I am one of those lucky ladies with very long eyelashes, unfortunately I am also cursed as they are extremely straight and wild. Even though the curler works, they still have a mind of their own.

Below are some time tested ways I manage to get the look I seek. They may take a little practice but once you get the hang of it, they are fast and never fail.

Curling Eyelashes -
Some people curl their lashes after they put on mascara, this (to me anyway) gives a much too unnatural look. To curl before applying mascara, put a slightly magnified mirror a little below your line of sight so that you will be looking slightly down at the mirror. Open your eyes wide (since you are looking down, your eyes will only be 1/2 open) this will allow you to see your lashes better and get the curler closer to the base without pinching your eyelid. If you have trouble with pinching, use your free hand to lift the upper part of your eyelid. Close and hold for about 10 seconds (or a little longer depending on how stubborn yours are). Be careful not to close the curler too firmly or you will find eyelashes left in the curler when you are finished!

If you use an eyelash curler, make sure it is as wide as your eye. Some are curved much more so than the human eye and do not reach the edges of your eyelashes. I have found that the cheaper curlers are, believe it or not, usually wider and less curved in shape. Take a small ruler and measure your eye from your inner eyelashes to the outer eyelashes then simply measure the curler, buy a curler that is no more than 1/8 or 1/4 inch larger than the spread of your lashes.

Evenly Matched Eyelashes -
Some people like to use a safety pin or needle to get separation and more fullness. I am one who prefers the same amount of eyelashes on each eye. To get the same number of eyelashes on each side use a pair of fairly dull tweezers with a slanted edge. With some practice this will allow you to separate ones that may stick together, stick those "wild go where they want" lashes with others and you can even shape the curve. Lightly slide the tweezers along the lashes you want together or separated from root to tip. Make sure to do this while they are still moist enough to be molded and as always, be careful not to poke your eye out.! Using tweezers also allows you gently strip away clumps when you get a little too happy with the mascara.

Dry/Brittle Eyelashes -
It is summer and where I am, it is very dry and it takes its toll. I know there must be eyelash conditioners out there but Vasalene works just as well! Using an eyebrow brush or comb (or even your little finger) comb/brush/wipe through top and bottom with a very small amount of Vasalene at night after you have removed your makeup. If you do not use too much, you can leave it on in the morning. This will make your eyelashes even more "moldable" if you chose to use a safety pin or tweezers. Too much will just make a mess. If this isn't for you, no problem, using a moist cool washcloth, simply stroke them first on top and then below before applying makeup. This will also lift your eyelashes a little so there will not be any left out of the curler.

I have tried many mascara products on the market and even after years of this I am still a Great Lash believer. It is inexpensive and the bristle brush allows for those like myself who obsess over perfect lashes to get them just where I want them (I usually end up with 13 eyelashes on each side).

Happy Lashes to All!

Written on: 06/22/2008 (08:22pm)

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god my friends always think i'm obsessive with mascara, lash-curlers etc because i too have extremely long eyelashes! its so good to see someone who obsesses as much as i do!!!
i always find that using a curler before mascara and then for a couple of seconds between coats is best, as mine are so stubborn and straight.
another tip i found is to always brush in one motion from the inner corner to the outer lashes, as opposed to straight up, it gives a much fuller and more even coat.
and i too am a huge fan of GreatLash, i buy it every time, but on a splurge i go for benefit's bad gal lash with its giant brush, it's brilliant!

Written on: 07/02/2008 (11:03am)

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