Luscious Lashes

This is my first beauty post and I must admit I am a bit nervous writing this. So many of you have asked me to write more about make-up and hair, so of course your wish is my command! I thought I'd start off writing about getting great full lashes. The eyes are the windows to the soul and lashes help open them up and look really youthful and wispy. Of course you have the choice of wearing falsies but unfortunately I have zero knowledge when it comes to applying faux lashes. Instead I like to do all I can to extend and fill up my lashes using mascara.

On my recent photo shoot with the Seventeen SA style counsel, I chatted to make up artist, Marley, who gave me some great tips on getting the perfect lash effect. Firstly, she told me that lashes are a trial and error kinda thing and getting the perfect mascara can take years of searching. She went on to explain that its best to use multiple mascaras; one to get right the root of your lashes and another to fluff them out!

1 The first thing I do is use a dark liner to apply a thin line above your lashes. This will make it seem as if you have more lashes at the root than you really do. If you're doing a day-time application make sure its really thin, nearly invisible. I sometimes lift my lid and line the inside as well - but this can be a bit dangerous so be careful! To line I use Kajal - you can get this at any Indian store and MAC makes their own version too.

2 Next, use an eyelash curler to make my lashes pop. Since my lashes are naturally quite long and upturned, I don't always use a curler but if your lashes are not naturally curled it's a good idea to invest in one. You can pick up really great curlers at Inglot, Clicks and Woolworths. Get to the root of your lashes and press gently. Be really attentive when doing this because if you apply too much pressure you could end up pulling out some lashes or hurting yourself. Once you get the hang of it you'll be doing it daily

3 If you wear false lashes the next step would be to apply them but we will skip past this step. Use a mascara brush with thin bristles to get right to the root of your lashes and "wiggle" the wand from left to right till you get to the top. This will help avoid clumping and bulk up your lashes. I use a Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus Duo and coat my lashes with the primer side twice before I move on to black. This is probably because I am lazy and haven't really found a thin bristled mascara brush yet. If you have any suggestions please comment. I found this really great explanation on Zuneta.com, highlighting the difference between mascara wands, this is the key to getting the perfect lash effect.

The Mace - "to capture and separate each and every lash right from the root"

The Comb (over) - "separates lashes as it combs for volume without clumps"

The Helter Skelter - "ensures “Haute Couture” precision and dresses the lashes evenly from root to tip"

The Bobbly One - "curves IN to maximize lash loading, curves OUT to curl and de-clump"

The Square Root - "designed to reach the very base of your lashes, seperating and lifting"

The Double Helix - "reaches every single lash, even the smallest coating them from from root to to tip"

(source)

4 The final step would be to coat your lashes with a fluffy bristled wand. I like to do this really gently to avoid clumping and provide a really natural look. Since you've already applied the pre-lash primer from the root you can gently flick your mascara on. Artists usually suggest a 2nd coat - this is done before drying to avoid clumping - I do about 6 to 8 coats of black mascara for night time looks and for daytime I do 3 or 4 coats of black or blue mascara (when I am feeling feisty). I coat them really quickly to avoid clumping. Try the Inglot Faux Lash Effect Mascara and their Color Play Masacara in green&blue. You could also try placing the wand in a vertical position and flicking the lashes toward the outside of your eyes to get a cat-eye effect.

Voila! You have pretty eyes that pop! In my next installment I'll write about my favorite eyeliners.

x x x
Aisha B