How To Apply False Eyelashes Like A Pro

Long, full eyelashes are all the rage, and women have given their lashes more attention than ever before in order to acheive that doe-eyed look. And it's easy to see why. "False lashes can make your eyes look lifted, open, and enhance your natural eye shape," makeup artist Branden Melear told Brides. Although there are several methods that can be used to achieve fuller-looking eyelashes — eyelash extensions, eyelash serums, and so on — false eyelashes are probably one of the easiest ways to do so. 

False eyelashes are one of the most coveted beauty items that can really tie your makeup together, but if you don't know how to apply them properly, they can hinder your overall look. Whether you are a newbie to falsies or even somewhat experienced, there's definitely a learning curve to applying lashes. But rest assured — with these tips and tricks, you will be able to apply falsies practically in your sleep.   

Knowing your eye shape is essential in choosing the right false lashes. Take a moment to grab a mirror and look at your eyes straight on. 

Monolid eyes

"Take notice of how much of your moving lid and crease you see," makeup artist Anne Marie Nicolet advised to Ipsy. "Second, imagine a straight line going across the center of your eyes and take notice of where the corners of your eyes fall in relation to that line." If you don't see a crease in your eyelids, your eye shape is likely monolid. 

Hooded eyes

Does your upper lash line meet your crease when looking in the mirror straight on? "If there is a crease but it covers all or majority of the lid, this is a hooded eye," makeup artist Allie Renee confirmed when speaking to Ipsy.

Upturned eyes

Imagine a straight horizontal line across your eye, through the middle of your pupil. With upturned eyes, the outer corner of the eye will be higher than the inner corner.

Downturned Eyes

To determine if you have this eye shape, you'll want to use the same imaginary line concept as upturned eyes. Instead of the outer corner being higher than the inner corner, the outer corner will instead be lower.

Almond eyes

Almond eyes typically have symmetrical outer and inner corners. Just a bit of the bottom and top of the iris will be covered by your upper and lower eyelids.

After you have determined your eye shape, then comes the fun part –- choosing the lash!

Monolid eyes

Try to avoid anything too dramatic because it will make your eye appear heavy. Instead, go for a light, fluttery lash. Glamnetic recommends opting for a short to medium lash and focusing on volume rather than length since monolid lashes are naturally short and straight.

Hooded eyes

Opt for a tapered lash with long fibers in the center and short fibers in the corners. You can't go wrong with Ardell False Lashes Faux Mink Wispies.

Upturned eyes

Since your outer corner is higher than the inner corner, you want to use a lash with a fuller outer corner to really accentuate your eye shape.

Downturned Eyes

Try to avoid a lash with a heavy outer corner and opt for a wispy lash that gradually increases in length to the outer corner. To create a more lifted effect, apply the outer corner of the lash ever-so-slightly above your lash line.

Almond eyes

Since almond eyes are so versatile, you can get away with any style lash, but a full and voluminous lash with equal-length fibers will accentuate your eye shape best. Cat-eye lashes are also a great choice to add a little extra drama.

If you're new to falsies, individual false lashes may make the whole concept seem a little less intimidating. Individual eyelashes are small strips of lashes that usually come in strips of two to five fibers which you would gradually add to your lashline.

The best way to apply individual lashes is by starting from the outer corner of the eye and making your way to the inner corner. This method creates a more natural flow on your eye and gives you more control over the style you're going for. Individual lashes are also used for lash extensions, which is a more semi-permanent option.

Want to take individual lashes one step further? One hack made popular by TikTok is to glue the falsies underneath your upper lash line to create a more natural effect. This method gives the illusion of lash extensions and also conceals the lash band.

Trimming the band of your false lashes is essential in making your lashes custom fit to the width of your eye. "I always cut lashes," makeup artist Amanda Wilson told CNN. "I find they're easier to apply and you can control them a lot easier when they fit your eye."

To trim your lashes, first hold the lash over your eye to get an idea of how much excess needs to be removed. Trim from the longer end using manicure scissors. When trimming, start small and make your cuts pretty conservative until the lash is at your desired size.

Another option when using falsies is to take one false set and cut it in half, then attach it to the outer corner of your eyes as an accent lash. Some brands sell pre-cut accent lashes, which removes the extra steps of measuring and cutting the lashes yourself, but this method is handy to keep in mind if you already have a stash of falsies. 

If you have a hard time putting falsies on with your hands, you're not alone. Thankfully, many false eyelash brands actually make their own unique tools to make application easier. Eyelash applicators look similar to tweezers, and some have curved tips to enable you to grip onto the falsies easily. After you've applied your lashes, you can also use an eyelash applicator to squeeze the false lashes against your natural lashes to better bond them. Some people forgo eyelash applicators in favor of tweezers, but this can be risky — especially if you're a newbie when it comes to lashes.

