Hollywood stars like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan swear by eyelash extensions - they're waterproof, they look like your own lashes, they last for up to 6 weeks, and there's no need to apply mascara. It all sounds really good - but at $300 a pop, eyelash extensions can be wee bit too expensive for us mere mortals. In this edition of Beauty DIY, we look at a cheaper DIY alternative - semi-permanent eyelashes, which costs around $10 to do.

Semi-permanent eyelashes last for up to 3 weeks depending on how you take care of them. They tend to look less realistic compared to expensive eyelash extensions, but they do look a bit more realistic than conventional strip lashes.

Be warned: Regular application of eyelash extensions/false eyelashes, whether you have it done in a salon or by yourself, will negatively affect the health of your own natural eyelashes - reserve this procedure for
special occasions only.

The Tools You Need

• Knotted (Flare) lashes - These lashes are known as 'knotted
  'lashes because they have a knot joining the lashes.These lashes are
  usually synthetic or made out of (sterilized) 100% human hair, and
  permanently curled. The length of each individual lash can range from
  6mm to 12mm long. The short/mini-length lashes can be used for undereye/lower
  lashes.
  Recommended:
  
  Ardell Duralash Flare (Medium) Black
  - To be used on the upper eyelashes.
  
  Ardell Duralash Flare (Mini) Black
  - These mini lashes can be used as under-eye lashes as well as upper
  eyelashes.

• Lash Adhesive - These adhesives are used to glue the lashes
  to your lashline. They are waterproof and last for up to 2 weeks. Avoid
  using oily eye makeup removers or creams near your lashline as it will
  dissolve the glue.
  Recommended:
  
  Ardell LashTite Adhesive - Clear

• Lash Adhesive Remover - It is used to quickly dissolve
  the adhesive used above. Warning: The fumes from the adhesive remover can
  sting your eyes.
  Recommended:
  
  Ardell Lashfree Remover - Individual Eyelash Adhesive Remover

• Tweezers - The tweezers are used to place the lashes.

• A Piece of Foil - A place to put the adhesive/glue.

All-In-One Kits

Eyelure has an all-in-one kit. If you're in the UK, you can get it from Superdrug.

Steps:

1) Pour a few drops of adhesive on the piece of foil.

2) Gently lift a lash from the tray with tweezers and dip the knotted end into
the adhesive.

3) Next, place the lash cluster on top of one of your own natural lashes with
knotted end close to, but NOT touching the eyelid.

4) Support the lash gently with your fingertips until the adhesive sets.

5) Repeat Steps 2 - 4. Apply 10-15 lashes per eye. (Tip: Apply
long lashes to the outer part of the eye, medium lashes in the middle and
shorter lashes near the inner corner)

6) If you wish to remove the lashes after the adhesive has set, use the adhesive
remover.

Tips to make the extensions last longer:

* Avoid wearing waterproof mascara, use regular washable mascara. In fact with
these lashes, there's no need to wear mascara at all as they are already
thick and curly enough.
* Avoid using oil-based eye makeup removers or creams near the eyelash
area.
* Avoid being in hot,steamy environments (like a sauna) to often.
* Don't rub your eyes too much.

Good luck and enjoy your new flirty lashes!

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