My memories of wearing false eyelashes are to this day bittersweet. Although the first and second time that I wore false lashes made me feel like a movie star, it was the third and final time that made me feel scared to give false lashes another go. Fast forward to July 2015 and I was getting ready for my graduation ceremony. I had overslept and had 30 minutes to not only get dressed but to get my make up and hair done. I was stressed to the max and was worried that A. I was going to be late and B. I was going to be a raggedy mess.
I glanced down at the fake eyelashes that lay waiting on my bed and convinced myself to give them a go again. After all how hard could it be to put on the lashes myself? Except my hands were shaking and I was feeling sick; not because of the lashes but because the day I would collect my degree was here and I was scared that I was going to look as crap as I felt. I was battling sickness at the time, which meant that every little action was nauseating and it took all my strength to not throw up there and then. My ex friend A. had arrived and I asked her whether I should put on the fake eyelashes, seeing as I was too sick to make a rational decision myself.
Eventually she put on my fake eyelashes and while I cringed at what I saw in the mirror I had no choice but to make a run for it, otherwise I was going to be late for my graduation ceremony. My name was called and I collected my certificate, feeling deflated rather than elated. I had no idea what was going on but the day was about to get worse. As we took our family photos I remember looking at them with horror and disgust. This wasn’t me, I had no idea who this girl was and it was scaring me to look into her eyes. It wasn’t just the false lashes that didn’t look right but me, I didn’t like how I appeared in the photos and was upset that I had been captured in that light. Regular readers know that the memory of my graduation is not a happy one; from backstabbing fake friends to malicious emails from work, coupled with ill health I left my graduation ceremony feeling shaken when I should have been on top of the world.
I couldn’t shake myself out of the funk and while my health is much better and my confidence has approved, there is still a part of me that is scared to try fake eyelashes again. I am scared not ‘how they will look’ but of the memories that they will bring back. It seems weird to say that something so simple and as small as fake eyelashes can have such an impact on my life but the truth is that remembering myself in that moment does not bring back good memories. That being said, it has nearly been two years and I am ready to move on with my life. I want to be able to try on fake eyelashes again and not be scared of the memories that will come flooding back. I want to be able to find the right pair of lashes to make me feel more confident in photos and not worry that my eyes look too small but most of all I want to erase all the bad that came with wearing the lashes last time and replace them with positive memories.
I want to wear lashes again to remind myself how far I have come since I wore those ‘fated lashes’ , to prove that I can conquer my past and how I will let nothing cloud my judgement, even if the lashes were worn at a time where I felt like I was on a cliffs edge. My point being is that lashes became a symbol of ‘negativity’ and ‘depression’ but it shouldn’t have to be. When I see my favourite drag queens glue on their fake lashes, I see them grow in confidence as they prepare to perform. When beauty bloggers put on their lashes in their vlog tutorials, they are practically glowing in confidence and when I will put those lashes on, it be a fourth time coming but it certainly wont be my last.
Question is will I have the courage to try fake lashes again?
Have You Ever Tried Fake Eyelashes?
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Oh dear. You should totally wear fake eyelashes *coming from a girl who is scare to death that she will stab her eye while wearing eyelashes hence never wear them*, But it’s time to face our fear and be merry 🙂
I have worn fake eyelashes before but I absolutely suck with putting them on. I’m so sad that you have such vivid bad memories of them x
Interesting how you have associate the fake lashes to the not so great time of your life – but it makes sense now when you explained it. I have had false lashes for a few times and loved them, but then eventually got allergic to the clue a couple of years ago… I’m still considering having them again, but not really decided whether is a wise thing to do or not.
I have never worn fake eyelashes so couldn’t say for sure but I have a feeling they would look totally AWESOME on you!
I think if you like them go for it. Bite the bullet and take control of the situation and those lashes. I personally can’t do with sticking things near my eyes it just feels weird and unnatural to me plus I’d probably totally mess it up.
I just wore false eyelashes once in my lifetime and that was on my wedding day. I actually didn’t want to wear them because my natural eyelashes are long, but the beautician advised so I agreed to her.
I tried fake lashes once or twice but they are really not my thing so I rarely wear them and hope you get the courage to try them again if only to prove to yourself your past doesn’t control you.
I wear false lashes a lot, and while it took a while to get used to them at first, I love them now x
I have never worn fake eyelashes before although I think they look amazing on people who do. I think you should go for it and bring positive thoughts when wearing them to help erase the negative ones.
I have never worn false eyelashes, but I imagine I would be pretty crap at applying them 😂 Loving your outfit hun 🙂 x
I love wearing false lashes it did take me ages to get it right though, after a good few hilarious attempts x
I bought some fake lashes but never got around to wearing them. My eyes water a lot outside due to allergies so I avoid eye makeup most of the time
Fake lashes aren’t for me, what with wearing contacts and glasses I think they would just drive me insane a lot. However, I think you should go for it!
