How to Apply False Eyelashes: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Learning how to apply false eyelashes is the ultimate beauty hack for taking your makeup from “everyday” to “glamorous” in a matter of seconds. However, if you are a beginner, the thought of putting glue near your eye and messing with tiny, sticky strips can feel incredibly intimidating. We have all been there—struggling with tweezers, getting glue all over our fingers, and ending up with a lash that is hanging halfway off your eyelid.
Despite the initial learning curve, mastering how to apply false eyelashes is entirely possible for anyone. False lashes instantly open up your eyes, add incredible volume, and make you look more awake and put-together. Whether you are getting ready for a date night, a holiday party, or just want to elevate your everyday look, strip lashes are a game-changer. If you are looking for visual inspiration for your eye makeup, be sure to explore our Pinterest boards. In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the exact process of applying false lashes flawlessly, just like a professional makeup artist.
Why False Eyelashes Are a Makeup Bag Essential
Before diving into the application process, it is important to understand why false lashes are worth the effort. Mascara is great, but it has its limits. False eyelashes provide instant length, volume, and drama that mascara simply cannot replicate. They also frame your eyes beautifully in photographs, making them a staple for weddings, proms, and holiday events.
Furthermore, once you learn how to apply false eyelashes correctly, they actually save you time. Instead of applying three coats of mascara and spending ten minutes curling your lashes, you can simply pop on a strip lash and be out the door in minutes. If you are trying to streamline your daily beauty routine, you might want to check out our guide to a minimalist makeup routine to see how lashes can fit into a simplified look.
What You Need to Apply False Eyelashes
Having the right tools is half the battle. Before you begin, gather the following items on a clean, well-lit surface:
- Strip Lashes: Choose a style that is appropriate for your skill level. For beginners, a thin, wispy band is much easier to apply than a thick, heavy band.
- Lash Glue: Invest in a high-quality, latex-free lash adhesive if you have sensitive eyes. A glue that dries clear is best for beginners so you don’t have to worry about black smudges.
- Tweezers or a Lash Applicator: While you can use your fingers, a pair of curved tweezers or a specific lash applicator tool gives you much better control.
- A Small Mirror: A magnifying mirror placed on a table is ideal because you can look down into it while keeping your chin up.
- Cotton Swabs and Micellar Water: Keep these handy for cleaning up any stray glue mistakes.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply False Eyelashes
Ready to master the lash application? Follow these six easy steps for a seamless, flawless finish.
Step 1: Measure and Trim the Lashes
This is the most crucial step that beginners often skip. Nobody’s eye shape is exactly the same, and strip lashes are usually manufactured to be slightly too long for the average eye. Hold the strip lash up to your bare eyelid. If the lash band extends past your outer corner, it will poke your eye and irritate it all day. Measure how much needs to be cut off the outer corner, and carefully trim the excess with small, sharp scissors. Always trim from the outer corner (the longer hairs), never the inner corner (the shorter hairs).
Step 2: Apply the Lash Glue
Take the lash strip with your tweezers. Apply a thin, even line of lash glue along the entire band. Make sure to get a little extra dab of glue on both the inner and outer corners, as these are the areas that are most prone to lifting. Wait about 20 to 30 seconds. Do not try to apply the lash while the glue is completely wet! You want the glue to become “tacky” and slightly sticky so it grips onto your skin immediately upon contact.
Step 3: Look Down into the Mirror
Placement is everything when learning how to apply false eyelashes. Place your mirror flat on a table or low on a wall. Look down into the mirror. This angle exposes your lash line perfectly. Using your tweezers or applicator, hold the lash strip in the center. Place it as close to your natural lash line as possible. Do not place it on your natural lashes; it needs to sit on the skin of your eyelid.
Step 4: Secure the Corners
Once the center is placed, use the tweezers to gently press the inner corner (near your tear duct) down into the lash line. Then, press the outer corner down. To ensure the lash is seamlessly blended with your natural lashes, use the back of the tweezers or your fingertip to gently push your natural lashes up against the false lash band. This prevents a visible gap between the two.
