming. If you want a more dramatic look both Andrea and Mattese sell styles that are thicker, longer and longest.

The scariest part for many is the application. Pearl suggests the following:

"Your natural lashes should be clean and naked - no mascara or curling. Using tweezers, grab the fake lash from the outer edge when removing it from the container. If you haven't had them custom-fitted to your eyelid, then you should measure the faux ones to your natural ones and cut off any excess from the lengthier side. Keep in mind - it's better to have them too short across your eyelid than too long.

Next, turn the tube of glue upside down and allow just a bit of adhesive to squeeze out. Move the fake lash across the paste back and forth several times, getting a thick, tacky coating without overdoing it. While still wet (you have about 10 to 15 seconds), hold the lash with your tweezers and place it right in the middle of your eyelid above the lash line - not directly on the lashes. With your fingers, press down gently on the rest of the fake lash to secure it in place and then adjust it up and away from your natural lash line. It will look strange at this point, but have faith!

Now you have two distinct ridges of lashes - the fake ones and your own. To get them to meet, use a mascara wand and weave the lashes together in a back-and-forth motion while simultaneously lifting them upward, which will lend a natural curl. If the lashes are on wrong, you'll know immediately."

As a final tip, Pearl suggests applying false lashes after all other eye makeup is completed.

Pearl has just opened up her own studio in Manhattan at 805 Third Avenue. She is offering Dan's readers a 20% discount (code # EPBP805) until the end of August.

Janet Flora writes lifestyle and beauty features, and is a former contributor to Make-up Artist and Health magazines. A creative writing teacher and fiction writer, she spends her time in New York and Sag Harbor.