Let's be honest. The first time I tried putting on false eyelashes, it looked like a spider died on my eyelid. Glue everywhere, lashes crooked, and my real lashes sticking out at weird angles. But after ruining maybe... ten pairs? I finally figured it out. Today I'm sharing everything the beauty gurus don't tell you about how to put on fake lashes properly.
Before You Start: Lash Types That Won't Fight You
Picking the wrong lash type is like wearing stilettos for hiking. Here's what actually works:
| Lash Type | Best For | Difficulty Level | My Personal Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strip Lashes (e.g., Ardell Demi Wispies) | Beginners, full glam looks | Easy | Start here. The band helps with placement |
| Magnetic Lashes (e.g., Kiss Magnetic) | Glue-haters, quick application | Medium | Faster but can feel heavy. Don't buy cheap ones |
| Individual Clusters (e.g., Lilac St.) | Natural looks, filling gaps | Hard | Annoying to apply but most realistic |
| Lashify-style (under-lash application) | Long wear, no band visible | Expert | Steep learning curve. Save for later |
My rookie mistake? Buying dollar store lashes. The bands were like plastic fishing line. Spend at least $8-15 for flexible bands that bend to your eye shape.
Glue Matters More Than You Think
That free glue in the lash package? Toss it. Seriously. It's like trying to build furniture with chewing gum. Here's what works:
- Duo Brush-On Adhesive (dark tone) - My holy grail. Dries black so mistakes hide
- House of Lashes - For sensitive eyes, dries clear
- Magnetic Liners - Only for magnetic lashes. Don't mix systems!
White glue turns translucent when dry? Total myth. It dries shiny and looks like eye gunk. Trust me.
The Actual Process: How to Put on Fake Lashes Step-by-Step
Put down that glue bottle! Doing prep work first is 70% of success:
Pro Tip:
Apply lashes before eye makeup. If glue gets on your shadow, you won't ruin your masterpiece.
Prep Like a Surgeon
- CLEAN LASHES - Oil breaks down glue. Swipe lids with micellar water
- TRIMMING - Hold strip against eye. Cut from outer end if too long
- BEND THE BAND - Wrap around makeup brush for 60 seconds. Makes it flexible
- GLUE APPLICATION - Apply thin line on band. Wait 30-45 seconds until tacky
Waiting for glue to get sticky is non-negotiable. Too wet? Slides everywhere. Too dry? Won't stick. When it looks shiny but doesn't string when touched - that's the sweet spot.
The Moment of Truth: Application
- Look down into a mirror placed flat on the table
- Use tweezers or fingers to place lash center-first
- Press outer corner down, then inner corner
- Use a cotton swab to nudge into place while glue dries
My biggest aha moment? Stop trying to apply lashes with your eye open. You blink instinctively. Looking down with eyes half-closed is easier.
Panic Button:
Glue on your eyelid? DON'T wipe. Wait until fully dry then gently roll off with a q-tip. Wiping smears it into your makeup.
What Nobody Tells You: Troubleshooting Hell
Lashes lifting in the corner? Hate that.
| Problem | Why It Happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Inner corner lifting | Band too straight for your eye curve | Bend band more before applying |
| Lash gap showing | Placed too high above natural lash line | Press down with spoolie brush after glue sets |
| Glue strings everywhere | Applied too much glue | Use needle-nose tweezers to pull strings once dry |
| Lashes feel heavy | Band too thick or dense lashes | Choose "wispy" styles instead of "dramatic" |
If corners lift repeatedly, try cutting strips into 3 sections. Apply outer piece first. Game changer for hooded eyes.
Removal Without Ripping Out Real Lashes
I learned this the hard way after losing chunks of lashes:
- SOAK with oil-based makeup remover on cotton pad
- Hold against lash line for 60 seconds
- Gently slide lashes toward your temples
- NEVER pull straight off
That $5 lash isn't worth bald spots. Be patient.
Making Lashes Last Beyond One Wear
Good lashes cost $15+? Make them last:
- CLEAN AFTER USE - Remove glue residue with tweezers
- STORE PROPERLY - Keep in original case. Don't toss loose in makeup bag
- GLUE BUILD UP - Soak in alcohol to dissolve old glue
My current pair of Ardells? On their 8th wear. Just clean them gently.
FAQs About How to Put on Fake Lashes
Can I reuse fake lashes?
Absolutely! Strip lashes last 10-15 wears if cleaned properly. Individuals? 2-3 uses max.
How long should fake lashes stay on?
With good glue? 12-16 hours. Don't sleep in them though. Eye infections aren't glamorous.
Can I apply mascara over fake lashes?
Lightly. But it gunts up the fibers. Better to curl real lashes first and apply mascara before falsies.
Why do my eyes itch after application?
Either glue allergy (switch to latex-free) or you're placing them too close to your waterline.
What's better: individual lashes or strips?
Individuals look more natural but take 3x longer. Start with strips when learning how to apply fake lashes.
Advanced Hacks They Don't Teach
After 200+ applications, here's my obscure wisdom:
- TWEEZER TYPE MATTERS - Slanted tweezers = stab risk. Use curved "lash" tweezers
- GLUE HACK - Add black eyeshadow to clear glue to darken it
- HOT WEATHER FIX - Blow on glue for 5 extra seconds in humidity
- THE LASH COMB - Run through real/fake lashes together to blend
Truth moment? I still mess up sometimes. Last week I glued my finger to my eyelid. Had to soak it off. Point is - don't beat yourself up if learning how to put on fake lashes takes practice. Anyone who says it's easy is lying.
When to Give Up and Try Alternatives
If you've tried 20+ times and still hate it:
| Alternative | Cost | Commitment Level | Real Talk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lash extensions | $120+ monthly | High maintenance | Beautiful but ruins natural lashes |
| Lash lifts | $70 every 6 weeks | Medium | Natural look but no volume |
| Mascara + fibers | $25 | Low | Subtle effect. Doesn't flake if done right |
Personally? I still prefer falsies. Cheaper than extensions and less damaging. But lash lifts are awesome for "no makeup" days.
Final thought? Learning how to apply fake lashes is like riding a bike. Once it clicks, you'll wonder why it ever seemed hard. Start with cheap Ardells and practice while watching Netflix. Who cares if you look crazy alone? Master the technique first.
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