How to Apply False Eyelashes

There’s only so much mascara can do to add length and volume to your lashes. If you really want your eyes to stand out, you can give false eyelashes a try. If applied properly, they can give your look instant drama and make it hard for anyone to avoid your sultry gaze.

Makeup artist Heather Snowie offers her expertise for applying false eyelashes with ease.

1. Practice

First things first, if you’ve never applied false lashes, it’s a good idea to practice a few times with cheaper lashes. If you know you’re going to want to wear false lashes on a big night out next week, pick up a few inexpensive pairs to play around with the week prior so you’ll know exactly what you’re doing on the big night.

2. Measure

Since everyone’s eyelids are slightly different, it’s best to measure false lashes before applying. To do this tilt your chin up and look down your nose in the mirror, but keep your eyes open. Place the lash on your lid to ensure it’s the exact length of your eye lid. When you place the lashes on to measure them, don’t squint your eyes because it could alter the measurement. If the lash is too long, trim it to size. Make your cut where lashes are longest, usually the outer corner of the lash. Use the tip of your scissors to snip.

3. Apply makeup

Snowie suggests putting your makeup on prior to applying the false lashes. If you try and put on makeup once the lashes are on, it could shift them and weaken the glue, she explains.

4. Apply the glue

Squeeze a dab of glue either onto the back of your hand or the lash case. Take a toothpick or the end of an eye shadow brush and dip it into the glue. Run beads of glue along the band of the false lashes, enough to cover the length of the lashes but not coat them with too much glue.
“Practice will help you learn what the right amount of glue should be,” Snowie says.

5. Place lashes

Wait 10 to 20 seconds until the glue just begins to set. At this point the glue will be sticky and ready to hold the lashes. If you attempt to apply the lashes to the glue right away, they will slide around and not stick as well. Move the false lashes as close to your lash line as possible for a natural look. You can use tweezers to do this for added control. Wait with your eyes lowered (not closed) while the glue sets. Once the glue has set clear, you can use black powder to blend.

6. Removal

To remove the lashes, begin at the outer corner and peel off towards the inner corner. You can use makeup remover to help you if you’re having trouble.

There are many brands of false lashes available, but Snowie suggests using those made from natural hair. They will be easier to work with and more comfortable to wear. Now all you have to do is get to work batting your newly lengthened lashes and watch him come running.