False eyelashes are a fun, simple way to mix up your normal style and bring more attention to your eyes. Though it may take you a couple tries to get down, applying false lashes is incredibly easy and should only take a few minutes once you get the hang of it.

Steps

  1. 1
    Size the lashes. Before gluing the lashes on, you will need to make sure they are not too wide for your eye. Hold the lash strips up against your eyelid, and trim them down on the sides if necessary.[1]
    • If the lashes are too long for your personal taste, consider trimming the individual lashes down to achieve a more natural look. Lashes should be longer toward the outer corner of the eye.
  2. 2
    Apply the lash glue to the outer seam of the eyelash strip with an applicator or small brush. Allow the glue to dry for a moment before applying it to your lashes.[2]
    • Alternatively, you can squeeze a thin line of lash glue onto the back of your non-dominant hand. Then, gently run the outer seam of the eyelash strip along it.
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  3. 3
    Place the strip on your eyelid, positioning it as close as possible to your natural lashes. Bring the strip down from above, not from the front. This is to ensure that you get as close as possible to your lashline.[3]
  4. 4
    Allow the glue to dry naturally. Once the strip is in place, you do not need to press or hold it. [4]
  5. 5
    Apply mascara to your lashes. This will help blend your natural lashes with the false ones, achieving a more natural look. You can use black, brown, or dark gray mascara.[5]
  6. 6
    Apply liquid eyeliner along your upper lids. Be sure to fill in any gaps between the false lashes and your own to make them look more natural. Use black, brown, or dark gray liner.[6]
  7. 7
    Use makeup remover to remove false lashes. Dip a q tip in eye makeup remover and gently rub it along your lash line. Allow the remover to sit for a minute, and gently pull off the strip.
  8. 8
    Finished.
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Community Q&A
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  • Question
    How long can you wear false eyelashes?
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    Depending on the type of adhesive you use, some false eyelashes can stay on for days or even weeks. However, wearing them too long might cause irritation or increase your risk of infection. As a general rule, it’s best to take them off before you go to bed.
  • Question
    Can you apply false eyelashes without glue?
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    Self-adhesive false lashes will stick without additional glue. If you’d prefer to avoid adhesives altogether, try a set of magnetic lashes!
  • Question
    Can you put on false eyelashes without tweezers?
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    Yes, you can carefully apply them with your fingers. Some false lashes also come with specially designed applicator tools.
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Warnings

  • Wash your hands before applying false lashes or other eye makeup.
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  • Do not share false eyelashes or eye makeup, as this spreads germs from one eye to the other.
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  • If you get glue or makeup in your eye, immediately rinse it out with warm water. Seek medical care if you cannot remove the glue.
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  • Be gentle when you use your lash separator or you'll yank on your lashes.
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  • If you use your mascara wand to curl your lashes to give you the look of false eyelashes be careful not to accidentally poke yourself in the eye.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Things You'll Need

  • False eyelashes
  • False eyelash glue
  • Mirror
  • Mascara
  • Eyelash Separator
  • Make Up Remover Wipes

About This Article

Alicia D'Angelo
Co-authored by:
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
This article was co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo. Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles. This article has been viewed 2,157,854 times.
6 votes - 83%
Co-authors: 91
Updated: November 8, 2022
Views: 2,157,854
Article SummaryX

To apply false eyelashes, first grip one of the strips of lashes with a pair of tweezers. Apply a thin bead of eyelash glue to the band at the base of the eyelashes, then wait 5 seconds for the glue to harden and become tacky. Carefully lower the eyelashes over your eye so that the band meets the edge of your upper eyelid. Use your finger to gently tap them and push them down if they’re too high on your eyelid. Once they’re in place, wait 2 minutes for the glue to cure. Then, repeat the process with the other strip of eyelashes. Finally, use some liquid eyeliner to draw a line from the inner end of each band to the inner corner of your eye to blend your lashes into your lash line. For tips from our reviewer on how to size and remove false eyelashes, read on!

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