Wearing a dramatic pair of falsies is a great addition to your favorite party outfit, but if you can’t apply them correctly, they can make you look like a hot mess! To get you prepped for your next big night, we got in touch with eyelash guru Ja’Maal Buster, who has applied amazing lashes on almost every star from Rihanna to Fergie, for a few tips on keeping a sexy eye from becoming an evil one.

Your lashes depend on your personal style – not the other way around
“There are lashes that last for months, and some that last for days, but you have to pick a kind of lash that works for you,” advises Buster. So if you’re just going to the store, it’s probably not the best idea to walk around with stage eyes. Here are a few types of lashes Buster offers:

• Soiree Lashes: Individual, flare, or strip lashes, which are offered in black or brown human hair. Also can be used along with feathers, beads and jewels. Can be used for a natural or dramatic enhancement. Clear adhesive can be used for an invisible hold or black to give an illusion of an eyeliner. Lasts 2 days.

• Fab-Lashes: Like the Soiree set, these can be used in a number of ways, but they last for two weeks

• Bio-Lashes: One of the most technology-advanced lashes in the market today, this procedure consists of single silk lash that are applied to the client’s own individual lash with medical-grade adhesive. The lashes come in various lengths, which are offered in black or brown. The adhesive offers an invisible hold. Touch-ups are approximately 3-6 weeks. Lasts 2 months.

Not all glues are created equal.
“The type of glue you use really depends on the look you’re going for,” says Ja’Maal. “If it’s natural, then clear glue will offer an invisible hold; black glue will give you the look of wearing black eyeliner. There are also kinds of glues that offer a longer holding time – some for days, others for weeks.”

Try:

• Duo Eyelash Adhesive, $5.99, drugstores
• Debu Waterproof Adhesive, $3, drugstores
• shu uemura eyelash adhesive, $8.50, nordstrom.com
• I Love My Lashes lash adhesive, $25.95, ilovemylashes.com

You don’t have to leave your makeup on for days to keep your luscious lashes.
To wash your face without sacrificing your falsies, Buster advises clients to remove makeup gently with a q tip or cotton pad, and make sure to use a remover that isn’t oil-based – otherwise, the glue on your lashes will come off with your makeup. Try using Cetaphil cleansers, which are great for sensitive skin AND delicate lashes.

Your lashes aren’t life-long.
Eventually, you’ll have to part with your favorites and get a new pair. If they’re cleaned right after each use, Ja’Maal says, you can wear strip lashes only 3 or 4 times before it’s time to give them the boot.

Don’t give yourself spider eyes!
“I like to use mascara after application to help the false lashes blend better with your real ones,” says Buster. “If you use it before, your lashes might be too stiff.”

APPLYING STRIP LASHES: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

1. Carefully remove your lashes from the container by using tweezers and pulling them at the base.
2. Size your lashes by holding them to your eye to see if you need to make them shorter. If needed, trim the outer edge of the lashes with small scissors.
3. Using your lash adhesive, apply a small amount along the bottom rim of the false lashes. Take your time so as not to get any glue on the lashes themselves.
4. Allow your lashes to sit for 30-60 seconds until the glue is tacky. While you are waiting, hold the lashes in a U shape to help them form to the shape of your eyes.
5. Once the glue has set a bit and is tacky, hold the lashes with the tweezers or your fingers and aim downward.
6. Look down slightly and place the middle of the lashes very close to your natural lashline. Be very careful not to place ON your lashes, but on the lid right next to your lashes.
7. Using the end of the tweezers, press down the outer edges of the lashes until they stick to the lid. If needed, continue to press the entire rim of the false lashes until they are on tightly.
8. Allow the lashes to sit for a minute (start on the other eye while you wait)
9. Apply your mascara.

REMOVING YOUR LASHES: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

1. Never remove it by tugging. Chances are, you might pull off some of your real lashes as well, and this can become very tragic! Go gentle on those fake eyelashes and handle them as though they could be real.
2. Start by dabbing fake eyelash remover on your lash line with a cotton swab. You can gently tap the swab at the base in order to loosen the eyelash glue. Start applying from the outer edge-inward. You may use some oil-based eye-makeup remover as an alternative. It would also be good to let it soak for a few seconds in order to soften the adhesive glue. (Do not leave it out too long as it will dry out eventually.)
3. After making sure that it has fully softened, take one corner of the lash band (for full fake eyelashes) and gently pull off the eye lashes. For individual fake eye lashes, it is best to use a good pair of tweezers for more precision when pulling.
4. Remove all possible traces of eyelash glue by dabbing some more eyelash remover. Finally, cleanse your eyes and the rest of your makeup with a good make up remover.

NY RESIDENTS: Want Ja’Maal to hook you up with a set of your own pro lashes? He’ll be in town December 10-15, so make an appointment! Prices range from $75-$450. Call 310-651-4344.