Cluster lash application is easiest with a clean, dry lash line, a small amount of adhesive on each cluster, and a placement plan that starts at the outer corner. Use regular false-lash glue for short-term wear. If you want to place clusters underneath your natural lashes, choose a bond-and-seal product labeled for underlash use. Some adhesive instructions call for about 30 seconds of drying time before placement, so follow the product label.
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What do you need to apply cluster lashes?
| You need | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cluster lashes | Adds length and volume |
| Lash tweezers or applicator | Helps place each cluster accurately |
| Cosmetic lash adhesive | Secures clusters to your natural lashes |
| Bond and seal | Used for many underlash systems |
| Lash adhesive remover or suitable oil-based remover | Softens adhesive during removal |
False eyelashes and eyelash adhesives are eye-area cosmetics. Choose products labeled for lash application, check the ingredient list, and stop using the product if it causes irritation.
What should you do before applying cluster lashes?
Prepare your lashes before opening the adhesive.
- Wash your hands.
- Clean your eyelashes and eyelids. Remove oil, skincare residue and makeup.
- Skip mascara before application. Mascara can make natural lashes stiff and interfere with adhesion. KISS recommends using its Falscara system on clean lashes without mascara.
- Arrange the clusters by length. Use shorter clusters at the inner corner, medium lengths through the center and longer clusters toward the outer corner.
- Check the fit before adding adhesive. Hold each cluster near the lash line. Choose a shorter or lighter cluster if it feels too long or heavy.
How do you apply cluster lashes above the lash line?
Use this method with standard cluster lashes and regular strip-lash adhesive.
1. Pick up one cluster
Grip the cluster by its base or band with tweezers. Avoid pulling the individual lash fibres.
2. Apply a thin layer of adhesive
Apply adhesive to the cluster band only. Too much glue can spread onto the eyelid or cause several natural lashes to stick together. KISS also instructs users to dip only the band into adhesive.
3. Wait for the glue to become tacky
Follow the adhesive instructions. Some cluster lash products recommend waiting about 30 seconds before placement, when the glue feels tacky rather than wet.
4. Place the cluster from the outer corner inward
Set the cluster close to, but not directly on, the natural lash line. Work toward the inner corner. Leave a small gap between clusters if you want a softer look.
Keep the cluster off the waterline and away from the sensitive inner rim of the eyelid.
5. Press the cluster into place
Use tweezers or an applicator to press the cluster gently against the natural lashes for several seconds. Avoid pinching the skin or pulling the natural lashes.
6. Build the shape gradually
Apply one cluster at a time and check the result after every few clusters. Too many heavy clusters can make the set look uneven and put extra tension on the natural lashes.
How do you apply cluster lashes underneath your natural lashes?
Underlash application requires a bond-and-seal system or another adhesive labeled for underlash use. Do not put ordinary strip-lash glue on the waterline.
- Brush a thin layer of bond onto the natural lashes.
- Pick up a cluster with the applicator.
- Place it underneath the natural lashes, slightly away from the waterline.
- Start at the outer corner and work toward the inner corner.
- Apply a thin layer of seal beneath the clusters to reduce stickiness.
- Gently squeeze the clusters and natural lashes together with the applicator.
These steps follow the KISS Falscara application method.
How many cluster lashes should you use?
For a natural look, start with three to five clusters per eye. Adjust the number according to the cluster density and the strength of your natural lashes.
- Inner corner: short cluster
- Center: medium cluster
- Outer corner: longer cluster
- Fuller look: add one cluster between the center and outer corner
- Cat-eye effect: increase the length toward the outer corner
- Rounder-looking eyes: place the longest cluster near the center
Lightweight clusters are usually easier to control than dense clusters.
How can you make cluster lashes last longer?
- Apply them to an oil-free lash line.
- Use a thin layer of adhesive.
- Wait until the adhesive becomes tacky before placement.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Do not sleep in clusters unless the adhesive is labeled for extended wear.
- Follow the product's wear and removal instructions.
Some semi-permanent cluster systems advertise wear of up to two weeks. Actual wear time depends on the adhesive, skin oils, application and aftercare. KISS lists up to two weeks for one of its semi-permanent cluster systems.
How do you remove cluster lashes safely?
- Saturate a cotton pad or cotton swab with a lash adhesive remover. Use an oil-based makeup remover only when the product instructions allow it.
- Hold it against the lash line for the time stated on the remover.
- Gently slide the clusters off, starting at the outer corner.
- Apply more remover if a cluster does not release easily.
- Clean remaining adhesive from the lashes and eyelid.
Ardell recommends allowing the remover to break down the adhesive before lifting the clusters. Pulling or forcing them off can remove natural lashes and irritate the eyelid.
What cluster lash mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid these common problems:
- Applying clusters to oily or wet lashes
- Using too much adhesive
- Placing clusters on the waterline
- Using professional lash-extension glue for DIY clusters
- Applying lashes over an active eye infection or irritated eyelid
- Pulling clusters off while the adhesive is still hard
- Sharing adhesive, tweezers or eye cosmetics
- Continuing to use a product after burning, itching or swelling begins
The FDA advises keeping eye cosmetics clean, avoiding shared products and stopping use when irritation occurs. Eye-care professionals also identify allergic reactions, infection, eyelid trauma and natural lash loss as possible risks linked to lash adhesives and extensions.
When should you stop wearing cluster lashes?
Remove the clusters or stop using the product if you develop persistent redness, itching, swelling, pain, discharge, light sensitivity or blurred vision. Seek medical advice if symptoms continue or affect your vision.
Do not force off clusters that remain firmly bonded near the eye.
For a first attempt, use lightweight clusters above the lash line with regular false-lash adhesive. Choose an underlash bond-and-seal kit for underneath application and follow that product's instructions.