If you are new to the world of false lashes, your head may be spinning with all the different ways to lengthen your lashes. From costly lash extensions to glue-on store-bought lash strips and everything in between, you may be wondering which option is best for you and what fits your budget and daily routine. Furthermore, what option will give you the look you’re going for?
As style trends have taken a turn toward the natural aesthetic, more and more women want lashes that look gorgeous but also real. With this desire in mind, many have become intrigued by the idea of individual false lashes. If that’s you, here are some truthful tidbits on these tiny lash extenders you should know.
What Are Individual Lashes?
Individual eyelashes are synthetic lashes that are bundled in small sprout-like groups, attached at the base. While they are called “individual,” these lashes are generally three eyelashes in each group. Depending on the type of individual lash, these can either be placed on your natural lashes or on the skin near your lash line.
How Do You Apply Individual Lashes?
If you’re doing this for the first time, you’ll want to clear your morning calendar. Take a swing of your morning coffee and check out this rundown on how to apply individual false lashes.
- Apply mascara.
That’s right. If you want to use individual lashes, you’ll likely still want to use mascara. While other lash options may lean less on the need for mascara, individual lashes can provide a more sparse lash look, and mascara may be needed to get the full look you desire.
You’ll want to apply mascara before applying your individual lashes, as they’ll need a stronger base to adhere to. If you try to apply mascara to the false lashes, it will likely cause them to fall off or become disheveled.
- Set up the glue.
In order to allow your lash glue to become tacky enough to coat the base of the lashes, you’ll need to apply some to the back of your hand and wait for roughly a minute. Once the color begins to change, and it begins to form a sticky outer coating, you’ll know when the glue is ready. If the glue is too liquidy, your lash will not sit properly on your eye and may topple over.
- Carefully apply your lashes.
Once your mascara is on, and your adhesive has become sticky, look into a mirror, lift your eyebrows and tilt your head slightly back.
This will give you more visibility of your lash line. Next, using angled tweezers, place a lash cluster into the glue. Then place the glued portion of the lash along your natural lash line, starting from the outside in. Once placed, you’ll want to leave each lash bundle untouched for a few moments to allow it to set.
Once after waiting a few seconds, you can apply the next lash. If you are looking to place a full set, you’ll want to trim the lashes closest to the eye to get a more natural look. You may also need to replace any lashes that are bumped out of place during the full application by dipping them into the glue a second time and trying again.
- Dry and clamp.
Once your lashes have all been placed to your liking, you’ll need to give them several minutes to dry completely. If you want to add an extra level of lash loss protection, you can go back in and clamp down on the lashes with a lash curler or even by pinching them between your thumb and fingers.
How Long Do Individual Lashes Last?
Individual adhesive eyelashes will generally last as long as your daily make-up, roughly ten or twelve hours, total. This does not account for the loss of a lash or two that may occur throughout the day. Many lash glues are water-soluble, so getting caught in the rain or tearing up at an emotional movie may cause the glue to weaken and lashes to be lost.
Once you are ready to remove your lashes, you can do so by following these steps:
- Soak a cotton ball or soft cloth in an oil-based makeup remover and press onto your eyelid for a few seconds. This will dilute and disengage your lash glue.
- Rub back and forth over your eye to remove all lashes, eye makeup, and glue residue.
- Discard your lashes in the trash. (More on this later.)
Drawbacks Of Individual Lashes
Now that you are familiar with the process of applying individual lashes, you should know that there are some drawbacks to this method of lash lengthening. Here are a few you may already have picked up on, and some you haven’t.
Application can be tedious. As you now know, the process of applying individual lashes can be arduous. From gluing to placement, knocking lashes out of place, and even tailor clipping each lash, this can really slow down your morning routine. Add a ten-minute lash dry time, and you may just be late out the door.
You can only use these lashes once. Having to throw individual lashes away after a single day’s use can be frustrating and, even if you purchase lower quality, lower price lashes, the cost can add up from daily use.
Adhesive residue can cause infection. Especially if you are not diligent about taking off your make-up before bedtime, you should know that leaving your lashes glued on overnight or past the recommended time frame can lead to infection.
If dirt or bacteria are left to loiter on your lash line, it could mean trouble. For this same reason, you do not want to simply pluck old lashes from your eye after use. An oil-based remover is best for ensuring that no glue residue is left behind.
Individual lashes lack variety. Individual lashes are usually sold in a few lengths like short, medium, and long. Other than that, customization may be left up to you. If you do not feel confident about designing your own tapered look, trimming your individual lashes down to length, or evenly spacing your lashes, this can be a daunting task, and you may not end up with the look you desired.
Adhesive can be damaging. Whether it’s from using adhesive lashes too frequently or from pulling at the glue, lash adhesives can cause damage to your natural lashes. If used over long periods of time, the adhesive used to bond synthetic lashes to natural can cause your eyelashes to become damaged or possibly even to fall out.
What Other Options Exist?
If customizing, placing, and caring for individual lashes, seems overwhelming, all is not lost. Here are a few other options, and our take on each method. We’ll also let you in on the magic of magnetic lashes and why you should make the switch.
Adhesive Lash Strips
If buying adhesive lash strips seems easier than placing individual lashes, in a way, you are correct. Placing a strip of lashes does take less time than individual lashes. However, this method still involves the use of messy glue that can clog your ducts, damage your natural lashes, and leave behind a sticky residue. Furthermore, cleaning adhesive off reusable lashes can be a pain.
Lash Extensions
Perhaps you want to leave it up to a professional and are considering getting lash extensions. These feathery light lashes have their own drawbacks. Aside from draining your wallet, these can also damage your lashes. You may be catching on to the fact that, whether placed at home or by a technician, lashes that use adhesives can be bad for your eyes.
While lash extensions last longer, they can cause side effects like bloodshot eyes, itching, burning, pain or rash, redness and inflammation of the eye or eyelid, or swelling. They can even cause your natural lashes to fall out. Add in the need for several touch-up appointments a month, and you’ll agree that there must be a better way.
Why We Love MoxieLash Magnetic Lashes
Adhesives, infections, and flyaway lashes be gone! Magnetic lashes are here to stay. Yes, you can have the lashes dreams are made of without all the side effects that nightmares are made of. Here are some of the reasons you’ll love our magnetic lashes.
Our Lashes Are Quick And Easy To Apply
Unlike the tedious task of placing individual lashes or the arduous appointment schedule that comes along with lash extensions, MoxieLash Magnetic Lashes are extremely easy to put on, and there is no messy glue involved.
You Can Find A Magnetic Lash In Every Style
Whether you want a lash look that is natural, full of volume, dramatic, or colorful, you’ll find it in a MoxieLash. No need to clip the lash length to tailor your taper or worry about perfect placement. Our lashes come in soft, flirty, and bold looks, alike. We’ve got lash styles down to a science, so you don’t have to do all the design work. If you love the subtle look of individual lashes, an accent lash is for you.
They Last
There’s no need to worry about lashes flying away from glue that gives up. Our strong magnetic liners will keep your lashes in place all day.
Beyond staying put all day, our lashes can last for 30 uses. No sticky glue residue means no scrubbing away unwanted leftovers. This helps keep your lashes in great shape and ready to use again.
Skip the mess and switch to magnetic. Finding a sassy set of lashes that can be easily applied, adjusted in a snap, and that will last you without wrecking your wallet is possible. There are so many reasons to love MoxieLash Magnetic Lashes. Try some out with our MoxieLash Complete Starter Kit and fall in love with your lashes.