Alright besties, let’s talk false lashes. I know, I know—applying falsies can feel like a whole thing. But trust me, with the right tips and some practice, you’ll be slaying it in no time. We’re going to break it down step by step, and I promise I’m here to help you master this. So grab your lash glue and let’s do this!
Why False Lashes Though?
Girl (or guy), false lashes are like that last-minute accessory that takes your look from cute to full-on glam. Like the way iced coffee makes Mondays survivable. You can go from subtle enhancements to full-on drama just by switching up the style of lashes you use. Plus, they’re multipurpose AF—perfect for Insta selfies, a night out, or just giving yourself that extra boost while you binge-watch on Netflix.
Even if you’ve struggled with them before, trust me, it’s all about finding the right routine and the right lashes to match your vibe. Let’s get you out of the “lash fail” phase and into “oh my gosh, your lashes are so pretty” stage, okay? Okay.
Step 1: Picking the Right Lashes
Before you go gluing things to your lids, you gotta find the lashes that match YOUR energy. Whether you’re looking to go soft and natural or bold and glam, there’s a lash style for you! Here’s like your Lash 101 breakdown on vibe-based options:
| Look Vibe | Type of Lashes |
|---|---|
| Soft or Everyday | Natural, Wispy Lashes (Hello, “your lashes but better”) |
| Drama Queen | Thick, Voluminous Lashes (Think Kardashians or Ariana Grande-level flutter) |
| Cute AF | Short with a mix of length (like flirty Bambi-eyes) |
| Full-on IG Baddie | Mega Long with Curl (Perfect for extra glam photoshoots) |
Once you understand the vibe, you’re ready to dive in and select the perfect lashes. Always go for cruelty-free and vegan lashes when you can, because we stan taking care of animals!
Step 2: TRIM Your Lashes (Yes, Really)
One rookie mistake is slapping on falsies straight out of the package. Sis, don’t do it. Everyone’s eyes are different in shape and size. Fabrics may be one size fits all—lashes are not.
Pull out your fave pair of small scissors and measure them against your eyelid by resting one strip on top of your natural lash line. Chances are, it’ll be too long, and if you just leave it like that, your lashes will pop off the ends like a bad clip-on ponytail. 😂 Trim them as needed, always from the outer corner. Never cut the inside corner because you’ll lose the pretty flare.
Pro tip: If you’re new to this, cut a little less than you think. You can always go back and trim more, but you can’t glue that lash back on!
Step 3: Lash Glue Ain’t Optional—It’s the MVP
I don’t care how cute the lashes are: if the glue is trash, it’s game over. You need one that’s got a bit of a tacky consistency so it lasts all day (and night if you’re dancing!). Trust me, it’s worth investing in a bomb lash glue—no one wants to be out at brunch with a rogue lash flapping in the wind.
Go for clear glue if you’re aiming for a clean look and if you’re feeling fancy and wearing liner or a darker eye, reach for black glue! I personally hoard both because—options! Duh!
Oh and here’s the biggest key: let the glue get tacky before applying! So many lashes have been wasted because people tried to put them on with dripping wet glue (aka a hot mess). Patience, BFF. Wait like 20-30 seconds for it to get tacky, aka sticky, so it actually grips your lash line.
Let the glue dry for 20 to 30 seconds to get tacky before application. You will thank me later.
Step 4: Applying Falsies—Patience and Tweezers Are Your Best Friends
So now the real game begins. Grab some tweezers to help guide the lash to the right spot because using your fingers alone is like trying to ice skate in sneakers: it lowkey isn’t gonna happen smoothly. Plus, tweezers help give you finesse.
Here’s the pro swipe method:
1. Hold the Lash Strip: Gently hold it in the middle with your tweezers (or fingers if you’re already a pro).
2. Start in the Middle: Place the lash right in the middle of your lid, a little above your real lashes.
3. Adjust: Press the outer corner down next, making sure it lines up beautifully, then do the same with the inner corner.
4. Tweak: Gently press the fakies and your natural lashes together using the flat part of your tweezers. You should blend in seamlessly!
Step 5: BLEND It with the Rest of Your Makeup
Okay y’all—this is where a little eyeliner comes in clutch. If you don’t immediately achieve perfection, that’s okay: just use some eyeliner to smooth out the transition between your real lashes and the falsies. It’s like the glue that holds the illusion together (besides the actual lash glue). Doing this hides any awkward gaps and seals the deal for a mega flawless look.
If you’re feeling EXTRA extra, curl both your real and false lashes together with a lash curler and then put a skinny layer of mascara on. That extra lift and mix with mascara ensures your real lashes aren’t sitting awkwardly while your falsies are reaching for the stars.
Troubleshooting Time: Stuff That Can Go Wrong (and How To Fix It)
Now, I get it: sometimes, things go wrong. And in true queer eye fashion, I’m here to help fix it.
1. The Lashes Look Uneven:
First of all… congrats, you’re totally relatable. 😂 But for real—you only think everyone else has perfectly symmetrical eyes, but spoiler: most IRL humans don’t. If one lash seems too high or out of place, peel it off (gently, please), re-glue it, and place it closer to your lash line this time. You‘ll know when it’s right because it’ll suddenly feel “natural.” So keep trying!
2. The Corners Won’t Stay Down:
This is a GLUE problem. If the inner corner isn’t sticking down even after drying it for a sec, dab a lil extra glue on that corner and with your finger or tweezers, press and hold it in place for like 15 seconds. Hold. It. Down. Queen!
3. Glue Mess Everywhere:
Ugh, we’ve all been there: sticky fingers plus too much glue equals disaster. 😩 To avoid this, always apply the glue DIRECTLY to the lash strip (never sprinkle it onto your eyelid like seasoning). Also, a little goes a long way! If things get too sticky, use a damp cotton swab to clean around your eye, and faithfully start again.
The EXTRA Tips for the Girls Who Want Everything 👑
Wanna go the extra mile? I got you, babe! Here are a few more power moves for ultimate lash control:
- Reuse Your Lashes: Revive your falsies after wearing them by removing the glue super gently with tweezers and cleaning them with cotton swabs and makeup remover. Treat them right—some can live through 5-10 uses!
- Snip It: For smaller, almond-shaped eyes, sometimes lashes look intense all at once. Try cutting them in half and only attaching them to the outer half of your lash line for that lifted cat-eye effect.
- Magnetic Lashes: If all else fails and glue still feels like too much of a struggle, you can experiment with magnetic lashes. Those sets come with eyeliner that has tiny magnets built-in. All you do is align the magnetic lash with the liner and it literally clicks into place. They’re not for everyone, but hey, worth a shot if you’re tired of glue!
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Sis, nobody gets it perfect the first time (anyone who says they did is lyingggg!). But the more you play with false lashes, the faster and easier it’ll get. And here’s the good news: even if you completely flop the first 4 times, you can peel those bad boys off and start again. It’s not as permanent as, say, hair dye or a tattoo. 😂
Seriously, just put on some positive vibes music, grab a hand-held mirror, and go for it. After a couple of tries, you’ll feel like a total makeup queen with the bombest falsies in the game.
Alright boos, that’s all I’ve got! Remember: false lashes are meant to be fun, not stressful. So whether you’re chilling at home and practicing or getting ready to step out looking snatched, just take a deep breath, follow these steps, and soon you’ll be a lash pro.
