Like learning to ride a bike or parallel park, learning how to apply false eyelashes isn’t a skill that comes easily. But anyone who’s mastered it will tell you it is well worth the practice. False lashes can make your eyes look bigger and more dramatic without the mess of mascara—and for the fraction of the price of eyelash extensions or lash lifts. Whether you want the drama of strip lashes or the full, natural look of individual ones, here’s everything you need know about how to apply false eyelashes like a pro.
For a natural daytime look, choose lightweight and wispy lashes. For a dramatic night out look, select thicker and longer lashes.
Determine your eye shape before picking a false eyelash. For example, if you have almond eyes then your eye shape will suit pretty much any kind of lash look. Round eyes are a versatile shape that will suit an array of long, curly and wispy eyelash styles, which are perfect for enhancing round peepers. If you have hooded eyes then the crease of your eyelid isn’t visible. Opt for a strip lash where the band is thin and shorter in length so that the eye doesn’t appear too heavy. Same as round eyes, shy away from big voluminous lashes.
Remember to also consider the thickness and length of the lashes, along with the type of material used to make them. Ultimately, choose the style that makes you feel confident and glamorous, and enjoy flaunting those beautiful eyes!
Measure the strip against your actual eyelid and trim off the excess. Before gluing the lashes on, you will need to make sure they are not too wide for your eye. Hold the lash strips up against your eyelid, and trim them down on the sides if necessary. If the lashes are too long for your personal taste, consider trimming the individual lashes down to achieve a more natural look. Lashes should be longer toward the outer corner of the eye.
For the best results, it’s essential to invest in easy-to-use, reliable lash glue that will keep your false eyelashes on for as long as possible.
Apply a light layer of lash glue to the outer seam of the eyelash strip with an applicator or small brush. Allow the glue to dry for about 30 seconds before applying it to your lashes. It'll make the fake lashes less likely to slide around when you apply.
Use tweezers to place lashes close to your natural lash line. Use tweezers to first place the middle of the strip in the center of your eye, then nudge the outer and inner corners down along your lash line. Once all the edges are in place, you can use your fingers to gently pinch your natural lashes and false lashes together so they’re blended and false lashes together to create one cohesive lash. The goal is make sure there’s no gap between the lashes and your lash line. (Tips: If you place a mirror under your face nearly to a perpendicular angle and look down, your eyelid will extend, almost like you're closing your eyes, but you'll be better able to see exactly where to place the strip. Don't close your eyes when applying, because it changes your eye shape.)
Apply mascara to your lashes. This will help blend your natural lashes with the false ones, achieving a more natural look. You can use black, brown, or dark gray mascara.
Now that you've got your lashes on, here is a crucial step to make your strip lashes look less obviously like you're wearing strip lashes. Take your trusty liquid liner (or gel liner with an angled eyeliner brush, if you prefer) and draw a line extending the band from where it begins to the inner corner of your eye. You can also flick out the end if you want a winged effect, but this is mostly just to blend the line of the band to your lash line.
Applying false eyelashes may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, anyone can achieve a glamorous look with ease. It is important to remember to choose the right pair of lashes for your eye shape, trim them to fit your eye size, and use a good-quality adhesive. Practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. Before you know it, you'll be a false lash expert, turning heads and feeling confident in your stunning new look.