How to apply false eyelashes for the first time

Whether it’s how to remove fake tan like a pro or apply false lashes with ease, According To A Millennial brings you expert advice, direct from the coolest beauty millennials.

Confession: I’m a total false eyelash addict. I remember the first time, aged 17, that my almost-invisible lashes were transformed into a full, voluminous set with a pair of falsies that I’d stolen from my mother’s makeup artistry kit. Ever since, I’ve worn strip lashes on every outing and at least five days a week.  

As a beauty journalist, I’ve tried hundreds of mascaras to replicate that coveted wispy, fluttery false lash look, but none of them have the same effect. “Why don’t you try lash extensions or LVL?” some have asked. Well, to summarise, my stubborn lashes are short, straight, and thin, so no amount of lash perming or tinting actually makes a difference.  

Plus, there’s too much maintenance in keeping lash extensions flawless for three weeks; you have to avoid oil-based products (and I love a rich, oily cleansing balm), keep eye makeup to a minimum (again, I love my eyeshadows, liners, the lot), and when they start falling out you’re left with sparse gaps that can only be filled with individual lashes anyway. In short: strip lashes just make sense (if you’re looking for the best false lashes, read Eliza’s guide here. 

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What’s the best way to apply false eyelashes?

So, after over a decade of wearing fake eyelashes, I’ve finally got my application technique down to a tee; sticking on those tricky, fiddly things now only takes me under half a minute – no exaggeration. Whether you’re a false eyelash novice or still trying to find the best way to stop your lashes from coming off before the night ends, these tips will make you actually enjoy wearing fake eyelashes. 

What’s the best eyelash glue? 

Duo’s Lash Glue is the best in my opinion – white dries clear, while the black (recommended for pros only) dries dark, and thickens your lash line by filling in the gaps that clear glue can’t. 

How to apply false eyelashes (step by step) 

It’s a cliché, but practice really does make perfect when it comes to applying false eyelashes. I’ve refined a technique that ensures they stay on all day without pinging off in the corners or causing any irritation.

For me, it took just a few months of wearing them regularly (with the help of my mum, who was a makeup artist), to ace the technique, but you can also find a great tutorial from celebrity MUA Lisa Eldridge here.

Step 1: Remove lashes from pack and cut to size 

Remove your lashes gently from the pack, peel off the adhesive and measure each lash by putting it against your lids where you’d stick them, and count how many clusters you’ll need to cut off. Using a pair of cosmetic scissors, cut accordingly from the outer corner (keep the inner corners as they are, which is usually shorter in length).  

Step 2: Prep your natural lashes before applying falsies  

Curl your lashes and apply one layer of mascara, making sure it’s not too wet or clumpy before applying your false eyelashes.  

Step 3: Apply eyelash glue with a makeup brush 

I like to use a makeup brush with a thin end to apply eyelash glue precisely onto the band to avoid getting any glue on the actual lash hairs (or on your fingers!).  I actually bought an angled brush used for painting that doubles up as my gel liner brush for this (another pro MUA tip, thanks mum!). Allow it to dry for roughly 20 seconds.  

Step 4: Apply lashes carefully using tweezers 

Tilt your head slightly back and look down into a mirror, keeping your eyes open. Using a pair of tweezers and starting at the outer corner, gently lower the lash onto the lid, as close to your natural lashes as possible. Keep them straight rather than at an upwards angle so they don’t poke up and cause irritation (you can push them up with a clean mascara brush at the end).  

Using your tweezers, push the lash gently towards your eyelid to make sure the band runs smoothly along your lids. Repeat, working your way inwards. When using your tweezers, remember to grip the front part of the lash (away from the band) to avoid getting glue all over the them. 

Read Eliza’s guide to the best tweezers on the market here.

Step 5: The finishing touches 

Once your lashes are in place and the glue has dried, add a layer of black liquid eyeliner under the top waterline to make everything look seamless, and run a clean mascara brush through the lashes to blend the falsies in with your real lashes. 

You can read more about the best black liquid eyeliners here.

How to fix fake eyelashes if they peel off 

Pro tip: I always bring a pair of tweezers and my trusty lash glue wherever I go in case they peel off throughout the day. If this does happen, I squeeze the smallest amount of glue on to the end of my brush, add glue to the part of the band that’s come off and hold down onto the lid with the tweezers. 

What is the trick to applying false eyelashes?

Do you apply false eyelashes before or after mascara?

What are the easiest false eyelashes to apply?