Putting on strip lashes is a seven-step process: measure the lash, trim the outer edge, apply a thin layer of lash glue, wait until the glue feels tacky, then place the lash along your natural lash line from the center outward. Use tweezers or a lash applicator for more control.
This guide covers temporary strip lashes, not professionally applied eyelash extensions.
What Do You Need to Put on Strip Lashes?
You need strip lashes, lash adhesive, small scissors, tweezers or a lash applicator, and a mirror. Eyeliner and mascara are optional but can help blend the false lashes with your natural lashes.
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Strip lashes | Add length and volume |
| Lash adhesive | Hold the lash band in place |
| Small scissors | Trim the lash to fit |
| Tweezers or lash applicator | Help with accurate placement |
| Mirror | A mirror slightly below eye level makes the lash line easier to see |
| Eyeliner and mascara | Help blend the false lash with your natural lashes |
How to Put on Strip Lashes
1. Apply Your Eye Makeup First
Complete your eyeshadow and eyeliner before applying the lashes. Keep your eyelids clean and dry so the adhesive can grip properly.
Curl your natural lashes if needed. A thin line of eyeliner can help disguise the lash band.
2. Check the Lash Size
Place the false lash against your eyelid without glue. Align it with your natural lash line and check whether it extends beyond the outer corner.
If the lash is too long, trim small sections from the outer end, not the inner end. Trimming the inner end can remove the shorter lashes that help the strip look natural.
3. Soften the Lash Band
Gently bend the lash band into a curved shape for a few seconds. This helps the band follow the curve of your eyelid and reduces lifting at the corners.
4. Apply a Thin Line of Adhesive
Run a thin, even line of lash glue along the lash band. Add a little extra to the inner and outer corners, where the band is more likely to lift.
Avoid applying a thick blob of glue. A thin line is easier to control and dries more neatly.
5. Wait for the Glue to Become Tacky
Wait about 20 to 30 seconds, or follow the instructions on your adhesive. The glue should feel sticky rather than wet before you place the lash. Wet glue can slide around the eyelid.
6. Place the Lash on Your Lash Line
Look slightly downward into a mirror. Place the center of the lash band as close as possible to your natural upper lash line without putting it in the waterline.
Secure the outer corner, then the inner corner, followed by any sections that have lifted. Use tweezers or a lash applicator to press the band gently into place.
The false lash should sit on the eyelid directly above your natural lashes, not several millimeters above them.
7. Blend the Lashes
After the adhesive sets, gently press your natural lashes and the false lashes together. Add a small amount of eyeliner if the band is visible.
Mascara can help blend the lashes, but avoid applying too much if you want to reuse the strip lashes.
How Do You Make False Lashes Look Natural?
To make false lashes look natural, choose a lightweight, wispy style and place the band close to your natural lash line.
- Trim the lash gradually rather than cutting off too much at once.
- Keep the inner corner slightly away from the tear duct.
- Never place the band inside the waterline.
- Use clear adhesive for a softer look or dark adhesive with black eyeliner.
- Wait until the adhesive feels tacky before placing the lash.
- Keep the lash band close to the natural lash line without pressing it onto the eye's waterline.
What Should You Do if the Corners Keep Lifting?
If one corner lifts, use tweezers to raise the loose section, add a tiny amount of adhesive, wait several seconds, and press the corner back down.
Common causes include:
- The lash band is too long.
- The eyelid has oil or heavy eye cream on it.
- Too little glue was applied to the corner.
- The lash was placed before the glue became tacky.
- The band was not curved to match the eyelid.
How Do You Remove False Lashes Safely?
To remove false lashes safely, soak a cotton pad or cotton swab with eye makeup remover and hold it against the lash band for several seconds. Gently loosen the outer corner, then peel the strip toward the inner corner.
Do not pull the lash off quickly, because this can tug on your natural lashes. Remove leftover adhesive from the strip before storing reusable lashes in their original tray.
What Lash Safety Rules Should You Follow?
Lash safety starts with using adhesive made specifically for false eyelashes. FDA guidance classifies false eyelashes and eyelash adhesives as eye-area cosmetics. The eyelids are sensitive to irritation and allergic reactions, so check the product ingredients before use.
Wash your hands, use clean tools, and do not share eye cosmetics. Avoid applying lashes if you have an eye infection or inflamed skin around the eye. Stop using the product if it causes irritation, and seek medical advice if the irritation continues.