Eye makeup · Lashes

Lashes

With false lashes, the difference isn’t density — it’s which part of the eye the lash extends.

The same lash can open up one eye and drag another one down. What decides it isn’t the number of hairs but where the longest ones sit on the band: concentrated at the outer corner, they create an almond effect; spread evenly, they give a rounder, open look. The table below sorts four styles by exactly that difference.

3 productsNatural → dramaticFrom $18.90
Shop by lookMascaras

At a glance

  • EverydayLash 3 — natural density
  • Barely thereLash 9 — fine and airy
  • Almond eyesLash 6 — lengthens the outer corner
  • Night outLash 12 — dramatic volume
  • Your own lashesEyelash curler — before mascara[[S:instant-lift-eyelash-curler]]
Alix Avien Lash – 12

Lash

$23.90

Small Blending Brush

Small Blending Brush

$29.90

Alix Avien Fix & Care Brow Setter

Fix & Care Brow Setter

4.5 4

$18.90

What look are you after?

Choosing false lashes comes down less to your eye shape and more to the effect you want that day. Each of the four styles does a different job, and all four can work on the same eye.

You wantStart hereWhy
Everyday density no one can tell I’m wearingLash 3 — Natural Look$23.90The hair density stays close to your natural lashes, so the band line doesn’t show in daylight. The most forgiving style for false-lash beginners — placement mistakes are far less visible than with the others.
Fine, airy, almost undetectableLash 9 — Fine & Airy$23.90The hairs are spaced apart, giving a sense of length rather than volume. It doesn’t weigh down fuller lids or close off the eye. The most natural-looking option for the office and daytime.
Make my eyes look almond-shaped and slightly liftedLash 6 — Almond Eye Effect$23.90The longest hairs are gathered on the outer third of the band. This layout extends the outer corner of the eye and draws the gaze upward — the style that makes the most visible difference on round eyes.
Nights out, photos, a defined lookLash 12 — Dramatic Look$23.90The densest layout. It keeps the eye open under artificial light and on camera, and reads clearly in daylight. With dark eyeshadow the band line is hidden anyway, so this style is the easiest to wear that way.
No falsies — I just want my own lashes liftedInstant Lift Eyelash Curler[[F:instant-lift-eyelash-curler]][[Y:instant-lift-eyelash-curler]][[S:instant-lift-eyelash-curler]]A curler opens up the eye without adding length: the same lashes, curled upward, make the eye look noticeably bigger. Use it BEFORE mascara, on clean lashes.
Set and nourish my lashes and browsFix & Care Brow Setter$18.90 · 12 hoursA clear gel that holds hairs in the direction you want without leaving a sticky feel. With peptides and Widelash, it also nourishes the hairs. Use it to groom your own lashes on days you skip the falsies, too.

Price and availability come from the store; the current status always shows on the product page.

How to apply false lashes

Rushing is almost the only reason false lashes don’t stay put. Three of the four steps are about waiting.

Measure

Before placing the lash on your lid, line it up first: the outer end of the band shouldn’t go past where your natural lashes end. Trim the excess from the outer end — cutting from the inner end ruins the hair pattern. Skip this step and the lash will poke the inner corner of your eye.

Flex the band

Hold the lash curved between your fingers for a few seconds. A band that comes out flat won’t follow the curve of your lid — that’s why most lashes lift at the corners.

Let the glue set

Apply a thin strip of lash glue along the band and wait 30–40 seconds. A lash placed before the glue turns clear and tacky will slide. Applying it while the glue is still wet is the number-one reason lashes won’t hold.

Place and finish

Don’t press the band down from the middle — set it at the center first, then press down the inner and outer ends. It should sit as close to your natural lash line as possible. Run a thin line of eyeliner over the top to hide the band. At the end of the day, soften it with an oil-based remover and take it off without pulling.

The four most common mistakes

Applying without measuring

Lashes come out of the box at a standard width, which is longer than most eyes. When the excess overlaps the inner corner, it pokes the eye and lifts during the day. Always trim from the outer end.

Placing the lash while the glue is wet

Glue doesn’t hold the moment it’s applied — it holds once it’s half-dry and tacky. If it still looks white, it isn’t ready; wait for it to turn clear.

Holding the lash by the middle and pressing

Pressed down in the middle, the ends stay in the air and lift within a few hours. The right order: center, then inner end, then outer end. The ends should be pressed last and most firmly.

Using the curler after mascara

Lashes coated in mascara are stiff; the pressure of the curler breaks the hairs and makes them fall out. Always use the curler on clean lashes, before mascara.

Frequently asked questions

How do you apply false lashes?

Four steps: trim the lash from the outer end to fit your eye, flex the band between your fingers, apply glue and wait 30–40 seconds, then place it at the center first and press down the inner and outer ends, as close to your own lash line as possible.

Which false lash style is right for me?

For everyday wear, natural-density styles work best; if you have fuller lids, fine styles with spaced-out hairs sit more comfortably. For an almond-eye effect, choose a style with the longest hairs clustered at the outer corner; for nights out and photos, go with the densest style.

