Lash Out

So, another friend was asking me about mascara and eyelash curlers and all that jazz. She was having an issue with the fact that her lashes weren't staying curled when she put her mascara on. She commented that it looked like I wasn't having that problem. I told her there were just a few simple steps to make sure this wasn't an issue for her anymore.

First- make sure you have the RIGHT eyelash curler. Does your eyeslash curler have curved pads? Or does it have a right angle on it anywhere? If your curler pad has a hard angle on it anywhere, throw it out immediately! Then, go forth and purchase one with a more natural, rounded pad on it. My 2 favorites are the Tweezerman Classic Lash Curler: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2064729&productId=xlsImpprod560324&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat970001
This would be the curler for the cost conscious. If, however, you are flush with cash in this recession, the Rolls Royce of eyelash curlers would be the Shu Uemura one: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P8119&categoryId=C17300
Both have the rounded pads I was talking about and are gentle on the lashes.

Second- when you curl your lashes, start at the base and give a really good, big ol' squeeze. Then, the real trick is to slide the curler up the lash and squeeze again gently at varying points until you get to the tip. This creates a fantastic curve all the way up the lash, making the curl look more realistic and less created. Plus, I find that this helps maintain the curved shape better.

Finally- when you are ready to apply your mascara, the first coat is crucial. If you just slap on a coat, it tends to be too heavy and can weigh the lashes down. Hence, ruining any fabulous curl you've just created. So, the solution is to pull the mascara wand out and wipe off a pretty good bit of the product. I tend to wipe it off right on the opening of the mascara tube. That way I can push it back in with the wand and none gets wasted. Your first coat of mascara should be a light one so that it goes on smoothly and clump free. Another idea would be to wipe off only one side of the mascara brush, use that side for your first coat and then just turn the brush over and use the side with more product for your second coat. So, you kind of end up with a coat and a half on.

Give these tricks a try and see if you don't like the way your lashes look a little better. You'll be the envy of all your clumpy, straight lashed friends!!