Beauty lesson for good pupils
Aug 29 2009 by Liz Lamb, The Journal
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, so make sure yours always look their best. Liz Lamb shows you how
FALSE EFFECTS
False lashes are no longer the reserve of pop princesses or drag queens.
In the past 18 months, false lashes have become as much of a must-have as lippy or eyeliner. Sales of false eyelashes are up 110% on last year at Superdrug with 4,000 packs flying out of stores every day.
Eyebrow guru Shavata, who recently opened a new Lash Lounge franchise, says: “False eyelashes give you the wow factor, making your eyes appear brighter and more feminine. Even if you have no makeup on, you look like you’re wearing mascara.”
The drama of your look – and its longevity – is down to the lashes you choose.
STRIP LASHES
Fine and natural or glamorous and heavy, strip lashes are the instant way to make your eyes the centre of attention. Opt for feathers, sparkles or colours for a party wow factor. Trim the strip of false lashes to the right length for your eyelid. Try e.l.f Hollywood Eyelashes Kit, £3.50 (www.eyeslipsface.co.uk) or Mister Mascara Bedazzled Lash Duo, £9.66 (www.mistermascara.com).
TEMPORARY LENGTHENERS
If you want longer lashes for a lengthier period than one night only, look to Nouveau Lashes’ new Blink & Go extensions. Applied by a therapist in 20 minutes, the false lashes last up to two weeks and can even be applied to the bottom lashes. The lashes must be removed or renewed by a therapist after two weeks, included in price tag, from £45 (www.blinkandgo.co.uk).
BESPOKE EXTENSIONS
Lash fanatics who want to ditch the mascara wand completely can opt for bespoke individual lash extensions à la Cheryl Cole. NovaLash extensions are applied by a therapist in under two hours and last up to six weeks.
You dictate your final fluttering look with the thickness, length and shape of the lashes.
Each extension remains bonded to the natural lash until your lash is ready to shed. Full NovaLash set, from £120 (0870 067 8447/www.novalash.com).
"Mascara and eyelash curlers will widen your eyes, lengthen your lashes and generally make them even more dramatic. Lash perming is a good alternative to false lashes and eyelash curlers, as it really opens up your eyes."
Conditioning products that naturally promote lash growth are another booming area of eye accentuation. Kate Moss is said to be a big fan of Eyesential Lashes, £69.95 (0870) 420-2942.
Applied in a similar way to a liquid eyeliner before bed every night, you could see an increase of up to 50% in length and thickness within four weeks. They can also be used to stimulate eyebrow growth if you want to thicken up.
TRY: RevitaLash, £95 (020 8997 8541/www.skinbrands.co.uk); Blinc Heated Eyelash Curler, £18 (0800 9168577/www.blincuk.co.uk); Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil, £17.50 (www.qvc.co.uk); Prestige Big Lash Effect Mascara, £4.99 (Boots)
