Desi Diva

By Shweta Govindarajan

Celebrate Fall with False Eyelashes

Plus, how to keep unwashed hair looking fabulous.

Q: Now that fall’s around the corner, I can’t wait to break into my makeup. To begin the new season with a bang, I think I’d like to try wearing false eyelashes at the next party, but where do I get them, and how do I put them on?

A: False eyelashes, one of the beauty industry’s timeless tricks, are a delicious way to make your eyes pop. But, done wrong, they can make you look like you have tarantulas for lashes.

There are two kinds of false eyelashes: the most popular are those that come in strips, ranging in thickness and length, which sit along the lash line. Another type, that often look more natural, are the individual lashes that can be applied to select sections of the lash line. The way to choose which falsies are right for you depends on the look you’re going for: Fake lashes can make you look Aishwarya Rai elegant or RuPaul fabulous, depending on how thick they are. You can buy false eyelashes in a drugstore, but novices might consider buying them at a higher-end beauty counter (MAC has quite a selection), where you can get a tutorial and maybe even a demonstration before taking them home.

False eyelash strips are often quite long; before applying the lashes, hold them against your eye and trim the ends to your desired length (they should match up with your own lashes). Take a toothpick and apply a thin line of adhesive (we like Duo Dark Adhesive available at drugstores or online) to the lashline. Wait a few seconds to make sure it’s sticky enough. Place the lash strip along the lashline and press down, starting from the inner corner and working your way out. (Some people start in the middle; try out a couple of techniques to figure out what works for you). Feel free to pat the lash strip gently to make sure it's in place, or just look in the mirror—you'll see immediately if it needs adjustment. Make sure the falsies line up with your real lashes—if there’s a significant overhang you’ll have to take them off and trim them. After waiting to let them bond to your lashline, gently use an eyelash curler to blend the falsies and your real lashes together, and finish with a coat or two of mascara. A sweep of eyeliner over the eyelash strip can also help disguise them.

Wearing false eyelashes isn’t easy, so don’t get discouraged if putting them on doesn’t work the first few times. It’s smart to practice well ahead of your event, and make sure the lashes are on good and tight—you don’t want to be the woman at the table with the droopy, gummy eyelashes almost falling into her saag paneer. And most importantly, avoid looking like a cross dresser by staying clear of false eyelashes lashes that are more fabulous than you. The best part? Fake lashes are reusable! Just wash them gently in warm, soapy water, let them dry and they’re ready for another go!

Q: I’ve got pretty long hair and it gets greasy pretty quickly. Washing it every day is not an option, and with my busy schedule, sometimes I have to go for three days in between shampoos. How do I still keep my hair looking cute?

A: One of the best ways around three-day-old hair is to pull it into a ponytail—it’s a classic look that will never go out of style, and it’s more fun than buns, which can make you look older. High ponytails can seem girlish or gym-bound, so try wearing your pony at or just above the nape of your neck. Ponytails consolidate the strands and avoid the clumpy look that greasy hair has when worn down. Don a pretty clip on one side and presto—no one has to know the last time you lathered up.

Worried your ponytail’s too pedestrian? If you need to wear your hair down but are put off by the grease, try this trick used by the pros. Sprinkle a handful of baby powder along your part and gently rub it into your scalp. If necessary, feel free to sprinkle powder in any other places that need a little de-greasing. However, be cautious about how much you put on: too much and you’ll turn your hair gray or even white, and then you’ll really have to hit the shower. After you’ve applied the powder, run a brush through your hair to distribute the powder and then blow dry the remaining powder out. Another solution? If your hair’s greasy just one day after a wash, some recommend pressing blotting paper along your part to soak up the oil without the risk of accidentally aging your hair.

Shweta Govindarajan is a congressional reporter who wouldn't mind teaching Capitol Hill a thing or two about undertones. In addition to feeding her Sephora addiction every chance she gets, Shweta writes about all things beauty for ABCDlady.

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