The best position for applying false lashes: looking down past your nose into a mirror (preferably a magnifying one), says McAdams. This gives you the best view of your lash line and will help you get the application correct. Plus, it keeps glue from getting on your eyelids and messing up your makeup application.
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Ready, Set, Apply
Now, the tricky part -- putting them on:
1. Apply a thin line of glue at the base of your strip lashes, and wait a few seconds so the glue has a chance to get tacky. This will help them adhere more easily.
2. Place the lash on the inner corner first and then attach the outer corner so it sits slightly above the natural lash line -- this "cheats" the lash line and gives the illusion of bigger eyes, says McAdams.
3. Wait two minutes for your lashes to dry, then go over them with a dark liner right at the root of your lashes.
4. Curl your lashes (both real and fake) with an eyelash curler. This reduces tension on your eyelids and makes them feel more comfy, says Chang-Babaian. It also prevents them from drooping and making your eyes look heavy.
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Make Your Lashes Last
If you plan on reusing your strip lashes, don't apply mascara to them. Also, washing them is a big no-no -- water will ruin them. If they're especially gunky from lash glue, gently peel it off. You can also use a silicone eye makeup remover and a Q-tip to cleanse the base.
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How to Apply Individual Lashes
A general rule of thumb for individual and cluster lashes: apply them on the lash, right at the root, says McAdams. Chang-Babaian adds that you should always apply mascara before you put on individual lashes, as it gives the glue more to grip.
Use tweezers to hold the cluster and dip the end into your lash glue. Wait a few seconds until the glue is tacky, then press them onto the roots of your lashes, wiggling them between your lashes, explains Vellon.
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Try Your Lower Lash Line
Now that you've mastered applying false lashes to your upper lash line, it's time to move to your lower lash line. "I like the look of false lashes on the bottom lashes for special events," says McAdams. "The look is a little dramatic for day, but a good bottom lash (that has a clear strip) can have a very pretty effect."
Another option: Use single lashes along your lower lash line. "It's very time-consuming but looks the most natural," she explains. Use the same technique you would for your top lashes to place the lashes, whether they're strip or individual.
The mere mention of false eyelashes can strike fear into the hearts of otherwise makeup-savvy women. Applying false lashes is an art that many of us have yet to master. A bad application can literally leave you in tears, ruining your makeup in the process.
But once you learn how to apply false lashes, they can make your eyes look wider and add a dramatic flair to your eye makeup that mascara alone can't provide. And let's not forget that the Kardashians have singlehandedly made fake lashes an everyday accessory. Now, we're not saying you have to break out your falsies for work, but for special occasions? They can really make your eyes pop. (But if you do want to wear them during the day a la Kim, we aren't going to stop you.)
To help you get over your fear of false lashes, we went straight to the pros to find out how to apply all kinds of falsies -- from cluster lashes to strip lashes. Here, our easy makeup tutorial on how to apply false lashes.
