We’ve all been there, trawling the internet with questions like ‘short hair for round face’ or ‘will a fringe suit my face shape?’, but have you considered that the false lashes you stock up on week in, week out, might not be the right shape for your eyes?
When it comes to false lashes, choosing the right shape is crucial. It can turn the same old strip-lash into a makeup bag essential and give your eyes that day to night versatility only lash extensions can achieve. The
aim is to enhance your natural features and add a touch of drama to the occasion.
I am a self-confessed lash addict, having worn false lashes every day for four years, it’s safe to say I know my stuff. Eyelash extensions sadly don’t work so well for me as I can’t stand the in-between sparse stages and continually find myself sticking a false lash on top to make up for the missing volume. Extensions can set you back £70 for just two weeks’ wear so I plump for false lashes to achieve purse-friendly, fluttery fullness.
I have almond shape eyes and tend to stick with a wispy, tapered lash or individuals on a daily basis, but do switch it up for a fuller, mink style lash for nights out. Regardless of style, I hate the feeling of heavy, stiff lashes so the lighter the band, the better.
I have tried hundreds of false lashes, from £2 to £30 a pair, all with the intention of discovering a ‘no lash’ feel. So, as a falsie devotee, it’s safe to say I rejoiced when makeup-artist-turned-Instagram-sensation, Nikki Wolff, recently turned her hand to false eyelash creation.
The collaboration with Sweed Lashes, namely the Nikki Edition, is any lash lover’s dream. Just take a look at her Instagram and you are continually blessed with Nikki’s signature – the statement eye, so it was a given that it would be something special.
Talking to Nikki, she reveals her top beauty secrets for choosing the right falsies, explaining: “Selecting the correct lashes for you will completely depend on your individual eye shape and, of course, the look you want to achieve. I often work with individual lashes because I love that they give you the ability to build up the look of your natural lashes. My No-lash lash are the most natural looking you will find on the market. They come in varying different lengths to allow you to achieve natural looking drama.”
If you are au fait with your eye shape, but a lash novice looking to expand your beauty bag, we enlisted the advice of makeup artist and bespoke beauty expert, Sophie Tilley, to help get you started. She said: “Take a closer look, both in a compact mirror and from afar for perspective, to really determine how your eyes sit and perhaps how you’d like to manipulate their finish with the lashes you then choose.”
With 15 years of artistry experience, Sophie knows a thing or two about quality vs. value, explaining: “There are so many on the market now it can seem daunting but for a budget-friendly option, I’m loving the ‘Kiss’ lashes which give you a lot of bang for your buck. They even boast a ‘tapered’ end, making them much more in sync with our own lashes. The individuals have ‘flat band’ technology, meaning no bulbs or obvious root to the lash meaning they apply seamlessly.” Take note, ladies.
Not sure what shape category you fall into? Or, do you dream of fooling people when they ask, “are those your natural lashes?”. Well, here is a roundup of how to determine your eye shape, as well as false eyelashes ranging in price for if you’re feeling boujee or sticking to a budget.
Almond
Almond shaped eyes are the most common and are characterised by a slightly pointed outer end and a wider centre – think Angelina Jolie. The iris is usually partially hidden by the upper and lower lids. Almonds are the most versatile, meaning they will suit just about any lash. If you are more au natural, a winged, fluttery lash will subtly complement an almond eye.
Feeling extra? Choosing a fluffy lash with volume evenly distributed along the band as they will provide you with attention-grabbing drama.
Illamasqua False Lashes – No.27: £12.50
Lilly Lashes – Miami 3D Mink: £30
Deep Set
Deep set eyes tend to be large and set deeper into the socket than most. They are situated in such a way that makes the brow bone appear more prominent and the ends of the natural lash tend to graze the top of the eyelids. Deep set eyes may need accentuating so choosing a lash that is longer in the middle, curling up and out, away from the brow. Individual lashes also work really well for this eye shape as you can concentrate on the centre, applying more there for a curly lift.
