Learning how to apply false lashes can feel intimidating the first time you hold that delicate strip near your eye. The good news? It is a skill anyone can master in a single sitting. Once you understand the steps, you will be able to transform your look in a couple of minutes flat. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through everything, from prepping your natural lashes to the finishing pinch that locks everything in place.
Why choose reusable false lashes?
Before we get into technique, it is worth knowing what you are working with. Reusable false lashes are designed to be worn, gently cleaned, and worn again, often 15 to 20 times per pair when cared for properly. That makes them far kinder to your wallet and to the planet than single-use options. Every pair in the Glimify range is vegan, cruelty-free, and built to be reused, so you can look glamorous without compromise.
What you will need
Gather your tools before you begin so you are not scrambling mid-application. You will need your chosen pair of false lashes, a good lash adhesive, a pair of tweezers or a lash applicator, small scissors for trimming, and a mirror with decent lighting. Having a lash curler and mascara nearby helps too, as we will explain in a moment.
Step 1: Prep your natural lashes
Start with a clean, oil-free eye area. Wipe your lids and lashes with a cotton pad to remove any leftover makeup or oil, because a clean surface gives the adhesive the best possible grip. Next, curl your natural lashes and apply a thin coat of mascara. This adds a little volume and gives the false lash band something to blend into for a seamless, natural finish.
Step 2: Measure and trim to fit
Almost every strip lash is made longer than the average eye, so trimming is essential. Hold the lash against your lash line and see where it sits. If the strip extends past your outer corner, trim the excess from the outer edge, never the inner edge, snipping a lash or two at a time. A band that fits your eye perfectly is the single biggest factor in a comfortable, long-lasting application. If you want an easier route as a beginner, our Vital natural lashes sit lightly on the lash line and are very forgiving to fit.
Step 3: Apply the glue
Squeeze a thin line of adhesive along the lash band. Think eyeliner-thin, because less really is more here. A common beginner mistake is loading on too much glue, which leads to a messy, lifting band. Once applied, wait 20 to 30 seconds until the glue turns tacky and slightly clear. This waiting step is the secret that most people skip, and it makes placement dramatically easier.
Step 4: Place the lash
Using your tweezers or applicator, pick up the lash and place the centre of the band onto your lash line first, looking slightly downward into a mirror held below your face. Then press down the inner and outer corners, adjusting until the band sits as close to your natural lash roots as possible. The closer to the lash line, the more invisible the band becomes.
Step 5: Pinch and set
Once positioned, gently pinch your natural lashes and the false band together, working from the inner to the outer corner. Hold for 60 to 90 seconds to let the adhesive bond fully. This final step fuses the two lash lines so they move as one, giving you that flawless, all-day hold.
Beginner troubleshooting
If the corners keep lifting, you likely need to trim a touch more or hold the pinch for longer. If the whole thing feels fiddly, try cutting the strip into two or three smaller sections and applying each one individually, starting from the outer corner and working inward. This cluster method gives you far more control and is a favourite trick among makeup artists. And if you want drama without the fuss, a bolder style like our bestselling Guts party lashes makes an instant statement.
Making your lashes last
After a night out, gently peel the lashes off from the outer corner and remove any leftover glue from the band with tweezers. Store them back in their tray to keep their shape. Cared for this way, a single pair can be reused many times over, which is exactly what makes reusable lashes such a smart buy.
Ready to try it yourself?
False lashes are one of those skills that click after just one or two attempts. Start with a natural style to build confidence, then work your way up to fuller, more dramatic looks for special occasions. Explore the full Glimify lash collection to find your perfect match, from barely-there everyday wisps to show-stopping party volume, all reusable, vegan, and cruelty-free.