Step 5: Let the Glue Dry Completely
Once the lash is in place, do not blink rapidly or touch it. Keep your eyes looking downward for about 30 seconds to allow the glue to fully set and dry clear. If you notice any gaps where the band didn’t adhere to the skin, take a cotton swab, dip it in a tiny bit of lash glue, and carefully dab it under the gap to seal it.
Step 6: Blend with Eyeliner and Mascara
To finish the look, take a black or brown eyeliner pencil and draw a thin line right along your upper lash line, directly over the lash band. This hides any dried glue and makes the lash band look like your natural root. Finally, apply one light coat of mascara to blend your natural lashes with the false ones. This locks them together perfectly. If you want to refine your eyeliner skills, be sure to read our makeup tips for beginners guide for expert techniques.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Lashes
Even with a step-by-step guide, mistakes happen. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when practicing how to apply false eyelashes:
- Using Too Much Glue: More glue does not mean a stronger hold. It just means a messy, lumpy application that takes forever to dry. A thin, even layer is all you need.
- Applying Lashes Before Makeup: Always apply your eyeshadow, eyeliner, and foundation first. If you apply lashes first, powder fallout can ruin the lash band, and oily makeup products can break down the lash glue.
- Forgetting to Curl Your Natural Lashes: If your natural lashes point straight down, they will create a visible gap under the false lash. Always curl your natural lashes before applying the strip.
How to Remove False Eyelashes Safely
Just as important as applying them is knowing how to remove them without pulling out your natural lashes. Never yank a strip lash off at the end of the day. Take a cotton pad soaked in warm water or a gentle, oil-free makeup remover. Hold it against your closed eye for about 30 seconds. This softens the glue. Gently slide the lash off from the outer corner to the inner corner. If you are trying to grow your natural lashes out, be extra gentle, and check out our guide on how to grow hair faster, which includes tips for lash and brow health.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do you apply false eyelashes for beginners?
For beginners, the best way to apply false eyelashes is to measure and trim the lash first, apply a thin line of glue, wait 30 seconds for the glue to become tacky, and then look down into a mirror to place the lash as close to the natural lash line as possible. Secure the corners and blend with a coat of mascara.
2. Do you put mascara on before or after false lashes?
You should apply mascara to your natural lashes *before* applying false lashes. This helps to curl your natural lashes and blends them with the false strip. However, avoid applying mascara directly to the false strip lash, as this can ruin the lashes and make them impossible to reuse.
3. How long do you let lash glue dry before applying?
You should wait about 20 to 30 seconds for the lash glue to become tacky before applying the lash. If you apply the lash while the glue is completely wet, it will slide around and won’t adhere to the skin. The glue should feel slightly sticky to the touch.
4. Can you sleep in false eyelashes?
No, you should never sleep in strip false eyelashes. Sleeping in them can cause the lashes to shift, pull out your natural lashes, or cause eye infections. Always remove them gently with a makeup remover-soaked cotton pad before going to bed.
5. Why won’t my false lashes stick to the corners?
If your false lashes won’t stick to the corners, it is usually because the band wasn’t trimmed to fit your eye shape perfectly, or there wasn’t enough glue on the ends. Try adding a tiny extra dab of glue to the inner and outer corners before applying, and hold them down for a few extra seconds to let the glue set.
Conclusion
Mastering how to apply false eyelashes is a transformative skill that elevates your entire beauty routine. While it may feel tricky at first, with a little patience, the right tools, and a steady hand, anyone can achieve a flawless, seamless application. Remember to always measure and trim your lashes, wait for the glue to get tacky, and look down into a mirror for the best placement. Once you perfect this technique, you will never want to go back to bare lashes again. Practice these steps, avoid the common mistakes, and enjoy the stunning, eye-opening results of beautifully applied false lashes!
