How to apply fake eyelashes like a makeup professional

A bold, red lip. A smoky eye. A full-flush blush. What do all these makeup classics have in common? They'd look even more dramatic with lush, fluttery eyelashes.

That’s where fake eyelashes come in. They can help you achieve bigger, bolder (and more versatile) looks than mascara alone. The key is learning how to choose the best styles for your features and understanding how to apply these lashes properly.

Below, we'll cover how to pick the right falsies for you, how to put them on and how to remove them safely. Plus, makeup professionals reveal their favorite products - a great head start to a fabulous look.

En este artículo:

• How to choose the right lashes?
• How to apply fake lashes?
• How to remove fake eyelashes?
• Best fake eyelashes
• Best eyelash glue

How to choose the right lashes?

When determining which fake eyelashes to choose, you’ll want to consider your eye shape, face shape, preferred look and preferred type of lash.

As for that last item, “There are many different types of fake lashes,” says Los Angeles based celebrity makeup artist Priscilla Ono.¹ These include individual hairs to fill the lash out and

magnetic lashes for an easier on and off. "The type of lash you choose should depend on the style you want to achieve and the application process that works best for you."

Types of fake eyelashes include the following:

• Strip lashes. These are the most common and easiest to work with. They’re also the most comparable to natural eyelashes, because they include a full strip of falsies that spans the entire length of your eye line. "They really deliver that full, dramatic lash finish and come in a range of styles depending on how big you want to go," says Neil Scibelli, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City.²
• Eyelash extensions. If you want something that lasts several weeks, extensions can be applied by a professional in a salon using semipermanent glue. “There are still some concerns around getting them, like natural lashes falling out and allergic reactions, so be aware of all your options and address any concerns first,” Scibelli says.
• Individual clusters. “Clusters include around three to four individual lashes on one band, creating a cluster of lashes,” Scibelli says. “They are great for a natural look but also really bulk up the lash line and add some dimension. They are also easy to apply.”
• Individual lashes. As the name may suggest, individual lashes are single lashes that can be added in different places along your eye line. "Individuals are great for a natural look or for someone who may need to fill in sparse areas," says Scibelli. Just be aware that applying them requires some precision and can take a bit more time than other types.
• Magnetic lashes. Among the more recent lash innovations, magnetic falsies use a magnetic band at the base of the lash (instead of glue) to connect the lashes together. "They're a great option, especially if you're allergic to traditional lash glue, but have a reputation for being less durable and less reliable," Scibelli says. "They can slip off and weigh down your natural lashes."

Within each of these categories, there are also different colors, lengths, shapes and thicknesses.

“If you’re new to false lashes, I would suggest starting with a natural-looking, lightweight pair and work your way into wearing bolder styles,” Scibelli says.

For those with smaller eyelids or people who want to make their eyes appear larger, Scibelli recommends going for wispy styles that have space between the lashes — that way the area above the eye isn’t completely covered. 

Fake lashes can also accentuate the eyes' existing shape. "They can lift eyes at the corners to create a more almond, cat-eye shape, or they can make your eyes appear rounder. You can also add clusters to the ends of the eyes for a more elongated look without having to wear a full strip," Scibelli notes.

How to apply fake lashes?

For gorgeous, longer-lasting falsies, follow these steps:

Step 1: Curl natural lashes

"We always like to prep the eye and lashes first," Ono says. "Curl them, then do an sombra de ojos/delineador de ojos as you normally would.”

Step 2: Put on mascara

This is optional and can be done at a few different points in the application process. "It's really a preference," Scibelli says. "I like applying rímel after I’ve applied false lashes because it combs your natural lashes right into the falsies.”

Step 3: Cut fake eyelashes to fit your eyes

Remove the lashes from the package and hold them against your lash line without glue. "This way you can see where and how much you may need to cut off in order to have them fit your lashes," Scibelli says. "Then grab a smaller-sized pair of scissors and remove the excess lashes. Once you cut one lash to size, you can lay the other pair on top and match it."

Step 4: Apply glue

Not all falsies require glue. But if yours do, apply it to the base of the fake eyelashes using the glue tube applicator or brush. (You can also use a cotton swab).

"The best way to apply lash glue is to use a thin layer and make sure not to oversaturate the lash," Ono says. "A little goes a long way! Then let the glue dry slightly, so it's a bit tacky - if it's too wet, the lash will slide." Depending on the eye look you want, she says, you can use clear or black glue.

Tip: Try holding the fake lashes with pinzas while you apply the glue for easier application. And if you’re applying individuals or clusters, Scibelli recommends applying a dime-sized amount of glue onto a palette and dipping the base of the lash into it. 

Step 5: Adhere lash strip to your upper lash line

"Center the lash over your eye and press the lash into the inner corner first," Ono says. "Then gently lay the strip across the entire lash line."

Step 6: Apply eyeliner

“You can add liner over the lash strip if you want to conceal it better and add extra mascara for a more blended, bolder look,” Ono says.

How to remove fake eyelashes

When it comes to fake eyelashes, the removal technique you employ is just as important as the application process. You'll want to avoid damaging your natural lashes or irritating the eyes. Don't pick at them, and don't try to cut them off.

"One of the safest ways to get them off is to hold a warm, wet compress over the lashes to loosen up the glue," Scibelli says. "Then they should slide right off."

Best fake eyelashes

Choosing the best falsies often comes down to personal preference. "Gathering inspiration from makeup artists' social pages is always helpful," Ono says. "You can see what different lashes look like on different models." Ono tends to recommend wispy, shorter lashes for a more natural look and voluminous lashes for a bolder, more glamorous look. "But a little trial and error is often the best way to go," she says.

There are many great drugstore options for fake eyelashes. Ono's pick is Kiss's imPRESS Press-On Falsies. "You can pair them with multiple looks because they're available in multiple styles, they are easy to apply and no glue is needed," she says. "Removal is also easy, with no remaining sticky residue or damage to natural lashes."

Scibelli is a longtime fan of Ardell lashes and has been using them since the beginning of his career. "The Demi Wispies are a staple in my kit. They're lightweight and medium sized yet still wispy and on the more natural side," he says. "Ardell also makes individuals y clusters in various sizes as well as new active strip lashes, which are made to be extra durable for extra-long wear.”

Scibelli also recommends Kiss lashes. "They make a really beautiful range of lashes, and I especially like their strip lashes," he says. "They're extremely high quality and also have a range of sizes and styles that can fit all eye shapes."

Best eyelash glue

“My go-to for a long time has been the Duo adhesive glue (in the black tint)," Scibelli says. "I recently discovered Duo Active glue, which is a new favorite. It's a water-resistant, sweat-proof formula that is perfect for long days because it truly doesn't budge."

Ono’s choice for strip lashes is Kiss Lash Couture Strip Lash Adhesive in black or clear. Scibelli recommends it, too: "The KISS brush with clear lash adhesive is fantastic," he says. "And the glue is latex free and super lightweight. It's really easy to work with."

*Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.