Applying false eyelashes can make you look like a million bucks—but let’s be real, they can also feel like wrestling with a tiny, sticky octopus. If you’ve ever ended up with lashes glued to your eyelids, fingers, or even your eyebrow (we’ve all been there), don’t worry. These tips are here to help you dodge those classic mistakes so you can bat those lashes with confidence.
- Going Overboard with the Glue
Ah, the age-old dilemma: you think, “More glue, stronger hold, right?” Unfortunately, nope. Overdoing it on glue turns your lash band into a sticky disaster that’s harder to control. Plus, all that extra glue? It can make your lashes look clumpy and, worse, irritate your eyelid. Not exactly the glamorous look we’re going for!
How to Avoid It: Less is more! Just a small dot of glue along the lash band will do the trick. Use a toothpick or Q-tip to spread it out evenly, and then wait a few seconds for it to get tacky. You want that glue slightly sticky so the lash stays where you put it—no sliding around like a rogue caterpillar.
- Skipping the Trim
Did you know lash strips aren’t one-size-fits-all? If you’ve ever worn lashes that feel pokey and too long, you’re not alone. Leaving them untrimmed can make them look and feel unnatural, like you’re wearing little eye wigs that just don’t fit.
How to Avoid It: Hold the lash strip up to your eyelid before applying glue. If it’s longer than your natural lash line, trim a little from the outer corner—never the inner, or they’ll look weirdly short in the wrong spots. A custom fit means you’ll look natural and, most importantly, feel comfortable.
- Rushing the Glue Dry Time
This is a common beginner move: you get that glue on the lash, and before you know it, it’s sliding around on your eyelid like a toddler on a water slide. Wet glue doesn’t stick well, so putting it on too soon makes positioning the lash a nightmare.
How to Avoid It: After you apply the glue, take a breather and wait 30–60 seconds. Use the time to do a quick Instagram scroll or hum your favorite tune. The glue should be tacky, not wet. This little bit of patience goes a long way toward getting the lash to stay exactly where you place it.
- Not Placing the Lash Just Right
If your lashes keep popping up at the edges or looking oddly placed, it’s probably because they’re not aligned properly. Lashes that sit too far from your natural lash line or too close to the inner corner can look, well, a bit off.
How to Avoid It: Look down into a mirror when placing the lash—this angle lets you see your lash line clearly. Start pressing the lash strip in the middle, then gently adjust the inner and outer corners. This method gives you control and ensures the lash is snug along the lash line from end to end.
- Forgetting to Blend ‘Em Together
Nothing gives away false lashes like that obvious line between your natural lashes and the falsies. Blending is the key to making them look seamless and oh-so-natural. Skipping this step can leave you with lashes that look more “detached friend” than “fabulous extension.”
How to Avoid It: After the lashes are on, grab an eyelash curler to gently pinch your natural lashes with the falsies. Then, swipe a coat of mascara to blend them together. For an extra polished look, add a thin line of eyeliner to cover any gaps at the lash line. Voilà! It’ll be hard to tell where your real lashes end and the falsies begin.