False eyelashes can transform your makeup look in seconds, adding drama, volume, and length that mascara alone simply cannot achieve.
Yet for many, the application process remains intimidating—a recipe for glue everywhere, lashes sticking to fingers, and one eye looking completely different from the other.
The good news? Learning how to apply false eyelashes gets much easier once you understand a few simple techniques.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right lashes to mastering a flawless application.
Choosing the Right Lashes
Before you even pick up a tube of glue, it helps to understand the different types of false eyelashes available. The right choice depends on your eye shape, the look you want to achieve, and your comfort level with application.
Strip Lashes – The most common and easiest to work with, these feature a full strip of falsies that spans the entire length of the eye line. They deliver a full, dramatic finish and come in a wide range of styles.
Individual Lashes – Single lashes that can be added in different places along the eye line. These are great for a natural look or for filling in sparse areas, though they require more precision and time.
Cluster Lashes – Also called “accents” or “flares,” these feature around three to four individual lashes on one band. They are ideal for beginners, quick to apply, and perfect for creating a subtle or cat-eye effect.
Magnetic Lashes – These use a magnetic band at the base (instead of glue) to connect the lashes together. They are a great option if you are allergic to traditional lash glue, though they tend to be less durable.
What You Will Need
Gather these supplies before you begin:
- False eyelashes of your choice
- Eyelash glue (latex-free if you have sensitivities)
- Tweezers or a lash applicator
- Small scissors (like those used for eyebrows)
- Eyelash curler
- Mascara
- Black liquid or gel eyeliner
- Cotton swabs (optional, for glue application)
- A small mirror
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Prep Your Natural Lashes
The first step to applying fake lashes doesn’t actually involve any falsies. Start by curling your natural lashes with an eyelash curler so the shape matches that of the false lashes. Then, apply a light coat of mascara. This helps the lash strip blend with your real lashes and acts as “camouflage” for the falsies.
Important: Complete your eyeshadow and eyeliner application before attaching the lashes—this should be one of the last steps in your eye makeup routine.
Step 2: Measure and Trim the Lashes
This is one of the most important steps, especially for beginners. Straight out of the package, most false lashes are longer than your natural eye shape.
- Hold the lash strip (without glue) against your natural lash line to measure how much needs to be cut off.
- Check if it extends beyond the outer corner of your eye.
- Using small scissors, trim the excess from the outer end only.
- Always trim from the outer corner—never the inner corner.
A lash that is too long will feel uncomfortable, lift at the corners faster, and look less natural.
Step 3: Bend the Lash Band
New lashes often feel stiff. Before applying glue, gently bend the lash strip back and forth or wrap it loosely around your finger for a few seconds. This helps the band adapt to your eye shape, allowing it to sit closer to your lash line, feel more comfortable, and stay in place better.
Step 4: Apply the Glue
This is where many beginners struggle. Here is the professional approach:
- Do not squeeze glue directly from the tube onto the lash band.
- Instead, put a drop of glue on a cotton swab or the back of your hand, and drag the lash band through it.
- Apply a thin, even layer along the entire lash band.
- Pay extra attention to the inner and outer corners—these areas tend to lift first.
Glue colour tip: Black glue blends into your eyeliner better, while clear glue is more forgiving for beginners. Choose a lash glue specifically designed for use around the eyes.
Step 5: Wait for the Glue to Become Tacky
Do not put the fake lash on right after applying the glue. Fresh lash glue is too wet. Wait about 20 to 30 seconds for the glue to become tacky. This small step is a game-changer—it makes the lashes less likely to slide around when you apply them.
Step 6: Apply the Lashes
- Position your mirror correctly: Hold a small mirror slightly below your face, looking downward. This makes your lash line more visible and extended, allowing you to see exactly where to place the falsies.
- Place the centre first: Instead of starting at one corner, place the centre of the lash strip onto your lash line first. This gives you much more control over positioning.
- Adjust the corners: Secure the outer corner, then the inner corner last.
- Press into place: Use your tweezers or fingers to gently push the fake lashes onto your natural lash hair so they are securely glued. Hold them in place for about 10 seconds.
- Apply above your natural lashes: Always apply your fake eyelashes above your natural hairs. This helps them blend more seamlessly and eliminates clumping and heaviness.
Keep the lash strip as close to your natural lash line as possible. A common mistake is applying lashes too high, which leaves a visible strip of skin in between.
Step 7: Camouflage and Finish
Once your lashes are attached and secure, draw a line of black liquid or gel eyeliner over the strip and across the lid to camouflage the false lash band. This fills in any little gaps and ties the entire look together.
Optional: You can apply a touch of mascara to help blend your real lashes with the falsies. However, keep in mind that adding mascara to fake lashes will limit their reusability to one or two times due to bacteria build-up.
Types of Lashes: Special Application Tips
For Strip Lashes
Follow the steps above—these are the most straightforward to apply.
For Individual Lashes
Pick up an individual lash with your tweezers, dip the base in a small amount of lash glue, and gently place the lash as close as possible to your natural lash line without gluing it to your real lashes.
For Cluster Lashes
Space these out along your lash line so you do not end up with an obvious section of false lashes. Apply two or three shorter lashes to the centre of your eyelid and three or four longer ones towards the outer corners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not measuring the lashes – Lashes that are too wide or too long look unnatural and feel uncomfortable.
❌ Applying too much glue – A thin, even layer is all you need. Too much glue creates a mess.
❌ Not waiting for the glue to become tacky – Fresh glue causes lashes to slide around.
❌ Applying lashes too close to the inner corner – This can make your eyes look small and unnatural.
❌ Not curling natural lashes first – This makes your lashes look uneven.
❌ Applying lashes before eyeshadow and eyeliner – Always save lashes for the final steps.
❌ Using low-quality lashes – Cheap synthetic materials can irritate the eyes and look unnatural.
How to Remove Fake Eyelashes Safely
Never pull or yank your false lashes off—this can damage your natural lashes and irritate your eyes.
Method 1: Lash Glue Remover
Apply a small amount of eyelash glue remover along the lash line using an eyeliner brush. The glue will soften, allowing you to gently remove the false lash without pulling.
Method 2: Oil-Based Remover
Saturate a cotton pad with an oil-based makeup remover or thick oil like castor oil, and hold it against your lash line. The oil will loosen the adhesive bond. Castor oil is a great choice because it is not runny, meaning it won’t easily enter your eye, and it has nourishing benefits for your lashes.
Once removed, gently clean any leftover glue from the lash band if you plan to reuse them.
Final Pro Tips
- Practice makes perfect – Do not be discouraged if your first few attempts are not flawless.
- Try half-lashes – If you find yourself trimming most of the lash, consider buying half-lashes or cutting the strip in half and applying it to just the outer corners.
- Pay attention to the band width – A thin band is generally more comfortable and natural-looking.
- Re-curl after application – Gently curl your natural and false lashes together to help them blend seamlessly.
With these steps and a little patience, you will be applying false eyelashes like a professional in no time. What once felt impossible will soon become a natural part of your beauty routine.