Why You Should Try A Half-Lash For An Easy Eye Look

Society's obsession with long, thick eyelashes has set a golden standard for modern mascara and false-lash wearers. Whether you're going for a full-glam makeup look or something more natural, the go-to move for many is emphasizing all of their lashes, making each strand as bold as possible, from the inner corners of the eye right across to the outer corners. However, style pioneers like Ariana Grande are rocking the boat (in the best way) by popularizing the half-lash eye look. The self-explanatory trend simply involves wearing half the length of a regular false lash strip, or less, and positioning it on the outer half of your eye.

Though the traditional attitude toward lashes has mostly been the more the better, makeup fans and beauty influencers are flocking to this variation because the result is less harsh. As we can see with Grande, the eyes are more open and doe-like without heavy lashes weighing down the inner corners. Since the simple look stands out from your average full set of lashes, it makes a statement on its own without the need for elaborate shadows and liners — an ideal trend for beginners to try. The half-lash look should also be quicker to pull off since you're working with fewer lashes and less glue. At the same time, utilizing this technique can help you create more advanced makeup, like the sultry siren eye. We never thought we'd say it, but these perks prove that when it comes to lashes, less may actually be more.

The novice-friendly half-lash couldn't be easier to do on yourself, even if you're secretly scared of false lashes (no judgment here). If you're working with a strip of lashes rather than individuals, start by measuring the strip against your eye and cutting it at the appropriate place. To recreate Ariana Grande's look, you'll need enough lashes to cover anywhere between a third and half of your eye. 

From here, the look works in the same way that you'd apply regular false lashes. Start with a thin coat of mascara — it's up to you whether you apply it to the whole eye or just the outer corners where your lashes will go. Apply your adhesive, position your lashes against the outer corner of your lash line by staring down into a mirror, and gently press them on. Allow them to dry before moving on with the rest of your makeup routine. To create the look with individuals, simply apply them one by one to the outer corner of the eye, starting at the halfway point of your lash line.

If you're not a fan of falsies and are looking for a subtler variation of this trend, you can use mascara in place of lashes. Just coat the outer third to half of your top lashes two to three times, angling the brush outward to encourage your lashes to sit correctly. Avoid applying mascara to the inner corners of your eyes in this case since you want to create a contrast between your inner and outer lashes.

On Ariana Grande, the half-lash technique results in a whimsical doe-eye look, but you can also use the trend to complement sultrier or edgier styles, like the siren eye. Half lashes are actually perfect for this aesthetic since they rely on emphasizing the outer corner of the eye to create a slick almond shape.

Start by drawing a wing with an eyeliner pencil that runs from the outer corner of your eye to a little above the crease. For a more dramatic effect, you can outline your crease and connect it to the wing, but this part is optional. Tightline your upper lash line with black or brown liner, and do the same with your lower lash line, connecting this part to the wing. Shade over your eyeliner (including the wing — this look can be smoky!) with dark eyeshadow, and then, if need be, trace over your wing again. Use a liquid liner for a fiercer wing, or stick with a pencil for a smokier effect. Widen the inner corners of your eye with a dab of light-colored shimmer, and then go ahead and add your half-lashes, following the same process outlined above. You can add a coat or two of mascara to your natural lashes, but keep the falsies in the outer corners to nail that femme fatale silhouette.