How Do You Apply False Lashes? A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide

Quick answer: To apply false lashes, measure the lash strip against your eye and trim it to fit, run a thin line of lash adhesive along your lash line, wait a few seconds until it turns tacky, then press the lash on from the center outward. Finish with a coat of mascara to blend your natural lashes with the falsies. Our Lash Obsessed 5-Piece Lash Set ($31.95) packs everything you need for it in one box.

Why do false lashes feel so hard the first time?

If your first attempt ended with a lash stuck to your fingertip, you're in good company. Most strip lash struggles come down to a few fixable things:

• The strip is too long. Lashes come in one size, but eyes don't. An untrimmed strip pokes the inner corner and lifts.
• The glue is too wet. Pressing a lash on right away makes it slide around instead of grabbing.
• Too much glue. A thick line gets messy and takes longer to set.
• Starting at the corner. Placing one end first makes the whole strip tilt.

Good news: once you know the order of operations, putting on falsies takes just a few minutes.

What do you need to apply false lashes?

Keep it simple. Here's the kit, and how each piece in the Lash Obsessed set fits in:

You'll also want small scissors and, if you like, tweezers or a lash applicator for placement.

How do you apply false lashes step by step?

1. Start with your eye makeup. Do your shadow first so you're not dusting powder onto fresh glue.
2. Prep your natural lashes. Curl them if you like, then sweep on a coat of lash primer so they're separated and lifted.
3. Measure and trim. Hold the strip against your lash line, starting a little in from the inner corner. Trim any extra length from the outer end, never the inner end, so the lash keeps its shape.
4. Warm up the band. Gently bend the strip into a C shape a few times. A softer band follows the curve of your eye more easily.
5. Draw on the adhesive. With the Stuck On You adhesive liner, draw a thin line along your lash line, just like you'd apply eyeliner.
6. Wait until it's tacky. Give it a few seconds. Tacky glue grabs; wet glue slides.
7. Place from the center. Look down into a mirror, set the middle of the strip on your lash line first, then press down the inner and outer ends.
8. Blend. Pinch your natural lashes and the falsies together, then add a coat of mascara so they move as one.

Should you put mascara on before or after false lashes?

A little of both works. A light coat of primer or mascara before helps your natural lashes hold their curl under the strip. A quick coat after helps blend the two together. Just go easy on the falsies themselves if you want to wear them again, since buildup makes them harder to clean.

No time for falsies? Skip the strip entirely. The product page's natural-lash routine is just primer followed by tubing mascara swept from root to tip. It's a great everyday option for the days you want lifted, longer-looking lashes without the glue.

Strip lashes vs. tubing mascara: which should you wear?

• Strip lashes give the most drama. Think holiday parties, New Year's Eve, photos and big nights out.
• Primer plus tubing mascara is the quick, low-effort choice for school, work and errands.
• Both together is the full glam move: falsies for shape, mascara to blend.

With five pairs of lashes plus a mascara in one set, you can switch between all three moods all season.

How do you remove false lashes without tugging?

1. Hold your lid gently and peel the strip off starting at the outer corner.
2. Remove the rest of your eye makeup with a gentle makeup remover.
3. Carefully pick any leftover adhesive off the lash band so it's ready for next time.
4. Store the lashes back in their tray so they keep their curve.
5. At night, apply Lusty Look Lash Serum along your clean lash line.

FAQ

How long does it take to apply false lashes?

Your first few tries may take a while. Once you've got the trim-glue-wait-press rhythm down, most people can apply a pair in a few minutes.

Can you reuse false lashes?

Yes. The faux mink lashes in the Lash Obsessed set are reusable. Remove them gently, clean off the old adhesive and store them in their tray.

What does a lash adhesive liner do?

It's lash glue in a felt-tip pen. You draw it along your lash line like eyeliner, let it get tacky, then press your lash on. It's an easy option for beginners who find glue tubes messy.

Are the faux mink lashes made from real mink?

No. They're synthetic faux mink lashes, and the whole Lash Obsessed set is cruelty-free and paraben-free.

Is the Lash Obsessed set a good gift?

It's an easy pick for lash lovers and beginners alike, since it covers prep, falsies, mascara and night care in one box. It's also date-night and Valentine's Day ready.

Ready to bat those lashes? Shop the Lash Obsessed 5-Piece Lash Set at rudecosmetics.com.