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A Few False Eyelash Application Tips

by 35 Comments


Here I’m wearing Katy Perry Lashes in Banging Beauty, $6.99

True or false: applying false eyelashes can be very intimidating.

For me? TRUE. The very thought of applying false lashes, especially if I’m tired or not on my game that day, or if I’m using a brand new style of lashes I’ve never used before, can be downright terrifying. Sometimes it’s so daunting that I don’t even want to try.

When I first got into ’em, I was total crap at the application, for real! — but as with most things, if you practice, it gets easier.

When we looked at the awesome $4 Ardell 120s last week (LOVE these), you asked some good questions about false eyelash application in the comments…

Applying false eyelashes: I need halp!

Ardell Demi 120
The Ardell Demi 120s

“These look really natural and what a great deal. I only wish I knew how to apply false eyelashes. You should do a tutorial on that!”
—Agata

Hi Agata,

Hey, girl! 🙂 When it comes to easy-to-apply lashes, those Ardell 120s are some of the best I’ve ever used. With those or any pairs, if you practice and be patient, and give yourself a week or two, it’ll get super easy. The best advice I can give is to look down into a mirror while you’re applying them. That really helps me a lot!

Go easy on yourself, too. It takes a few tries, but seriously, you’ll get the hang of it. Here are some other things that can help…

  1. Paint the white band first before you start applying (I just use black gel liner), so you don’t have to paint it after you’re finished and it’s tougher to reach without disturbing your makeup or the lashes. 

  2. Give the glue time to get sticky. I usually wait from 30 seconds to a minute. When it first comes out of the tube, it’s not very sticky.
  3. Use as little of the glue as possible. Seriously! I find that when I use too much, the lashes feel really uncomfortable.

Also, trim the ends

mac 33 lash
The MAC 33 False Lashes. I always end up trimming these a little…

“Karen, I am terrible at figuring out how much to trim off of the sides of my false lashes. I cut off 1 bunch at a time until they are inevitably too short. On the rare occasion where I cut them to the right size and keep them as a template for future lashes, it never seems to work out when I go between lash styles. Any tips/tricks?”
–Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Have you tried marking the edge of the lashes before cutting them? I use a black gel liner to mark the spot on the band where I think I need to cut it to make it fit my lashes. Then set the lashes (without any glue) on top of your natural lashes, and check in the mirror to see if the spot where you put the mark works with the length of your natural lashes and the shape of your eye.

Does that make sense? Also, I always trim from the inner portion, which usually has shorter lashes, because I mostly wear pairs that have longer lashes on the outer ends, and I like that nice lift on the outer corner.

More thoughts on Ardell lashes by the gals who comment on MBB (hi, ladies!)

  • “I love Ardell lashes… Nordstrom Rack sells them for less than the average drugstore. I stock up on two or three each time I am in the store. Overall, I like Sephora’s lashes the best as I can use them repeatedly before it’s time to say goodbye.” –Glorya
  • “I use Ardell 109 lashes (don’t know why that’s my fave pair). I feel like Bambi with them on, for some reason.” –Kwmechelle
  • “I love myself some Ardell lashes. I’m partial to the 110s, but I think I’ll give the 120′s a try.” –Christine

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Thanks again for the tip on trimming Karen! I’d been trimming from both sides 🙁 Have you tried some of the Asian lash brands? My favorites are from Darkness – I get them at the beauty counter at the front of the Korean grocery store I go to and they are pretty inexpensive. I’ve also tried some from Holika Holika, although the band is a bit too stiff for my taste.

    Reply

    • Hi Lisa,

      You’re welcome! I hope the tips helped. I haven’t tried many Asian lash brands because they’re hard for me to find where I live. I have to go into the city to track them down. What other brands have you worn? I’ve worn MAC, Revlon, Urban Decay, Ardell and Shu Uemura. I really do love the Shu ones, but they’re not as easily accessible. And while MAC is kind of pricey, I have to say that their lashes last a really long time. Ardells are still some of my faves though because they’re so affordable.

      Reply

  3. Have any tips for applying the glue? That’s my biggest problem–getting way too much glue on the band. I try and squeeze gently and distribute the glue evenly but it always decides to spurt out a big glob of glue somewhere along the band. I literally glued my eye shut the first time I tried it because I had so much glue on the lashes lol.

    One time I did manage to successfully get one on…and then I got so much glue on the other one that I had to the store with one eyelash missing and buy a new pair before I was late for my date. On the plus side, she did compliment my lashes…

    Reply

    • Hi Shana,

      I have the same problem. Here’s what I do: take a Q-tip and break it in half. Take one of the halves (save the other one for the next time you wear falsies), and use the side that doesn’t have the cotton tip to pick up the glue from the tip of your glue tube. Then, apply the glue that’s on the Q-tip directly onto your lash band. I find that I have much more control over how much product I apply to your false lash band when I do this. Does this make sense?

