Who hasn’t wished for bolder lashes while wearing a face mask? While falsies and eyelash extensions continue to dominate the beauty scene, there’s a new eyelash trend that appeals to both lovers of understated and overstated lashes: the wet lash look. Imagine your lashes after a refreshing dip in the pool – long, sleek, and slightly clumped together. It’s a nod to the coolness of the ’60s, revived with a modern twist.
Is the wet look eyelash trend new?
Short answer: Kind of. At a recent press event, I had the pleasure of speaking with Raquel DaSilva, an expert lash artist and CEO of LashGod Inc. She divulged the hottest trends for 2021, from ombre lashes to dazzling embellishments. Among these trends, the wet lash look stood out as the prettiest. “The ‘wet’ lash look is one of my favorite trends right now,” DaSilva shared. “It gives the lashes a full and textured effect, with a dramatic spiked-like appearance. This trend creates a wide-eyed, doll-like look with lash extensions. It’s like having a fresh, summer poolside vibe.” It’s a contemporary take on the iconic lashes of the swinging sixties, but with added hydration.
Essentially, the technique involves grouping lashes together rather than meticulously combing each one. While “wet look” is the buzzword, I like to think of it as retro eyelashes or doll lashes. DaSilva agrees, adding that it’s “a modern version of Twiggy’s lashes.” And let me tell you, I absolutely love it! The difference lies in the captivating shine that takes this look to the next level.
How to achieve the wet look lashes on your own
First things first, choose your weapon of choice: tried-and-true mascara, flirty eyelash strips, or lash extensions. Each option offers a slightly different effect. DaSilva graciously shared her tips for each method.
The Wet Look: Mascara Edition
If you want to make a bold fashion statement even with a mask on, DaSilva suggests going for the wet lash look with mascara.
What you’ll need: An eyelash curler, waterproof mascara with a thin applicator, eye-safe gel like Vaseline, two cotton-tip applicators/swabs, and a pair of tweezers.
- Use an eyelash curler to dramatically curl your lashes. Squeeze the tool repeatedly until your natural lashes are pointing upwards.
- Apply one coat of mascara, combing your lashes in a single sweep from the base to the tip. Wait for 30 seconds to let the coat dry. Repeat this step for 3 to 6 coats of mascara on both eyes.
- Gently dip a cotton swab into the gel and apply it to your lashes with upward strokes, giving them a wet sheen.
- With the help of tweezers, carefully group a set of lashes together near the tips (around 2 to 3 mm from the lash ends), and gently squeeze the tweezers once or twice to create a point. Repeat this step for your entire eye, then do the same for the other eye.
- Give yourself a wink and head off to show the world your fabulous lashes.
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The Wet Look: Falsie Edition
For a more dramatic, doll-like appearance, DaSilva recommends trying the wet look with false lashes.
What you’ll need: Mini scissors, a pair of bold and spiky strip lashes, lash adhesive, eye-safe gel like Vaseline, two cotton-tip applicators/swabs, and a pair of tweezers. Individual lower lashes are optional.
- Use mini scissors to diagonally trim the false lashes into 3-mm pointed clusters.
- Measure the lashes against your eye and trim them as needed, holding the strip up to your natural upper lash line.
- Ensure your eyes and lashes are clean, with no makeup residue left behind.
- Follow the instructions on the lash adhesive package. Place the lashes 1½ to 2 mm from the lash line to avoid irritation.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, enhance the retro appeal of your look by adding individual lower lashes. Follow the package instructions for applying lash adhesive. Start from the outer corner, placing the lashes underneath your lower lashes to match the number of lash clusters you used for the upper lashes. Don’t blink until the adhesive has dried.
- Admire yourself and your beautiful lashes.
The Wet Look: Lash Extension Edition
This method requires the touch of a professional, but DaSilva is happy to give you a peek into what you can expect during your appointment.
First, the technician will guide you through selecting the volume lash extension fibers that suit the look you desire. Once you’re comfortably seated, they will dip each extension into the lash adhesive before delicately placing it onto a single natural lash. The dipping process is what gives the lashes that coveted wet look, avoiding the traditional fan effect. “The ‘wet’ lash look is semi-permanent, lasting two to four weeks before needing a refill,” DaSilva explains.
Now you’re ready to be the star of your next Zoom party, with lashes that your friends won’t be able to resist complimenting.
Our Wet Look Mascara & False Eyelash Review
During one of the many lockdowns, I had the opportunity to test the natural and faux wet lash looks. Surprisingly, it was much easier than I anticipated, and using tweezers to pinch the lash clusters made all the difference. I was amazed at how long-lasting the looks were – who would have thought Vaseline had the sticking power of Gorilla Glue?!
While the faux lash look delivered a dramatic impact, I found it to be more subtle and natural-looking than the full fanned-out strip. Truly a sight to behold.
Wearing the wet lash look made me feel like I had that extra “something.” I received compliments on my eyes, even through the lens of a Zoom call. Admittedly, achieving perfectly even clusters with my own lashes was a bit more challenging, but that imperfection only added to the allure of the wet mascara look.
So go ahead and give it a try – create your own eye-catching, wink-worthy lashes.
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