Lashes for days: Expert tips to finally getting it right

As Asian women, you’d think our beauty wish lists would end at high cheekbones and a defined jawline – both of which are granted for most of us by the way. But no, as ‘first world’ as it may seem, something needs to be done with these petite lashes of ours – stat. For those of us (like me!) who aren’t genetically blessed with Lily Collins-grade eyelashes, we turn to our beauty confidante and Malaysian makeup pro, Cat Yong for answers.

No stranger to the beauty scene, Cat is an expert when it comes to Asian faces and features, and has worked on some of the most interesting projects around, but what really made our day was finding out that there is indeed hope for all of us suffering from what we coin the ‘Shy Lashes Syndrome’. Come out, come out, wherever you are…

Let’s get straight to it: short lashes. What’s your trick to curling short lashes and making them look great sans falsies?

“Contrary to the belief that Asian lashes are so short there is no point curling them really isn’t true. All the more, you need a good eyelash curler – I recommend either the Shiseido Eyelash Curler or shu uemura Eyelash Curler, which are designed for Asian eyes and lashes in mind. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, give a good battery-operated lash curler a go – a little heated curl does magic to even the stubbiest lashes.

“When it comes to mascaras, opt for a volumising and lengthening mascara – two or three coats of it will really add intensity and drama to your eyes.”

 Try: Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara, RM111

And your tips to really making an eyelash curl last all day?

“The trick lies in how thoroughly you curl the lash. Always ensure you curl the entire lash from base, middle to the top. Then, apply a waterproof mascara to set the curls. I’d recommend you seal the curl in with a battery-operated eyelash curler. You can also use the normal curler if that’s all you have at hand, but be extra gentle curling then after applying mascara.”

What about steps to safely removing eye makeup without the risk of losing more lashes?

“Always use a gentle eye makeup remove and as much as you want it to get in there and do the work – do not rub or tug around the eye area. Gently pat or dab at the lids and practice a little patience by leaving the cotton pad on each eye for 10-20 seconds before gently swiping the makeup off.

“If you are using a waterproof mascara, use a gentle oil-based makeup remover or cleansing oil to ensure no residue is left behind.”

Lastly, your best lash care tip?

“Apply a very thin layer of Vaseline or lash conditioner over your lids every night to moisturise and strengthen your lashes.”