There may be affiliate links in this post. If you purchase through these links we may make a small commission at no cost to you. Please see our disclaimer, terms and privacy for more information.
False Eyelashes, AKA falsies or fake lashes, can be very intimidating when you don’t know anything about them. There are so many styles and types, plus they can be super tricky to apply! But, falsies add a sense of glamour that truly finishes a bold makeup look. Learn everything you need to know about falsies in our ultimate guide to false eyelashes!
There may be affiliate links in this post. If you purchase through these links we may make a small commission at no cost to you. Please see terms and privacy for more information.
Types of false eyelashes
Strip lashes
These are what most people think of – many fake eyelashes that are attached to a single “strip” which is glued to the lash line.
Individual Lashes
More natural and buildable, individual lashes can be bought in true individual pieces (single lashes that are glued onto the lashes) but are more commonly found in small “clusters” of 3-5 individual lashes that are glued to the lash line.
In this guide, we are NOT talking about eyelash extensions, lifts, or tints, which are services done by professionals. We are only covering temporary strip and individual falsies.
What are falsies made of?
There are some fake eyelashes that are made out of synthetic materials, and some that aren’t. Here is a brief overview of the most popular materials that falsies are made of:
- Synthetic (often plastic materials)
- Mink (specifically fur from a mink. There is a lot of debate about the ethical practices regarding mink lashes, but this post will not delve into that topic)
- Faux mink (synthetic material to mimic mink fur)
- Silk (silk + synthetic blend)
Typically:
- Mink lashes are the most expensive
- Faux mink and silk look more natural than synthetic lashes
- Synthetic are massed produced, cheaper, and can sometimes be harder to apply
Look for:
- Realistic looking lashes that aren’t overly shiny
- A thin lash band
- Reviews and recommendations!
What you need to wear falsies
- False eyelashes
- Eyelash glue
- Mirror
- Scissors (for strip lashes)
- Tweezers or lash application tool
Though it isn’t necessary, a tool to help you apply false lashes can be EXTREMELY helpful. They look like this:
For the most part, it is pretty difficult to find eyelash application tools in stores! It’s much easier to find them online, and Amazon has great ones. I really like the one above.
You can find a lash application tool, or you can use a pair of tweezers. I tend to use tweezers.
Important! Don’t forget to make sure you sanitize your tweezers or lash tool (and even scissors!) BEFORE you put them near your eye! Learn how to disinfect makeup tools quickly here.
How to apply false eyelashes
Brief overview for strip lashes:
- Remove packaging glue from lash carefully and slowly with tweezers
- Hold lash up to your eye and gauge where it needs to be trimmed
- Use scissors to trim lashes to your natural lash width
- Put a THIN layer of lash glue on the lash band
- Wait 30 seconds. You want the glue to become tacky!
- Put the lash on top of your natural eyelashes, right in the center
- Use your chosen tool to put the center of the lash right up against your natural lash line in the center of your eyelid
- Use the tool to attach the outer corner of the lash strip on your outmost lashes
- Repeat #8 on the inner corner to attach the falsie to your eyelashes
- Hold the lash up against your lashes for another 30 seconds to a minute, until the glue has dried and the lash is secured
Brief overview for individual lashes:
- Remove from packaging (I always use tweezers, and keep them in my tweezers for this entire process)
- Put a couple drops of glue on a surface you can clean – NOT your skin
- Dip the cluster/tip into the glue, then pull out
- Wait 30 seconds. You want the glue to become tacky!
- Using your chosen tool, place the lash on top of your natural lashes right against your lash line in the location you desire
- Hold it there for about 30 seconds – a minute while the glue dries
How to remove false eyelashes
Removing strip lashes can be done fairly easily and quickly!
Since strip lash glue is only meant to be used for one day’s worth of wear, it isn’t super strong and can usually be removed painlessly.
You want to GENTLY pull them off your eyelashes, starting from the outer corner of your eye and pulling towards the inner corner of your eye.
If it is painful to remove, stop! You can try again (at your own risk) slower, and you can try to use makeup remover to help loosen the glue (or even water or steam). If it hurts, you probably used too much glue, or the wrong kind (such as individual lash glue).
Removing individual lashes is much harder, because individual lash glue is much stronger!
If you apply individual lashes with strip lash glue, you may be able to remove them the same way you would remove strip lashes. If you used individual lash glue, I do not recommend trying to remove them – at all. Let the become loose and come off on their own! If you pull them off, you could suffer from broken or missing natural lashes (speaking from personal experience!).
Are false lashes reusable?
Yes! Well, some of them.
Individual lashes are typically not reusable, because the individual lash glue cannot be cleaned from them. It ultimately destroys the small lashes or clusters.
Strip lashes are most often reusable, though!
If you are using a quality false eyelash, you should be able to clean it and wear them several times. Some lashes claim to be good for 20, 30, or even up to 50 wears!
How much do falsies cost?
Lashes can cost as little as pennies per set, and up to hundreds of dollars.
Beware of super cheap lashes, because they will probably look very plastically and fake. These lashes often have thick lash bands that aren’t very flexible, so they tend to pop off your eye and can be uncomfortable to wear.
The lowest cost of quality lashes is probably around $2.
Faux milk and silk lashes often range from $15 – 25 a pair.
Mink lashes can be well over $100 if they are real, but can also be found for $30+ (it truly depends on the brand and style!)
Last Tips for Lashes!
- Take your time
- Look downwards into a mirror if you’re having trouble applying falsies
- Bring glue with you wherever you go – you WILL have a lash become loose at some point, it happens to all of us!
I hope this ultimate guide to false eyelashes was helpful for you, whether you are a beginner just learning or a pro who slays lashes daily!
What else do you want to know about false lashes???
I’m thinking that information about cleaning them would be helpful, and so would the best lashes for beginners!
Tell me what you think in a comment below 🙂
Your local makeup guru,
Leave A Comment