Learning how to apply and remove false lashes takes a few attempts, and then it becomes quick. Strip lashes add length and fullness for an evening or an event, and they come off at the end of the night. The keys are a strip that fits your eye, glue that has had time to become tacky, and patience when removing them.
Types of false lashes
| Type | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Strip lashes | A full row on a band | Most people; easiest to reuse |
| Half or accent lashes | A short strip for the outer corner | Beginners; a lifted look |
| Individual or cluster lashes | Small groups applied one by one | A natural, customized result |
| Magnetic lashes | Attach with magnetic liner or small magnets | Avoiding traditional glue |
This guide covers strip lashes with glue. Semi-permanent lash extensions are a different, salon-applied service.
What you need
- False lashes.
- Lash glue. Latex-free versions are available for people with a latex allergy.
- Small scissors.
- Tweezers or a lash applicator.
- A mirror you can place below your face.
Patch test the glue
Lash adhesives can cause allergic reactions on the eyelids. Before first use, dab a little glue on the inside of your arm, leave it for 24 hours and check for redness or itching. Do not use it if your skin reacts.
How to apply
1. Do your eye makeup first
Apply eyeshadow and liner. A thin line of liner hides the lash band. Curl your own lashes and apply one coat of mascara.
2. Measure and trim
Rest the strip along your lash line without glue. It should start where your natural lashes begin and end just before the outer corner. If it is too long, trim the excess from the outer end. A band that is too long pokes the inner corner and lifts.
3. Soften the band
Bend the strip into a C shape and hold it for a few seconds, so that it follows the curve of your eyelid.
4. Apply glue
Run a thin line of glue along the band, with a little extra at each end. Wait 30 to 45 seconds, until the glue is tacky. Wet glue slides.
5. Place the lash
Look down into the mirror. Hold the strip with tweezers and set the center on your lash line first, as close to your own lashes as possible. Then press down the outer corner and the inner corner.
6. Secure it
Gently pinch your natural lashes and the false lashes together with clean fingers. Let the glue dry for a minute. Fill any gap with liner.
Tips
- Beginners often find half lashes or individual clusters easier.
- If a corner lifts, add a dot of glue with a cotton swab and press for a few seconds.
- Keep glue away from the eye itself. If glue gets into your eye, rinse with clean water and seek medical advice if it stays irritated.
- Do not apply lashes in a moving vehicle.
How to remove them
- Soak a cotton pad in an oil-based or dual-phase eye makeup remover.
- Hold it against the closed eye for 20 to 30 seconds to soften the glue.
- Take hold of the band, not the lash tips, at the outer corner.
- Peel slowly towards the inner corner. If it resists, apply more remover and wait. Never pull.
- Remove leftover glue from your lash line with a cotton swab and remover.
- Cleanse your eyes as usual. See How to Remove Eye Makeup Gently.
Pulling lashes off dry can take your own lashes with them.
Cleaning and reusing strip lashes
- Peel the dried glue from the band with tweezers.
- Wipe the band with a cotton swab dipped in remover or micellar water. Do not soak delicate lashes.
- Let them dry and return them to their tray so that they keep their shape.
Good-quality strips can be worn several times. Discard them when they lose shape or cannot be cleaned, and never share them. Makeup Hygiene: How to Store and Handle Products has more on makeup hygiene.
When not to wear false lashes
- During an eye infection, a stye, or irritation of the eyelids.
- If you have reacted to lash glue before.
- Over sore or broken skin.
Remove them and see a doctor if your eyelids become swollen, red or itchy. Give your lashes a rest between wears and do not sleep in strip lashes.
For a lower-effort alternative, a good mascara technique goes a long way. See How to Apply Mascara Without Clumps. False lashes pair well with Smoky Eye Makeup: A Simple Step-by-Step Tutorial and How to Apply Winged Eyeliner for Beginners.
Related on ArniSun
- How to Apply Mascara Without Clumps
- How to Remove Eye Makeup Gently
- Smoky Eye Makeup: A Simple Step-by-Step Tutorial
- Makeup Hygiene: How to Store and Handle Products
- How to Apply Winged Eyeliner for Beginners
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Do false lashes damage natural lashes?
Not when applied and removed gently. Damage comes from pulling them off, sleeping in them, or glue applied to your own lashes instead of the skin just above them.
Should I apply mascara before or after false lashes?
A light coat before helps the false lashes to blend with your own. Avoid coating the false lashes heavily if you want to reuse them.
How long should I wait before putting the lash on?
About 30 to 45 seconds after applying glue, until it feels tacky and has started to turn clear, depending on the product.