New to false lashes? Learning how to glue fake eyelashes is the first step to upping your makeup game. It can take a bit of practice, but with quality glue, a thorough guide, and a few handy tips, we think you’ll master it in no time.
In this post, we explain exactly how to glue false lashes, step-by-step, and cover common mistakes people make. By the end, you’ll be more than ready to apply lashes that stay put all day long, no awkward gaps or lifting in sight.
Table of Contents
What You Need Before You Glue Fake Eyelashes
All you need to glue on your fake lashes is the glue and the lashes. This list also includes additional tools and products that will help refine your process.
LashesGlue Mirror — an adjustable tabletop mirror is best Small scissors
- Lash applicator tweezers (optional)
- Lash curler (optional)
- Mascara (highly recommended)
- Eyeliner (optional)
How to Glue Fake Eyelashes Step by Step
Step 1: Prep Your False Lashes
The first step to applying fake eyelashes is to make sure you have all your tools and that you’re at the right stage of your makeup process.
If your lashes are brand new, pull them out of the container carefully. You can use tweezers to gently tug on the lash strip without bending or damaging any of the lashes. You may need to remove excess adhesive from the band of the lash before you apply it.
Next, carefully hold the lash strip on each end of the band, and curve it to form a U-shape. You can wiggle it back and forth for a few seconds. This will make the band more flexible and ensure it’ll adhere more easily to your curved eye shape. If the lash band feels very stiff, hold it in the U-shape for longer.
Step 2: Measure & Trim the Lash Band
Next, carefully place the lashes over your lashline to measure them. You will probably notice that the lash band is longer than your lash line — trimming it ensures it fits better, doesn’t poke you in the inner corner of the eye, and gives your eyes a lift.
This step can also help you plan for your eventual lash placement, symmetry, and angle.
With your scissors, trim a little off the outer corner of the lash band. Strip lashes are typically woven in noticeable segments, so make sure to trim in between them.
Step 3: Curl Lashes, Tightline & Apply Mascara
Typically, you’ll want to glue fake lashes as a final step in your makeup routine, particularly after you’ve applied most face and eye makeup.
To prepare your lashes, curl them first. Then, carefully tightline — that means to apply gel or pencil eyeliner to the upper waterline and slightly between the lashes.
You don’t have to do this, but it does help create a much more seamless look. Consider also lining above your lash line, especially if your lashes have a black lash band.
Since strip lashes sit above your natural lashes, apply at least one coat of mascara to your natural lashes. This will ensure your natural lashes aren’t visible under the falsies.
Step 4: Apply Glue to the Lash Band
Apply your lash glue of choice to the base of the lash band. Some adhesives are designed to be brushed on, which makes it easy to use a controlled amount.
If your lash glue comes in a tube, squeeze out a little on a clean surface, and then use the back of your tweezers or a cotton swab to brush on a controlled amount.
Use a very small, even quantity of glue. Then, when that glue starts to dry and shrink away from the ends, apply a slightly thicker drop just to the ends of the strip.
Step 5: Wait for the Glue to Get Tacky
While this may vary from one glue brand to another, you typically need to wait between 30 and 60 seconds for your lash glue to dry down and become sticky. If you don’t wait, your lashes will not adhere to your lash line, and you’ll end up with glue on your lashes.
When using a clear glue, you can tell that it has dried sufficiently when it turns from white to clear. If you’re using a black glue, you can use your finger to check for tackiness.
Step 6: Place the Lash on Your Lash Line
Finally, place the false eyelash on your lash line with your fingers or a pair of tweezers. This is easiest to do while looking downwards, so position yourself above your mirror — this is where an adjustable makeup mirror comes in handy.
Choose a starting point for where to place the lash first. Most people prefer to place the lash down in the center of the lash line, and then press down the inner and outer ends. That said, you can also start at one of the ends, which may help you achieve a more symmetrical placement on each eye.
Once loosely situated, carefully grab the center of your false lash and gently press the band against your lash line to create a seal. Then, do the same along the inner and outer corners.
Once you’ve finished one eye, move on to the other.
If you notice any lifting in the corners, add a tiny amount of glue to the lash band, wait at least 15-20 seconds for it to dry, and then press it down into the lash line.
Step 7: Blend and Finish
Once your lashes are on securely, it’s time to blend.
