How I Make False Eyelashes Look Real [SLIDESHOW]

Random fact about me: Sometimes I fantasize about how great it would be to have long, lush lashes that blink "helloooo" from across the room. Don't roll your eyes. It's not like I spend an inordinate amount of time daydreaming about it. But listen, when you have short, stubby, lame excuses for lashes like me, you yearn for something better.

Sure, I could go and get extensions (if they weren't so outrageously expensive). Or I could spend 30 minutes each day applying coat after coat of mascara (if I lived a life of leisure). Or, yes, I could just resign myself to the cold, hard fact that I have stumps for eyelashes. But I'm not one to just roll over and accept my shortcomings -- and that's why I've become somewhat of an expert on false lashes.

I know what you're thinking. "Ew, those totally fake-looking, creepy crawly things Nicki Minaj wears?"

No. That's not what I'm talking about at all.

The most important thing I've learned in my quest for great lashes is that when it comes to the false ones, getting the right, natural-looking pair is half the battle. And, then, how you apply them makes or breaks the look.

To illustrate my point and help you achieve the gorgeous, glamorous look we all crave, I've compiled a list of the best lashes I've worked with and talked to pro makeup artists to get the techniques that help make falsies look more believable. Go ahead, try them on for size ... it's so much more fun than daydreaming about having longer lashes.

CLICK THROUGH to see how to get false lashes that look real now ...