The Best Ways to Add Drama to Your Lashes
Dramatic lashes can totally change the way your eyes look, don’t you think? They’re like the perfect accessory—easy to wear, yet they make a huge impact. But how do you take your lashes from basic to bold without spending hours in front of the mirror? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Just like choosing the right pair of shoes to complete an outfit, picking the right techniques for your lashes can take your whole look to the next level.
Start with the Right Mascara
Mascara is the foundation of any lash look, so it’s important to find the right one for you. Imagine mascara as the paintbrush and your lashes as the canvas. The right formula can totally transform your lashes from flat and lifeless to full and voluminous.
What to look for:
- Volume: If you want big, bold lashes, go for a volumizing mascara. It’ll give you that thick, full look. These mascaras usually have a thicker formula, which helps add density and depth to your lashes.
- Lengthening: If you’ve got shorter lashes and want to make them look longer, lengthening mascaras are your best friend. They often have special brush wands that separate and coat each lash from root to tip.
- Curling: For those of us with straight lashes, a curling mascara can give you the lift you need to make your lashes stand up and stay curled all day.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with a combination of mascaras. Some people like to layer a volumizing mascara on the bottom and a lengthening one on top for the ultimate dramatic effect. It’s like mixing different shades of paint to create a beautiful, custom color.
Master the Art of Layering Mascara
Once you’ve got your mascara, it’s all about layering. Layering your mascara helps to build up volume and length without making your lashes look clumpy. It’s a bit like making a sandwich—just a few layers at a time, and you’ll have something pretty spectacular.
Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a thin layer. Apply your first coat of mascara and let it dry for a few seconds. This creates a good base for the next layer.
- Add another coat. Once the first layer is dry, apply a second coat, focusing on the tips of your lashes to create length.
- Build as needed. You can keep layering mascara to achieve the drama you desire, but be sure to let each coat dry before applying the next to avoid clumping.
Pro tip: Use a lash comb to separate your lashes between layers. This helps to keep your lashes defined and prevents them from sticking together.
Don’t Skip the Lash Primer
Just like a makeup primer preps your face for foundation, a lash primer prepares your lashes for mascara. Think of it as the ultimate cheat for fuller, longer lashes. Lash primers typically coat your lashes with a nourishing formula that adds volume, curl, and helps mascara stick better.
The beauty of lash primer is that it works as a base to create a stronger foundation. It helps your mascara go on smoothly, making your lashes look fuller without the clumps. Plus, some primers also have ingredients that promote lash growth, so they’re a win-win!
Pro tip: Apply your primer, then let it dry for about a minute before going in with your mascara. This ensures that your lashes have enough grip to hold the mascara and creates a more dramatic effect.
False Lashes for Instant Drama
When you want instant lash drama, nothing beats a good pair of false lashes. They’re like the cherry on top of a perfect makeup look. False lashes come in many styles, from natural to ultra-dramatic, so you can find the perfect set for whatever vibe you’re going for.
Types of false lashes:
- Strip lashes: These are the most common and easiest to apply. They come in a full band that covers your entire lash line, creating an instant dramatic effect. Strip lashes come in various lengths and volumes, so you can choose depending on how bold you want your look to be.
- Individual lashes: If you prefer a more custom look, individual lashes allow you to add volume and length in specific areas. They’re great for a more natural, fluttery effect but still give you that dramatic feel.
How to apply false lashes:
- Trim the lashes. If the lash band is too long for your eye, trim the edges to fit your lash line.
- Apply lash glue. Put a thin layer of lash glue along the lash band and wait about 20-30 seconds for it to become tacky.
- Place the lashes. Using tweezers, gently place the lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible.
- Press and hold. Once the lashes are in place, gently press along the band to make sure they’re secure.
Pro tip: After applying false lashes, give them a quick pinch with your natural lashes to blend them together for a seamless look.