Applying false lashes for the first time? Oh, sis, I feel you. It can be lowkey intimidating—but trust me, after a few tries, you’ll be applying lashes like you’ve been doing it your whole life. Plus, once you’ve got it down, those lashes will take your makeup looks from 0 to 100 REAL quick. There’s something about fluttery lashes that just instantly makes you feel like a glam goddess, am I right?
So if you’re a total beginner and you’ve got your lash strips, glue, and tweezers in hand but no idea where to start, I gotchu. We’re gonna break it all down—no stress, no pressure—with all the tips and tricks you need to slay those falsies.
What You’ll Need
First things first: tools. You don’t wanna get halfway through your lash application and realize you’re missing something. Grab the essentials:
- A pair of false lashes – Duh. Go for something natural like Ardell Wispies if it’s your first time.
- Lash glue – I’m obsessed with the Duo Lash Adhesive, but any good glue will do.
- Tweezers or Lash Applicator – You can just use your fingers, but a lash applicator or a pair of tweezers will level up your precision.
- Scissors – Some lash strips will need a little trim to fit your eye better.
- Mascara – Helps your lashes blend with the falsies.
- Eyeliner (optional) – A black liner helps conceal the lash band, making everything look flawless.
It’s like building your own mini lash kit! And honestly, the good part is you probably have most of this stuff in your makeup bag rn.
Step 1: Measure & Trim Those Babies
This is the most slept-on step—like, seriously, a lot of people skip this and then wonder why their lashes look crazy. Your falsies might be too long for your eyes, so you wanna measure them against your lash line.
Gently remove the lashes from their tray (DO NOT yank them or you’ll wreck them), and place them along your eyelid. If you’ve got teeny eyes (hello, me), they’ll probably be too long.
Tip: Cut from the outer edge, not the inner corner of the lash. The outer part usually has the most dramatic flare, and you don’t wanna lose that.
The biggest rookie mistake is not trimming lashes to fit your eyes. Girl, get those scissors because it makes all the difference.
Step 2: Apply That Glue (And Wait. Yes, Wait.)
Sis, glue is your BFF here, but WAIT for it to get tacky! A big mistake beginners make is applying the lash too soon right after the glue and then it’s sliding around like it’s on skates. Nobody has time for that mess 😅.
Put some glue onto the lash band—don’t drown it in glue, just a thin, even line—especially on the corners because that’s where it tends to pop off. Now, wait for about 15-30 seconds or until the glue gets tacky. This is key!
Don’t rush it! Give the glue a moment to set. Patience will reward you with lashes that *stay* in place all. day. long.
Step 3: Time to Stick It On—Gently!
Alright, it’s showtime. Tweezers (or fingers) in hand, pick up your lash strip in the middle and gently place it in the center of your lash line. Press it down, then adjust the corners. Start on one end and work your way to the other side of the eye.
Make sure to press the whole lash strip down—inner corner, center, outer corner. It should sit tight right where your natural lashes start.
Pro Tip: I always drag my lashes slightly upward while pressing them down, especially at the outer corners. This gives a more lifted, cat-eye look that’s snatched. We love a lifted eye! ✨
Step 4: Mascara Magic
All through this journey, you’re probably thinking: “But wait—what about blending??” This is where your trusty mascara comes in. After pressing and making sure your lash is secure, apply a coat of your mascara to blend your real lashes with your strip lashes.
I personally love using the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara, but whatever fave mascara you use should work just fine.
Mascara will help marry your natural lashes and falsies together for a seamless finish. If you’re feeling extra fancy, curl them together for even more drama.
Blending your lashes with mascara is how you avoid that awkward two-lash, double-layer look that screams “I didn’t blend!”
Step 5: Fill That Lash Line with Eyeliner
If your lash band is still peeking through, smudge some eyeliner over to cover any gaps. Using a gel or liquid liner makes it almost impossible for anyone to spot the lash band. It’s like that perfect last touch that seals the deal.
The NYX Epic Ink Liner is a solid choice and super easy to handle. You can also tightline your waterline (aka apply liner to the upper rim) to really intensify everything without using a thick liner on top.
Now, for a quick troubleshooting moment, because let’s face it—even with these steps, you might hit a bump or two the first few times. Here are common lash probs and simple solutions.
Common False Lash Struggles (& How to Beat ‘Em)
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Lash Won’t Stick | Check if glue had enough time to go tacky. Press down for a few more secs. |
| Inner Corner Pops Off | Next time, add a little extra glue on the ends. Press firmly. |
| Lashes Too Dramatic | Go for something lighter. Natural styles like Ardell Demi Wispies work great for beginners. |
| Can’t Get Lashes Even | Use a mirror set lower, so you look down as you apply and they’ll align better. |
| Glue Got on Your Lids | No worries, just wait for glue to dry, then flake it off with a Q-tip! Makeup remover can help too. |
| Looks Too Fake | Blend with mascara and eyeliner. Trim ends if they’re too long. Try using a more natural set of lashes. |
| Heavy Feeling | Look for lashes with a thinner band! Thicker strips are heavier. Lashes like the Kiss Blowout Lash have lightweight bands! |
Practice Makes Perfect (No Cap!)
Okay, listen: nobody nails flawless lashes on their first attempt. You might have glue on your fingers and lashes stuck higher than your brows the first couple tries, lol! But don’t stress—your lash slay is right around the corner. Every awkward first step gets you closer to that bombshell lash-flutter moment.
Once you’ve got this routine down, you can even experiment with different styles. Feeling extra? Pop on some Huda Beauty Lashes for that full glam effect. Or keep it chill with Wispies for a cute, everyday look.
TL;DR: Measure, trim, glue, stick, blend, flaunt.
And let’s be real, fake lashes are more than makeup—they’re a vibe. You’re gonna look and feel unstoppable. ✨ So practice, have fun, and lemme know how your lash game turns out!
If anyone has any lash recs or questions, drop them in the comments below!
