Most women want fuller, flirty lashes. So we asked Glenn to tell us how to apply false lashes that make us look like a minx … not a drag queen. Kent Vaughan from Shu Uemura also gives his expert advice, and forecasts for lash fashion.
Glenn on Minxy Lashes
Lately I found myself relying more on full sets of lashes than building layers of mascara and using individuals, and I feel this is a trend that is reflected in celebrity make-up at the moment. Stars like Katy Perry are rarely seen without their false set of flirtatious battery!
For the general punter, it’s best not to choose a set that are too long or too thick. Napoleon Perdis has a good selection.
Glenn’s tips on how to apply fake lashes
1. Before you apply the glue, get the lash right into the lash line and see if the strip is longer than your natural lash line… and if so, trim it accordingly. Trim it so that a few millimetres shorter so that it has room to move.
2. Curl your natural lashes first, concentrate the bend right at the root and not so much on the ends (otherwise your lashes will poke through the false). Then paint black waterproof mascara right into the roots and through to the ends with a tiny fan brush. This is more likely to get in between the lashes than the mascara wand and create no clumps.
Top tip: It’s important to use a waterproof mascara because regular mascara is water-based and will take out the curl you just put in by curling the lashes. It’s kind of like blow drying your hair and then putting water on it. You just undo your work. I use Chanel Inimitable Waterproof in Black.
3. Then apply a drop of glue to the back of your hand and drag the lash base through the glue and apply right to the base of the lash line.
4. Once they are both dry and the glue is set, mascara the natural lashes to the false set. This time you can use the wand if you prefer, and finish with a fine line of cream liner, like Bobbi Brown Black Ink, to disguise the join to the skin!
To find out more about Glenn, go to his new and improved website: glennnutley.com
Another Minxy Lashes Masterclass from Kent Vaughan, a Sydney-based Creative Beauty Stylist for Shu Uemura.
RESCU: What was the inspiration behind the new Tokyo lashes?
Kent Vaughan: tokyo lash bar 2010 challenges the boundaries of eyelash creation with the ultra future fantastic neo-tokyo odyssey collection.
In this collection, shu uemura brings you to an imaginary future metropolis, a city with an astonishing and stimulating urban lifestyle. Experience ultra-modern and enchanting eye make-up, and extravagant, glimmering lashes embroidered with futuristic palettes. These fashion statements for the eyes will propel you into the fantasy world of your wildest dreams. Be the most provocative, space-chic girl in the whole galaxy.
RESCU: How do lashes change the way we look?
Kent Vaughan: They can add drama and sophistication to the eye area as well as your whole look and be natural in a more lash enhancing manner. There are also very creative, statement pieces that can transform you into an art piece accessory for a bold look – great for the races!
RESCU: What are the right lashes for different occasions: bridal; special event; red carpet; fantasy?
Kent Vaughan: We have very natural flare lashes, which are not a full strip, therefore they can be applied amongst your own lashes very naturally. These are great for bridal and everyday occasions when low intensity but elegant make-up is needed.
Full strip are great for extra volume to really thicken the lash look and open up the eyes for evening or an event. These can be altered in length and volume with different layers to go from dinner with the girls to a red carpet effect.
This New 2010 lash collection are more fantasy inspired as they are statement pieces. Great for a themed look to finish off the perfect outfit with a lash accessory, like the races. Heavily used amongst the fashion scene with avant garde looks in film clips and shoots to capture a desired image.
RESCU: How do we care for false lashes?
Kent Vaughan: Always place them back in their box, so they do not bend or get caught up to ruin the natural fibres used. Try to peel off glue at lash strip base to re-use without too much build up for easier application.
Do not wash as this can alter the lash look, but to keep clean, apply with lash applicator. If this happens, you can re-use these lashes up to 10 times.
RESCU: I want to try something different but not look like a drag queen- any suggestions for styles?
Kent Vaughan: Our most popular sophisticated lashes without being too over the top are Slant Black, Luxe Black and smokey layers.
These three are all altered slightly by either multiple layers blended together for volume, crossed lashes to create length and a spaced winged effect for natural curl.
RESCU: Do you have any tips when going for a very strong statement in lashes?
Kent Vaughan: When wearing a statement lash, the focus should be on the lash, therefore less colour and intensity with the make-up, but soft tones that suit the lash theme. I would focus more on beautiful skin with contouring to bring out bone structure to compliment, but not take away from the lash.
RESCU: Which celebrities love Shu Uemura lashes?
Kent Vaughan: We have celebrities such as Madonna, Lady Gaga and Pink using our lashes in their tours and film clips.
RESCU: Are Aussie clients adventurous or safe when it comes to lash fashion?
Kent Vaughan: I would say it’s 50/50. Most love the idea of adventurous, but chicken out. But once you try them on, they do not look as big and scary as some can do. It is how you wear it, so it is best to have a lash consultation done to see which size/length will suit you best.