Using your fingers or tweezers, gently press your natural lashes and the false lashes together, so there is no obvious separation between the two. You can also add a few more coats of mascara for an even better blend.
Next, check for any obvious points where the lash band is visibly not part of your makeup. If your lashes have a clear strip, you can use black eyeliner to camouflage it.
If your lashes have a black band, use a touch of black liner to extend the line of the band into the inner corner.
Where to Glue Fake Eyelashes on Your Lash Line
There’s an art to gluing your fake eyelashes on the right part of your lash line. Some people choose to start from the middle and carefully press the strip into the inner and outer corners, while others start at the inner corner to ensure symmetry. With practice, you’ll find the technique that’s best for you.
Inner Corner Placement
When applying your false lashes, make sure to glue the inner part of the strip at least 2 millimeters away from the inner corner of your eye. This ensures the lash strip doesn’t poke you or make you uncomfortable.
If you have demi-lashes (or you trimmed your falsies into demi-lashes), apply the lashes further away from the inner corner.
Outer Corner Placement
At the outer corner, you can play around with different levels of lift. The classic style is to apply the strip directly at the end of the lash line. Be careful of the strip extending too far past the outer corner of your eye, though, as that can make the eyes seem downturned.
If you prefer a more lifted look, you can angle the strip upwards at the outer corner (as long as you’re wearing enough eyeliner to hide any gaps between the strip and your natural lashline).
Tilt
You can also play with how you angle your lashes. If you place your lashes so they align with the direction of your natural lashes, you will end up with a more natural and subtle look. It can also be a little more sultry.
You have another option, though. You can tilt your lashes upward, so they’re more lifted than your natural lashes. This will give you a very open-eyed look and will also create the illusion of more voluminous lashes due to the distance between your falsies and natural lashes.
How to Glue Different Types of Fake Eyelashes
You may need to adjust your technique a little, depending on the type of false eyelashes you’ll be gluing on.
Strip Lashes
Strip lashes are easiest to glue, simply following the steps we outlined above.
Demi Lashes
Demis are shorter strip lashes designed to enhance the outer part of the lash line. They help add a lift, without the discomfort or intensity of full strip lashes. Those with smaller eyes can often use them instead of strip lashes, without needing to trim.
You can use them exactly as you would strip lashes, using the outer corner of your eye as the measuring point.
Clusters and Flares
Clusters and flares must be applied one-by-one to offer a more customizable and natural-looking lash enhancement. Since they don’t have the long strips, the process of applying them takes a little longer, but the fundamentals are the same: apply glue at the base, wait for it to dry, and then apply the lashes to the lash line.
Individual Lashes
Individual lashes are the toughest to apply. Dip the base of your individual lash into the adhesive, wait for it to dry, and then carefully place it over your lash line. Create a lash map in advance to ensure a symmetrical, flattering look on each eye.
DIY Extension Lash Clusters
Extension lash clusters are designed to fit along the underside of the lash line rather than above, for a more natural look and multiple days of wear. With these lashes, you typically apply a small amount of adhesive to both your natural lashes and the extensions.
Then, carefully glue the extensions, starting from the outer corner and working your way inwards, making sure the lash clusters slightly overlap at the band.
7 Fake Eyelash Glue Mistakes That Ruin Your Look
These are the most common eyelash glue mistakes people make, which cause their lashes to lift, fall off, or simply look a little off.
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Not trimming the lashes, which leads to discomfort or a droopy look
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Not bending the strip, causing the lash strip to adhere poorly
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Using too much glue, which makes things messy and compromises adhesion
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Not reinforcing the ends of the lash badly with an extra drop of glue
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Applying the lashes too soon after putting on the glue, so it doesn’t get tacky and stick properly
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Applying too far from the lash line, resulting in a visible gap between your lash line and the falsies
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Forgetting to blend your natural lashes and the fake lashes after application
Final Thoughts
Learning where and how to glue fake eyelashes in a way that keeps your lashes in place without lifting, AND that actually flatters you, is a bit of a learning process. The more you practice and experiment, the easier it’ll become, and the sooner you’ll develop a technique that’s all yours.
The tips throughout this guide will help you. The biggest game changers are trimming your lashes, reinforcing the glue on the ends of the band, and waiting long enough for the glue to dry down before applying your lashes.
Happy lashing!
