January 2005
Dear Paula,
I just read your Web site article about mascara. I love your books on hair and makeup. Thanks for saving me money. My skin looks better with pHisoderm skin wash and a Neutrogena toner! The Mary Kay Purifying Bar I was using actually CAUSED my blackheads! They disappeared after I quit using it.

I'm a housewife, age 44. I have red hair, hazel eyes, and ivory skin. I've been wearing Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara for a couple of years, upon your recommendation. Although it's excellent mascara, and it doesn't flake or run, I'd still like fluffier, thicker (not longer) lashes. My thinking is that maybe false eyelashes would work for special occasions. I don't want to look like a bimbo, I just want to supplement my own very thin lashes. I've never actually tried them and would like your ideas before starting out. What are the dos and don'ts of false eyelashes?

Cathy, via email

Dear Cathy,
Thank you for your kind words about my books. It is always gratifying to know my readers are benefiting from the information I provide and have found products that work well for their skin without causing irritation.

Although I am not opposed to using false eyelashes (there is no danger except irritation from the glue used to put them on, or pulling out your own lashes when you take them off, or the risk of looking like you're wearing falsies), I am inclined to suggest you experiment first with some of the newer thickening mascaras. Depending on your skill with the brush and how many coats you apply, you can achieve false eyelash-like results without having to resort to the tricky application process false eyelashes call for. Some of my favorites include L'Oreal Lash Architect 3-D Dramatic Mascara ($7.99), Clinique High Impact Mascara ($13.50), and M.A.C. Zoom Lash Mascara ($9.50).

If those suggestions don't get you the results you're after, then experimenting with false eyelashes is a cautioned option. When shopping for false eyelashes (the M.A.C. counter has a great selection and there are makeup artists on hand to show you how to apply them), you need to determine if you want a full or partial set. A full set is placed (via a special adhesive applied to the strip of false eyelashes) against your upper lash line on the skin, as close as possible to your actual lashes, but not on your real lashes (which indeed is as tricky to do as it sounds).

If needed, the false eyelashes can be trimmed, before applying them, to whatever length or style you prefer. Once the adhesive has set (typically 30 seconds), you can leave them as is or apply mascara so your own lashes blend in with the false ones you applied.

Partial sets, or small clumps of false eyelashes, are meant to enhance your own lashes and may be applied wherever you need extra emphasis. Most women who use partial false eyelashes apply them at the outer corner and in the center of the lash line. Each lash (or grouping, if that is how they're sold) is applied individually, and you use tweezers for precise application. Again, once the adhesive sets and you are satisfied with the placement, you can apply mascara over your own lashes to make the false ones less noticeable. Lining the eyes before or after applying a full or partial set of false eyelashes helps conceal the strip, too. A non-greasy eye pencil or powder eyeshadow works best.

Removing false eyelashes must be done carefully so you don't pull out or damage your real lashes. If you applied a full strip of lashes, lightly lift up the edge of one end of the strip and slowly pull it off. Partial lashes must be removed one by one (or one grouping at a time if the lashes came that way) in the same manner. After removal, wash the false lashes in warm water with a mild cleanser or shampoo. You need to remove the excess dried adhesive before you use the lashes again. Once they are clean and dry, false eyelashes should be stored in their original container to keep them sanitary.

Note: The most common false eyelash adhesive is made by Duo, and contains rubber latex. If you are allergic to latex, you will not be able to use this adhesive. A latex-free alternative is Andrea Mod Perma-Lash Adhesive, available online or in beauty supply stores.