How many times can false lashes be worn?

When removed and cleaned properly, they can be worn more than once. Don’t pull them off — soften the glue with an oil-based remover first, pick leftover glue off the band with tweezers, and store the lashes in their own case. Replace them once the band loses its shape or the hairs thin out.

Can false lashes damage your eyes?

Not when used correctly. The risks come from pulling them off (you can lose natural lashes), wearing them without trimming to size (it irritates the eye) and sleeping in them. If you notice redness or itching, stop using them.

Can you put mascara on false lashes?

Applying mascara to the band and the false hairs isn’t recommended; it shortens the lash’s life and causes clumping. Instead, apply a thin coat of mascara to your own lashes before putting the falsies on, so both move together and the transition looks natural.

How do you use an eyelash curler?

On clean, dry lashes, before mascara. Start at the base, squeeze gently for a few seconds, then press twice more toward the middle and the tips. Holding one spot too long leaves a sharp crimp; three short presses give a more natural curl.

What does a brow and lash setting gel do?

It holds hairs in place in the direction you want and keeps them set all day. Because it’s clear, it adds no color, and it also keeps the pencil or powder underneath from smudging. With regular use, its nourishing ingredients help strengthen the hairs.

Pairs well with this page

MascaraFor your own lashesExploreEyeliner & Liquid LinerHides the band lineExploreEye MakeupThe whole categoryExploreAccessoriesEverything around your makeupExploreEye Makeup RoutineEvery step, in orderExploreGaze SetMade to be used togetherExplore

How to Apply False Lashes: Step by Step

False lashes are applied by running a thin strip of glue along the band, waiting 30 seconds, then placing the lash at the base of your natural lashes. First measure the band against your lash line and trim the excess from the outer corner. Placement starts at the center; then press down the inner and outer corners. The band should sit about 1 millimeter above the base of your natural lashes.

  • Measure the band against your lash line and trim the excess from the outer corner.
  • Hold the band by both ends and give it a gentle curve.
  • Apply a thin layer of glue and wait 30 seconds.
  • Place it at the center, then press down the inner and outer corners.

How to Remove False Lashes Without Wearing Out the Band

Remove false lashes by slowly peeling them from the outer corner inward. If the glue has hardened, add a few drops of oil-free remover to the band and wait 20–30 seconds; the band will loosen on its own. Grabbing the middle and pulling straight up strains both the band and your natural lashes.

After removal, cleanse the eye area with your cleansing routine products. Taking leftover glue off the band the same day helps it keep its shape.

Always remove the lashes right before cleansing off your eye makeup, not at the very end. Applying remover before the band is off needlessly soaks both the glue and the lash hairs. Doing it in the right order is what makes a second and third wear possible.

How to Use False Lash Glue

False lash glue goes directly on the band, not on the eye, squeezed from the tube in a thin line. Wait 20–30 seconds until it turns clear and tacky; a band placed while the glue is wet will slide. Too much glue lengthens the drying time and makes the band thicker.

Clear glue dries invisible and suits anyone going for a natural look. Black glue makes the band look like eyeliner, combining two steps if you're lining your eyes anyway. If the glue causes any sensitivity, stop using it and consult a professional.

How Many Times Can False Lashes Be Worn, and How Do You Clean Them?

A pair of false lashes can be worn about 10–15 times on average when removed and cleaned properly. After each wear, peel the glue residue off the band in one piece with tweezers, reshape the hairs with your fingers, and store the lashes in their own case. Putting mascara on the band noticeably shortens its life.

Storing lashes in their case isn't just about keeping dust off; it preserves the curve of the band. A band left on a flat surface gradually straightens and struggles to sit along the lash line. The plastic tray inside the case restores that curve between wears.

Which False Lashes Suit Which Eye Shape?

False lashes are chosen by eye shape: evenly distributed styles for almond eyes, styles that lengthen at the outer corner for smaller eyes, and dense, dramatic styles for a defined look. The styles in the lash collection come in three densities: natural, fine and dramatic.

How to Prep Your Natural Lashes Before False Lashes

Before applying false lashes, curl your natural lashes and remove oil from the eyelid. Press the eyelash curler for 5–10 seconds starting at the base. Apply mascara after the band is in place, not before; this order blends the two rows of lashes into one look.

Oil on the eyelid is the most common reason glue won't hold. If powder or primer has been applied to the lid before the band, the surface stays slippery. On a clean, dry lid, the same band stays put noticeably longer.

What Are False Lashes, and Who Are They For?

False lashes are strands of lash hair arranged on a thin band and temporarily glued along the lash line. Anyone who wants to boost lash density or length in a single step can wear them. Natural-density styles are the go-to for everyday wear, and dramatic styles for events and special occasions. You can plan your full eye look on the eye makeup routine page.

If you're a first-timer, the easiest place to start is a natural-density style. The band is short and light, so it's easy to place and forgiving of mistakes. Once applying lashes becomes a habit, moving on to denser styles is much easier.