Wondering how to apply false eyelashes without crooked bands or lifting corners? The secret is a comfortable fit, a little patience with your lash adhesive, and careful placement. Your first attempt doesn’t have to be perfect. Like winged liner, it gets easier with practice.
This Peak Lashes™ guide covers traditional strip lashes applied with lash adhesive. Magnetic lashes, self-adhesive lashes, and under-lash clusters use different methods, so always follow the instructions supplied with your lashes and adhesive.
What you’ll need
- A pair of strip false eyelashes
- Adhesive specifically intended for strip eyelashes
- A lash applicator or clean tweezers
- Small scissors for trimming the lash band
- A mirror and good lighting
- Optional: eyeliner and mascara
Read your adhesive’s directions and ingredient list before starting, especially if you have known sensitivities. Follow any patch-test instructions on the packaging. Never use nail glue or household glue near your eyes.
1. Start with clean hands and a clean lash line
Wash your hands and make sure your eyelids are clean, dry, and free from oily residue. If you’re wearing eye makeup, finish your eyeshadow and eyeliner first. If desired, apply a light coat of mascara to your natural lashes and let it dry before applying the strip lashes.
2. Check the fit before adding glue
With your eye open, hold the lash strip just above your upper lash line to check its length. The band should sit comfortably without poking the inner corner or extending beyond the outer corner.
If it’s too long, remove the strip from your eye area and trim a tiny amount from the outer end of the band. Check the fit again before trimming more. Keep scissors away from your eyes, and check each lash separately because your eyes may need slightly different fits.
3. Apply a thin layer of lash adhesive
Apply a thin, even layer of adhesive along the lash band, following the adhesive manufacturer’s directions. Keep glue off the lash fibers and do not apply it to your waterline or directly into your eye.
Wait for the adhesive to reach the tacky stage specified on its packaging. Applying the strip while the glue is too wet can make it slide around, so resist the urge to rush this step.
4. Position the strip close to your upper lashes
Place your mirror slightly below eye level and look downward, keeping your eye gently open. Hold the strip with a lash applicator or clean tweezers, keeping any pointed tips away from your eye.
Lower the band onto the skin just above your natural upper lash line, not onto the waterline. Set the center in place first, then gently position the outer and inner corners. Avoid placing the band against the sensitive inner corner of your eye.
5. Let the adhesive set
Use your applicator or a clean fingertip to gently secure the band without pressing on your eye. Let the adhesive set for the time directed on the packaging. Avoid tugging, rubbing, or repeatedly repositioning the strip while it dries.
Once it has set, you can touch up eyeliner along the band if you want a more blended finish. Only use mascara on the false lashes if their care instructions allow it.
6. Check comfort and repeat on the other eye
Blink gently and check that the band feels comfortable. If it pinches, pokes, or pulls, remove it according to the adhesive’s instructions and adjust the fit before trying again. Don’t try to push through discomfort.
Repeat the same steps on your other eye. Aim for comfortable placement rather than perfect symmetry.
Common false-eyelash mistakes and how to fix them
The corners keep lifting
Check whether the strip is too long, whether your lash line has oily residue, or whether the adhesive was still too wet when you applied it. Remove the strip as directed, clean away old adhesive as instructed, and reapply. Don’t add glue while holding a pointed applicator close to your eye.
The lash band looks too far from your natural lashes
Try looking down into a mirror so you can see your upper lash line more clearly. If the strip has already set in the wrong position, remove it gently and start again rather than dragging it across your eyelid.
The lashes feel heavy or uncomfortable
A lighter-looking strip style may be easier to get used to. Check the band length and placement, too. Remove the lashes if discomfort continues.
How to remove false eyelashes gently
Follow the removal directions for your lash adhesive. Use a compatible eye-area makeup remover or lash-adhesive remover as directed, and give it time to loosen the bond. Gently lift the strip only when it releases easily. Never pull it off forcefully or tug on your natural lashes.
If the lashes are reusable, clean and store them according to their care instructions. Allow them to dry and keep them in their tray to help maintain their shape. Don’t share lashes or adhesive, and remove strip lashes before sleeping.
Frequently asked questions
Do you apply false eyelashes before or after makeup?
For a typical strip-lash routine, apply eyeshadow and eyeliner first, then attach the lashes. A light coat of mascara on your natural lashes beforehand is optional. Follow your lash product’s directions if they recommend a different order.
Do false eyelashes go on your skin or your lashes?
Traditional adhesive strip lashes sit on the skin immediately above your natural upper lash line. They should not sit on your waterline. Other lash systems can have different placement instructions.
Can you reuse false eyelashes?
Some strip lashes are designed to be reused, but it depends on the product and how you care for it. Follow the packaging rather than assuming a set number of wears. Discard lashes that are damaged, dirty, or cannot be cleaned as directed.
What if the adhesive irritates my eyes?
Stop using the product and remove the lashes according to its instructions. If adhesive gets in your eye, follow the label’s first-aid directions and seek medical guidance. Seek prompt medical care for eye pain, changes in vision, or persistent irritation.
A little practice makes all the difference
For your next lash application, remember three things: measure before you glue, wait for the right tackiness, and place the band close to your upper lash line. Give yourself a few extra minutes, take it one eye at a time, and let comfort guide the fit.