Ah, I’m addicted to falsies – always wearing them, whether they’re natural for everyday wear or dramatic with an evening look. Obsessed!
Lots of love,
Marina Rosie xx
So sorry to hear about your graduation experience, such a shame. I know what you mean though, im the same if something has been negative, I attach it to that particular item/event or issue. However, you are clearly a strong lady, so do give them ago and perhaps hire a cap&gown for the day and do some fresh graduation shots with your own Ana style and flare 🙂 x
Fake eyelashes are pretty awesome. They are expensive, sure, but for someone like me with blonde eyebrows, they allow me not wear loads of eye makeup.
You definitely should not have something as simple as fake eyelashes be a burden on you and make you feel badly. You should definitely give them a try at least once to own them and express that you are way beyond where you were at the graduation. You are an amazing person and that past is gone. Be the new you.
I have tried fake lashes a few times. I found them ok. I don’t need them as much since I got extra long natural lashes but I enjoyed testing them.
Yes to the eyelashes (if you really want to wear them). It sounds like they were another bummer thing in an already terribly unfortunate day. Look how far you’ve come since! Really, the hardest work is behind you .. and the eyelashes will just be a pretty icing on the cake
I’ve never worn fake eyelashes before, and I don’t think I ever will. I’d be too worried that it would ruin my real eyelashes!
I’ve never thought about wearing false eyelashes, I’d be too scared as my eyes are super sensitive.
It’s a pity that the eyelashes remind you of something sad. I look forward to reading what you decide. I have no advice as I have never tried them – sensitive eyes!
I’ve never worn fake eyelashes ever in my life! I’m obsessed with sunglasses, so I never had a need of applying fake eyelashes outdoors!
I think it’s just that you had bad experiences and this time, I’m sure it’s going to be so much better when you try on those fake lashes. Either that or you can just go to the salon and have some of those extensions that make your lashes look longer and thicker.
I wore them many years ago and was totally useless at putting them on so gave up! Such a shame they bring back bad memories for you 🙁 x
I personally would never do fake eyelashes just because I wouldn’t know how to put them on properly. Plus there’s really no point for me. I rarely go out.
I’m so sorry that lashes hold such awful memories for you Ana. I really hope you find the courage to try again with them and can make new, happy associations with them x
I have never tried fake lashes, I wear contact lenses so I am a bit wary to be honest. Kaz x
I understand how you feel. Sometimes we associate an object with a negative experience. I hope you would get over the trauma and start feeling confident again to sport those fake eyelashes. That happened to me once, but it was an old rag doll that I hated so much. I took it with me to a “Rage Room” and I beat the lightsl out of that doll. Now I can walk past any rag doll display at toy stores and not be affected by it. 🙂
so happy of what you have become after those experiences you had in the past.. as for the fake lashes.. you know what I remember asking my friend about that.. she used to wear fake lashes and I asked her why.. she told me that it makes her eyes look big and from that she is more confident about herself.. so for me.. if you think it works great on you.. go for it!
Wearing eyelashes totally adds some beauty in our faces. Just make sure to use one with quality to avoid those things to happen.
I’m sorry for the bad experience with fake lashes. I think it’s worth another try though, maybe this time, try something lighter and not as heavy as most fake lashes.
I’ve tried lashes a couple of time, but I’m not a fan. Think I’ll stick to my favourite mascara 🙂
Hmmm……I know how you feel on this one Ana. I had a similar experience with some false eyelashes myself and again like you when I saw myself in the photos a few days later I looks artificial and not like myself at all. I’m hopeless at applying them on anyway and now find that mascara that includes a fibre formula as well works wonders.
Yes, you do have the courage, so much so that I am coming with ya lady! Lets get this booked.
I’ve worn them a few times. First time I got them put on by a makeup artist and then after that I tried myself and it was okay. I don’t think it should be a daily thing but special occasions like I do. Maybe try a different type and not rush it. Practice how while you have nothing to do at home and see it again in a new light. If not then you’re not missing much. Just invest in a great mascara would be the best.
I have to confess I’ve never tried them, but they do look great. I think you should give them another go
I never used to wear lashes but since I started wearing them, I think I look so weird without them now!
Fake eye lashes can add glamour to any look, but I wore them one time in my life and was blinking in a funny way the whole time, I guess one have to get used to wearing them 🙂
I have never used one. I love lipstick and blush.
Oh dear, I just read a post of another friend hating gingham as it makes her think of the nightmare of a school uniform and now it’s you lovely and the false eyelashes which bring the memories of your graduation… I’ve never had a false eyelashes myself and the idea sort of scares me (especially because my eyes are rather sensitive and my lenses worn daily irritate them enough) but if you think they could work for you maybe it’s worth to give them a go and build brand new, happy memories? Xx