      Reply

    • Try the revlon glue or house of lashes glue since they come with a wand where you can brush the glue on with the wand rather than duo where you squeeze it out.

      Reply

    • I have. Have you? I’ve tried several times and they’re SO FRICKIN’ HARD!!! You know what also scares me? Applying false lashes to the bottom lash line.

      Reply

  7. I love the Ardell 110 lashes because they are natural looking with a little bit of glam. I also love MAC Cosmetics #32 lashes because they make my lashes look fuller.

    Reply

  8. FABULOUS!!! I think being a true lash pro only happens when you’ve practiced enough that the thought of applying them doesn’t make your stomach clench momentarily. LOL! I have to apply mine with tweezers – I’m in awe of people who just boop ’em on their lids with their fingers! Great post!
    kristen @ glambunctious recently posted … MAY FAVES! ❤

    Reply

    • Thank you, Kristen! I used to apply with tweezers until I almost accidentally poked my eye out. 🙁 Now it’s fingers all the way!

      Reply

  9. Hi, I’d love to wear false eyelashes but I’m really pale and blond, I’m afraid it might look too dramatic and I don’t have the skills to apply individuals lashes.. Any idea? Very nice post by the way 🙂

    Reply

  11. Learning how to apply false eyelashes was tough but worth it since they make my eyes look pretty. I sometimes apply too much glue but I’ve gotten better with practice. I use a black pen liner on the band after application but I’m going to try using your gel liner trick next time. I use tweezers and Sephora’s Bulls eye lash applicator works very well also. My sister is always jealous when I wear false lashes because she can’t figure out the method. You are right practice is key, I plan on extra time because it sometimes takes a few tries to get it right.

    Reply

    • Hi Denise,

      The darkening the band trick first works with black pen liner too! I’ve done that before as well.

      What false lash style is your go-to?

      Reply

  12. Although I think I am a pro in my head at applying lashes, cutting lashes yadda yadda yadda. I am happy that you have a tip for applying glue . I apply the glue to the back of my hand and sometimes I apply to much to the actual band. And you know things applied to back of your hair gets everywhere when you forget to wipe it off. I had lash glue on my forhead and some foundation on my back of dress. I would love to shu umera lashes.

    Reply

    • Hi Ericca,

      I’ve done the same thing, except with concealer and foundation. I can’t even count how many times I’ve ended up with makeup all over my hair and face.

      If you ever get the chance to try Shu Uemura lashes, I totally recommend the False Lashes in Luxe Black. They’re the ones with criss-cross pattern. I’ve worn them before and liked them very much.

      Reply

  14. I watched a tutorial on YT the other day where the gal applied her falsies using a false lash applicator tool. I’d never seen that but she applied it like a pro!

    Reply

  15. THANK YOU!!!! I bought false lashes when I had my first pair (ever!) put on at MAC when I got my face did. hahah.

    I bought a few pairs afterwards and they have been sitting in my cabinet since. 🙁 I will have to try these tips and will stick with the practice…

    I have read a few things on how to remove them, but what is the best way to remove them? I worry that I’m going to rip out my lashes, or hard my lids.

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Hi Camille,

      You’re so welcome! Let me know how it goes and feel free to ask away if you still have questions.

      So, removing false lashes. I close one of my eyes, then I take a makeup wipe and hold it up against the false lashes for a good minute or two, sometimes three. (It depends on if I’m chillin’ on the couch and watching TV, haha!). The idea is to let the lashes soak up the makeup remover. They should slip right off after a few minutes. You can also use a cotton pad drenched that’s saturated with your fave makeup remover, too.

      Reply

      • Thank you, Karen! 😀 the follow up post was even more thorough, so I appreciate the tips!

        The night I wore my falsies, I googled how to remove the lashes. It advised to not use oil based make up remover, which is what I have. Booooo, so I ripped them off after I lightly washed my face.

        I’ll have to pick up the eye make up remover you mentioned in your follow up post. 🙂 Headed to Ulta this weekend, and I have a long list of goodies to pick up.

        Thanks, again, Karen! and Tabby Tabs.

        Reply

  16. Very timely info! My daughter and I need to learn, pronto. Her dance show is fast approaching. Our big question- how do you remove them? I have seen the applicator tool in the Ardell Glamour kit. Looks like wide plastic tweezers. we didn’t get that set, maybe we need to head back the the drugstore if it makes it easier.

    Reply

  18. Please, must know what eyeshadow you are wearing in this photo in the False eyelash tutorial??????!!!

    Reply

  20. Especially love your eye makeup in the False Eyelash Tips. Please share what eyeshadow you are wearing.

    Reply

  21. Karen, using makeup remover and holding it against the lashes for easy removal…the best tip (and most obvious)! Yay! I almost cried the last time I tried falsies and lost lashes in the removal. So not worth it. Now I might actually try them again. I love how feminine lashes are.

    Reply

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