How to Apply Lashes for Beginners: Easy Steps

HOW TO APPLY LASHES FOR BEGINNERS: EASY STEPS

IF YOU HAVE EVER CRIED IN FRONT OF A MIRROR WITH A LASH STRIP, THIS IS FOR YOU

Let me guess. You bought a pair of lashes. You watched a YouTube tutorial. The girl in the video made it look effortless. Then you tried it yourself, and the lash ended up on your cheek, or stuck to your eyelid, or pointing to the ceiling. You threw the lash in the trash and swore off falsies forever.

I have been there. I used to be the girl who wore glasses specifically to hide the fact that I could not apply lashes. It took me years to figure out that I was doing it wrong. Not because I was clumsy, but because no one actually taught me the mechanics.

So here is the truth: applying lashes is not a talent. It is a technique. Once you learn the technique, it takes less than two minutes. Here is the exact method I use, broken down into steps so simple that you can do it with a shaky hand and bad lighting.

STEP 1: MEASURE AND TRIM BEFORE YOU EVEN TOUCH THE GLUE

This is the most skipped step and the most important one. Lashes are made for the average eye, but no one has an average eye. If you do not trim, the lash will poke the inner corner of your eye. It will hurt, and you will blink it off.

Place the lash on top of your natural lash line. Hold it at the outer corner of your eye. If the lash extends past your inner corner, you need to trim it. Trim from the outer edge, never the inner edge. The inner edge is shorter and it helps the lash blend into your natural lash line. Cut a small piece, about 2-3 millimeters, and try again.

If you trim too much, do not panic. You can still use it. Just apply it slightly further from the inner corner. It will look like a cat-eye shape, which is still flattering.

STEP 2: THE GLUE WAITING GAME (THIS IS WHERE EVERYONE FAILS)

I cannot stress this enough. Do not apply glue and immediately stick the lash on. You have to wait for the glue to get tacky. If you apply it while the glue is wet, the lash will slide around your eyelid like a soap bar.

Apply a thin line of glue along the entire band. Then, wait 30 to 45 seconds. You want the glue to turn from white/clear to a slightly tacky, semi-transparent state. When you touch the band with your finger, it should feel sticky but not wet. This is the sweet spot.

If you are using a new glue and you are unsure, test it on the back of your hand first. Wait for the tacky stage. You will know it.

STEP 3: THE MIRROR ANGLE TRICK

Do not look straight into the mirror when applying. This is a mistake. When you look straight, your eyelid is in a relaxed position, and you cannot see the lash line properly.

Instead, tilt your chin down slightly and look up into the mirror. This exposes your entire lash line. You can see exactly where the lash needs to go. This one trick makes the application ten times easier.

Then, use tweezers or your fingers. Place the center of the lash band onto the center of your natural lash line. Press down. Then press down the outer corner, and finally the inner corner. Do not move the lash around once it touches your skin. Press and release.

STEP 4: THE PINCH AND THE HOLD

Once the lash is on, you need to blend it with your natural lashes. Use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch your natural lashes and the false lash together. Hold for 15 seconds. This creates a seamless bond.

Do not open your eyes fully right away. Let the glue set for about 30 seconds. If you open your eyes too fast, the lash can stick to your eyelid. Keep your eyes closed and count to 30.

STEP 5: FIX THE CORNERS WITH A LITTLE EXTRA GLUE

If the corners are lifting, do not panic. This is normal. Use a toothpick or a small brush to apply a tiny dot of glue to the corner of the band. Hold it down for 20 seconds. This will secure it.

You can also use a little bit of liquid eyeliner to hide the band and make it look like the lash is growing out of your eye. This is a pro trick that covers up any mistakes.

THE BEGINNER'S CHECKLIST

Here is a quick list to keep near your mirror until you get the hang of it.

Trim the lash from the outer edge first.
Wait for the glue to become tacky (30-45 seconds).
Tilt your chin down and look up into the mirror.
Press the center first, then the corners.
Pinch your natural lashes and the falsie together.
Keep eyes closed for 30 seconds.
Fix corners with extra glue if needed.

Once you do this two or three times, it will become muscle memory. You will stop thinking about it. You will just do it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn to apply lashes?

Most people get the hang of it after 3 to 5 attempts. The first time might take 15 minutes. By the fifth time, you will be down to 3 minutes.

What is the easiest type of lash for beginners?

Look for lashes with a thin, flexible band. A clear band is also easier because it is more forgiving if you do not place it perfectly. Avoid thick, heavy lashes initially.

Why do my lashes keep lifting at the inner corner?

This usually means the lash band is too long, or your eye shape is rounder at the inner corner. Trim the lash slightly more, and apply a tiny bit of extra glue to the inner corner.

If you want to practice with a lash that is designed for beginners, I have a collection that features thin, flexible bands and lightweight fibers. It makes the learning process much less frustrating. See the options below.