beauty
This week You! talks to ace stylist Mona J and finds out about the tips, tricks and trends relating to false eyelashes...
For a long while, false eyelashes have been cast as the supporting act when it comes to experimenting with makeup. But now, they’re back in the spotlight, taking centre stage in all their spiky, glittery, or (intentionally) barely-there glory. Thanks to social media which seems to be a haven for beauty gurus and cosmetic lovers, as it has opened passages for experimentation, new trends while keeping up with the old ones, and all things we love. For instance, it let us know of the ultra popular trend of eyelashes. It is interesting to know that lashes are 2018’s most popular beauty accessory and lash brands are getting super creative and lash hashes are reigning supreme online. Keeping this in mind, this week You! talks to beauty expert Mona J of Mona J Spa & Salon, Karachi, who shares what kind of eyelashes would suit your eyes and the latest trends of the season...
Of all shapes & sizes
Wearing false lashes can give you the longer, fuller lashes you have always dreamed of. Just like choosing a hairstyle to match your face shape, different false eyelash styles can enhance your natural eyes, or even change the shape of your eyes completely.
Understanding your eye shape will help you work out the best makeup to suit your face, but how do we determine the shape of our eyes? “There are a number of eye shapes according to which you can pull off several kinds of eyelashes,” informs Mona. “There is close & wide set eyes, deep set eyes, protruding ones, upturned & down turned and also almond shape eyes (which is said to be the perfect shape). If you have close set eyes, the distance between your eyes is shorter than the width of one eye. In that case, you should trim the eyelash and apply it on the outer corner of the eye. That will make your eyes look a little more distant. On the contrary if you have wide set eyes (that are distant from each other), use the ones which are longer and cover the entire lash line. You can also do a trick by drawing the brows near to make them look closer,” she explains.
Mona further tells that if someone has deep set eyes, they should accentuate their eye shape under the brow bone. “I would suggest that light eyelashes are suitable for this kind of eye shape. Moreover, it is necessary to avoid creating smokey eyes when you have deep set eyes, and do something which can pop the eyes a little. Use of bright eyeshades would be the best technique to do,” briefs the beauty expert. For protruding eyes - which don’t have a crease line and are popped out - Mona tells, “It is best to apply mascara rather than wearing falsies. For such eyes, smokey makeup looks the best.”
According to Mona, downturn eyes are the ones in which the outer corners point lower than the inner corners. They can be corrected best with the use of lashes. On the other hand, upturned eyes where the outer corners point higher than the inner corners, are the perfect candidate for a cat eye. To create a balance, put some kohl on the lower lash line and then put on the lashes. For almond or small eyes, the lashes should be light to make them look natural.
Always put them on right
Quality of glue is very important when it comes to wearing falsies. For application, take some glue by the help of a pin and apply it on the edges of the lashes. Let them dry for at least 10 seconds otherwise they won’t stick to the lash line properly. Put them on while pressing them for 30 seconds. Let it dry. In the end Mona informs that if the lashes are used carefully, you can reuse them for at least 20 to 25 times. The life of these lashes depends on the brand you are using and the way you have used them. “Also, don’t put a lot of glue every time you use them as it will damage the lashes easily,” she warns.
Keep them clean
Ladies, your lashes can look subtly fuller or daringly dramatic - and it all depends on the lashes you choose. If you have been there and done that, you are probably aware of how much of a struggle it can be to clean your set of false eyelashes at the end of the day. If you are looking for some quick hacks to extend the life of your falsies and make them look as good as new even after multiple wears, we have got you covered. “After reusing the lashes multiple times, lots of glue and mascara is built up on the surface. To clean the eyelash pair, take a bowl and fill it with shampoo and conditioner. Soak the lashes for 5 minutes and wipe it with a clean mascara wand. Then leave them to dry naturally,” shares Mona.
The favourite ones
With so many fake lashes out there to choose from, how will you ever decide?! To help you out, Mona have narrowed down her two best fake eyelashes brands that you should know about. “Huda lashes are very nice. They turn out to be beautiful! Another brand which is my favourite and is easily shipped in Pakistan is Flaunt N Flutter by Reem. One of the best from the brand’s range of lashes is ‘Flaunt it’, that is my personal favourite. They suit every eye shape and are very natural as they are made up of human hair,” reveals Mona.
Trend alert!
Poor old eyelashes! Every season, women go nuts for different eye shadows or liners, or Pinterest 12 dozen lipstick shades. Even eyebrows have become a talking point (to go bushy or not?).
When it comes to lashes though, it almost seems that long, fluttery and soot black have become everybody’s fave - whether you’re working with mascara, falsies or extensions. “It’s time for some quirky eyelashes and be a little creative with it. Forever 21’s feathery, stoned and crystal eyelashes are very in these days. We use them for fashion shows or conceptual shoots. If worn normally, people often use them for Halloween or themed parties,” concludes Mona.