You may find it helpful to use a 3-in-1 eyelash tool, which acts as a guide, guard, and anchor to give you more grip in your application. To use this tool, simply place the guard just above where your upper lashes are, hold the tool in place, and place your false lash right above the guard. 

"When buying an eyelash glue, remember to choose one that works best for your skill level," celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa advised in an interview with Byrdie. Eyelash glue that includes a brush-on applicator may make application easier. Similar to a lip gloss applicator, this tool can coat the lash strip more easily and evenly than a tube glue, which can frankly be quite frustrating to use.

When choosing glue for your false eyelashes, it's also important to check the label for ingredients – especially if you have any known allergies. Some people are particularly sensitive to dyes, and some lash glues contain black dye. However, according to Divine Lashes, most people who are allergic to lash glue are actually allergic to formaldehyde.

If you begin experiencing watery eyes or puffiness, redness, itching, or irritation on your eyelids after applying false lashes with lash glue, you may be having an allergic reaction. Medical News Today advises removing the false lashes promptly and seeking treatment, which may involve taking an antihistamine or paying a visit to your doctor.

Eyelash glue is probably the hardest part about fake eyelashes, but once you've got this part down, it only gets easier.

To apply eyelash glue with an applicator, brush the applicator over the lash band from corner to corner. Give the glue about 30 to 60 seconds to get tacky before applying – this will make it easier to work with. For added reinforcement, apply a little extra glue to the corners, as corners are more prone to lifting. By following these steps, you will give your lashes more grip and remove the frustration of a stubborn, slippery lash that just refuses to stick. 

Bonus hack: You can get up to five uses from one pair of synthetic false lashes as long as you remove the glue and keep them clean. "For makeup buildup, it's best to use baby shampoo [on false lashes]," Clementina Richardson, founder of Envious Lashes, told RealSimple. "Have it soak in the lashes for a few minutes, rubbing it really gently with your fingers or a tiny brush. The glue portion that's attached to the actual lash should come off super easy." Make sure to fully dry the lashes before using them again or putting them in a container.

While you may not think mascara and eyeliner are essential to wear with false lashes, you really shouldn't skip these steps — they will help blend your false lashes with your natural lashes and create a cohesive look. Mascara can be applied before or after you apply your false lashes, depending on your preference. Some people swear that applying mascara before is better, while other swear that after is better.

Applying mascara before falsies can make it easier for the falsies to adhere. Applying beforehand also prevents any mascara from getting on your falsies which can increase their reusability. However, applying mascara after application can reinforce the staying power of your false lashes by bonding them to your natural lashes, which is what Makeup Geek recommends for strip lashes.

Finally, to make your falsies look even more natural, apply a liquid liner over the lash band. This step works to conceal the lash strip and further accentuates your eye shape.

Magnetic eyelashes are a great option – especially for those who struggle with applying false lashes or those who have a sensitivity or allergy to eyelash glue. This option is also perfect for those who want to see what they look like with false lashes without the commitment of glue. "If you like traditional lashes, you're going to love magnetic lashes because they are quick, easy, and no mess when you're in a rush," celebrity makeup artist Alexx Mayo told InStyle. "Plus, you don't have to worry about the glue damaging the lash strip." Basically, magnetic lashes are a good fit for just about everyone.

As the name implies, magnetic lashes contain tiny magnets, which are embedded in the band of the lash. Depending on the brand, the magnetic lash will bond to a magnetic liquid eyeliner, or simply to its matching component, which your real eyelashes will be sandwiched between.

The false lash brand Glamnetic offers a wide selection of magnetic lashes and promises all-day staying power. Although they are more expensive than traditional false eyelashes upfront, Glamnetic's magnetic lashes are reusable up to 60 times. 

When wearing false eyelashes, no one wants it to look obvious that they're fake. However, cheap eyelashes can create that result. This is due to the eyelashes having an unnatural flow due to their stiffness and shiny coating.

However, makeup artist Paloma Garcia shared in a Facebook video a genius solution to make cheap falsies appear more expensive and natural. Simply take a clean mascara spoolie and rigorously comb through the lashes from left to right. This process not only removes the shiny coating but it creates a more wispy look by breaking up the stiff fiber clusters.

If you have the budget for it, you can purchase false lashes that already look realistic, which depends on the material the fibers are made of. Lashes made of hemp, mink, or silk tend to look more realistic than synthetic lashes. Although these materials may be pricier, they can be reworn more than synthetic lashes.