Wink, wink!

Monday, 14 December 2009 11:45

Want to make a statement? This season, holiday makeup is all about “lashes, lashes, lashes,” says MAC makeup artist Ashlee Mixson, who outfitted cover model and ballet dancer Carla Amancio with a pair that she planned to save for her upcoming Nutcracker performances.

To create “look-at-me” eyes, we suggest false lashes, rather than glopping on layers of mascara—and we don’t mean just for on-stage appeal. Applying a pair of thick, long falsies before going out means your face will look “done” in the blink of an eye, and goes perfectly with the high-glamour looks we’re seeing for holiday parties. But remember, not all lashes are created equally—here are some of our favorites.

These are for those who ooze fashion out of their clothes, accessories, and now, even their eyelashes, with dramatic length and thickness. Revlon Fantasy Lengths, Chic, $4.50.

These mod-looking lashes are as thick and dramatic as it gets. No mascara needed. AnDrea, Modlash, $4.

By mixing short and long fibers, these intensifying lashes will get eyes noticed, but not instantly look like they were glued on. Revlon Fantasy Lengths, Intensifying, $4.50.

Diamond detail fits right in with the sequin motif of the holidays—you’ll look like you’re catching snowflakes. E.l.f., Diamond Lash, $1.

These thin lashes start long at one end and shorten as they go to replicate the natural look of eyelashes. No one will bat an eye. Revlon Fantasy Lengths, Defining, $4.50.

TIPS FOR APPLYING FAKE LASHES

• Use tweezers to affix to eye, but grip them gently to avoid crimping the delicate fibers.
• When it comes to glue, a little goes a long way. Let it dry for a couple seconds before trying to stick to lid.
• Secure the lashes to the inner eye first and work outward, securing the lash to the baseline.
• When secured, coat real lashes and fake ones together with mascara. Eyeliner also helps to disguise the line between real and fake.
• If possible, ask a friend for help!

PRESS-ON BEAUTY

Looking for more ways to jazz up your look when you’re in a bind for time? Eyelashes aren’t the only glue-able accessory to get you out of a sticky situation. With all the hustle and bustle this time of year, manicures can be pushed to the bottom of the “to do” list. So we suggest a late-night run to the drugstore for do-it-yourself fake nails. But these aren’t the press-ons from grade-school sleepovers. These days, drugstore nails look professionally done, are easy to apply and are at a perfect price-point. They even come in multiple sizes to avoid that awkward “over-hang” effect and come in a range of solid or embellished designs. We’ve got to hand it to them—these cutesy designs make us want to high-five. Try drugstore brands such as Kiss and Broadway, or the Dashing Diva line from Sephora (pictured, $10).