False Eyelash Talk 1 - What are they, how much they cost and how to choose your pair.

It took me a long time before I decided to write a post on false eyelashes. For the longest time, I just couldn't think of anything interesting and informative I could say to help my readers decide on a fun pair of lashes for any occassion.

But I think by now I have enough experience after trying various false lash sets that I can provide some opinions and tips on how to choose, put on, take care of your lashes and what to expect from using them.

False eyelashes look, for the most part, very exaggerated. It's been a hot makeup trend for the past 5-6 years so a lot of people have grown accostumed to them and even if you're all about very natural-looking makeup, you can still enjoy subtle enhances with the right pair of natural-looking false lashes.

Why Would I Want False Eyelashes?

False Eyelashes are a great way to transform an "ordinary" makeup look to something with a boost of pazazz.  With them, you'll have these big luscious lashes that gives you that extra sumthin' sumthin' for special occasions. Your eyes will stand out in photos and believe me, people will be staring and admiring!

You're not going to want or need lashes all the time. I never ever put any on when I'm going out during the day or just doing something casual. If you do get hooked to using them everyday for personal or work (yes, some places make it a requirement!), consider something subtle.

Thees are Gi & Gary Fresh Collection Flattering Nude Lashes. The lashes are not dense and each fiber is pretty thin. While they may look dramatic in the photo, they are anything but when you have them on, they blend in very easily with your own lashes. This is what I would consider subtle lashes.


I got into using false lashes when I did television work and modeling. Now, I just put them on for fun. It could cost as little as $3 US to buy a pair that comes with glue so you don't need to shell out a lot just to try. Remember if you've never applied them on before, it's going to take a few tries. Follow the instructions provided if there are any. It's perfectly do-able to apply them with bare hands. Don't think you need to buy an applicator. I will write a post on how to apply lashes later.

What kind of lashes works for me? Should I choose over-the-top or something more subtle? 

Both and everything inbetween!  False eyelashes are as effective for photoshoots and all that glamorous stuff as they are for an evening out.

If you're going to wear false lashes during the day, I'd recommend something subtle that blends in with your own lashes. If you're going out clubbing or to a party, pretty much any kind will work. And if you're going to a fancy date or event, I usually prefer more voluminous ones made from soft fibers. These ones give a look of volume and length that is soft and easy on the eyes.

The ones on the left are Gi & Gary's Classic Collection Hollywood Glamour and on the right are made Japanese lashes (made in Korea) by Bi Foie luxurious Black Lash. These two sets of lashes are quite different from each other even though they are about the same lash length. I would consider both dramatic lashes. Bi Foie lashes are softer to the touch and more feathery (hence on the packaging it says "big-eyed feathery look") while Hollywood Glamour lash fibers are thicker. They also look a tad more dramatic which may or may not be a good thing depending on the look you want.

Third set of dramatic lashes. The fibers are thicker than Bi Foie's and somewhat similar to Hollywood Glamour but the fibers are grouped less densely and some even criss-cross providing a slightly different dramatic look.

Lashes on the left are Shu Uemura's False Eyelash Smoky Layers 007 and the ones are the right, I don't remember as I don't have the packaging for them anymore - they are Japanese eyelashes - soft fibers, densely grouped but less dramatic than Bi Foie's (see up top). Shu's Smoky Layer lashes are made of high quality fibers to form an intricately designed set. The shortest layers (top most ones) are criss-crossed and unlike cheaper lashes, the fiber lengths are purposely asymmetically  in small groups but perfectly symmetical as a whole. It takes a lot more time to put together something like this. The end result are dramatic but natural-looking lashes.

The Japanese lashes to the right are still good when you want something dramatic but not as exaggerated as Gi & Gary's Hollywood's - it has somewhat of a softer touch. However, it just doesn't have the same details and craftsmanship as Shu Uemura's. And visible difference is reflected clearly in in the price. Shu Uemura's Smoky Layers are $28 USD while the Japanese ones were somewhere around $10-15 USD. Plus, they look like they've been worn half a dozen times but in reality, it's more like 3 times. I've worn my Smoky Layers about 5 times since I got them and they are still in great shape.

The style of lashes you want really comes down to your preference. There is no right or wrong lashes. Think what is subtle, fun, dramatic and classy to you and apply those standards to lashes. Would you wear thick, long gamourous lashes to work in an office setting? Probably not. Just remember whatever you choose put on, have fun and feel confident!

How Much Should I Pay for a Pair of Eyelashes?

For your first pair, go for something around $5-$7. E.l.f. makeup has an eyelash and makeup kit set for $3. It includes a pair of voluminous lashes, an eyelash applicator and eyelash glue.

Generally, the more you pay for lashes, the higher quality they are and the longer they should last when well cared for (see Shu Uemura lashes above). Shu's false eyelashes are under $30USD while MAC's lashes are $16USD. I haven't tried MAC's false eyelashes so I can't comment on them but I've had great experiences using Shu's false lashes.

Check False Eyelash Talk 2 for more on false eyelashes. I'll be covering eyelash adhesive (glue) and how to care for lashes.