Sweed Lashes – Nikki No Lash-Lash: £22
OPV Beauty – Babie Doll 3D Silk Lashes: £10.50
Hooded
If you have hooded eyes, you will notice a fold lower over the eyelid, so when the eye is open, the eyelid isn’t visible and retracts into the crease. The ideal lash for this shape, like deep set eyes, should be long and have more length towards the centre. Cluster lashes or individuals may work better as you can build up yourself to create the desired look. Don’t be afraid of the strip lash, just be wary not to choose a set which could pull down the lid, making them appear smaller.
Lilly Lashes 3D Mink Lashes – Monaco: £29.95
Benefit Real False Lashes – Going Solo: £12.50
Round
Round eyes give the IRL doe-eyed look. It’s in the name, they are round and typically show most of the iris with the inner and outer corners being rounded and not pulled in or out. It is a versatile shape, but a lightweight, curly lash is the way to go to accentuate and avoid thick, heavy styles as they can weigh your eyes down.
Doll Beauty Lashes – Kimberley: £10
Kiss Blooming False Lash – Lily: £6.75
Mono-Lidded
Mono-lidded eyes are described as flat on the surface and lack in a definite crease, sometimes not having one at all. Monolid eyes tend to have eyelashes that are naturally straight and stubborn, so when it comes
to picking the best lashes, it is best to concentrate on a multi-layered, fluttery lash as it will do wonders in drawing subtle yet sexy attention to this pair of beauties.
Velour Lashes – I Got It From My Momma!:£23
Nouveau Lashes Strip Lash Volume – Style 1: £6.99
Close Set
Close set eyes mean having a lesser gap in between both of your eyes, which tends to measure at a width of less than one eye. Cat eye lashes are ideal for this eye shape and the best style should flare outwards, pulling attention to the outer corners, elongating the shape. Avoid lashes that a longer in the centre as this will make the eyes look smaller.
Sweed Lashes – Nikki Sultry Corner: £20
House of Lashes – Siren Flare: £12
Upturned
Also known as cat-eyes, upturned eyes are higher at the outer corners. Kendall Jenner is blessed with this shape so gurl, embrace your inner supermodel and work it. These eyes can be overwhelmed by a heavy,
thick-set lash so opt for something light and fluttery. This eye shape can even benefit from half lashes as this is usually enough to create emphasis and draw attention to the eyes.
Ardell Magnetic Lashes Accents – Style 002: £13.99
Unicorn Cosmetics – 3D Vegan Silk Lashes Clementine: £10
Downturned
The opposite of upturned, a downturned eye will have a downward tilt at the outer corners making your upper lid appear larger. Downturned eyes are reminiscent of 1920s glamour so go for a classic criss-cross winged style to lift the outer corners and extend, creating the illusion of a smouldering cat eye. If you use individual lashes, concentrate more on the outer corner, layering a larger amount there to create a lift.
Doll Beauty Lashes – Stephanie: £10
Ardell Lashes – Faux Mink Individuals: £6.99
Protruding
The ‘doll eyes’ of the eye world, protruding or prominent eyes create the appearance of projected sockets and therefore a more visible eyelid. The ideal for protruding eyes is to enhance their naturally romantic quality with a high curl lash, giving volume to the sultry pair.
Unicorn Cosmetics 3D Silk Lashes – Unicorn Flutter: £10
MAC – Lash 35: £12.50
When it comes to a glue that won’t leave you or your lashes suffering the 4pm flop, the best brand on the market is DUO. Easy to pick up in Boots, Superdrug or your local supermarket, and also great for sensitive eyes. This trusty brand has a whole host of glues for different lash types and is for sure one to stick with. Colours range from white, clear tone and dark tone and they stock glues suitable for strip and individual lashes as well as quick dry if you’re prone to applying your face mid commute.
Duo Striplash Adhesive – Dark Tone: £5.99
Duo Striplash Adhesive – White Clear: £5.99
Duo Quickset Striplash Adhesive – Clear: £5.99
Duo Brush On Adhesive: £5.99
DUO Brush On Striplash Adhesive with Vitamins – Dark: £5.99
Slanted tweezers are absolutely fine to apply your lashes, but beginners may find a lash applicator easier for fuss-free precision and control.
Velour Lashes Two Easy Lash Applicator: £17.50
Eylure Lash Applicator: £6.99