Safety first when handling false lashes

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Wednesday, 09 December 2009 00:00

Jennifer Lopez, singer (Photo credit: PRPhotos.com)

False lashes add spice, but eyes still need protection

By Nichole Nichols, My Salon Scoop writer

There's nothing sexier or more feminine than a pair of fluttery, luxurious looking lashes. Mo'Nique, star of the movie Precious, and Jennifer Lopez, who has branded herself as "Lola" for her upcoming album, have been spotted wearing the hottest trends in lashes such as colored mascara and glamorous extensions.

Although every hair-nista wants to be as polished as these red-carpet stars, beware of certain safety precautions when adorning the eyes.

"Before working near the eyes, always wash your hands with soap and water," says Dr. Andrea Thau, spokeswoman for the American Optometric Association. "The safety issue when wearing false eyelashes relates to the adhesive. Be certain to only use adhesives approved for use around the eyes. Take care not to let any adhesive get into the eye. Never use super glue or any other type of unapproved adhesive as it can seal your lids closed and cause extensive damage to the eye."

The association also recommends that you replace your mascara every three months.

Nashville-based beauty expert Stephanie Maxwell agrees. She says false eyelash wearers should be very picky about the glue they choose to apply their lashes.

"I would tell people that aren't experienced not to buy the waterproof glue because it's really hard to get off. I would just buy the tinted dark or the light glue," says Maxwell, co-owner of the nationally recognized Maxwell Aesthetics beauty treatment and cosmetic surgery center.

She recommends the LashTite Individual Lash Adhesive by Ardell. It's about $3.50 and can be purchased online at target.com, drugstore.com, amazon.com and others.

Maxwell prefers individual lashes to strip lashes for their more natural appearance and ease of application.

Mo'Nique, comedianne/actress (Photo credit: PRPhotos.com)

"What I would do is see a professional makeup artist just to teach you how to put them on and then you can do it on your own," she says. "If you have dark lashes you probably want to use a dark glue and sort of stab them in the middle of your lashes. Not above the lash line or below. Putting them in the middle creates a prettier look."

Kena Battle, an eyelash stylist at Shear Creations Salon in Gary, Ind., agrees with Maxwell about the natural look of the individual lashes versus the strip. She also prefers them for their longer wear time.

"The strip lashes last for about a day. You can take them off and reapply them. But the individual lashes last longer and they do look more natural," Battle says.

Both professionals agree that if the lashes are applied correctly, mascara shouldn't be needed.

"You want your lashes to look as natural as possible so that's why I recommend no mascara. (If you must) have it you can look for oil-free formulas," Battle says.

Prices for professionals to apply lashes differ around the country, but they can run anywhere from $25 and up.

Both Battle and Maxwell recommend Ardell individual lashes if you choose to go the do-it-yourself route. Try Ardell DuraLash Naturals. The cost varies, but they start around $3 and can be found online at amazon.com, sallybeauty.com, drugstore.com and other places.

Whether you use false lashes or prefer your natural lashes with a little mascara, keeping them healthy is key to keeping them beautiful. Thau offers tips on how to care for and maintain beautiful lashes:

Thau's tips to care for and maintain beautiful lashes:

Just as nutrition is essential to growing healthy hair and maintaining healthy skin, getting the proper vitamins and minerals is essential for lash growth. Thau recommends eating plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish like salmon.
Never go to bed wearing eye makeup.
Use non-waterproof eye makeup, which is easier to remove with a gentle eye makeup remover.

Nichole Nichols has written for Relate Magazine and Pink Magazine. She is from Gibsonville, N.C.