:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1138580464-a70b828a89cb48a7a7fc948df32b0d08-6fff0ce7df6345baa5b3dac4263728ad_primary-be701a2d206c47cbb3b74132e7421fcb.jpg "How to Apply Individual Lashes, According to an Aesthetician (1)")
If you're new to the lash game, think of individual false lashes as your cheaper alternative to costly lash extensions. In a salon service, each lash (made of either mink or synthetic fiber) is attached to the lash line using semi-permanent glue—which typically takes about two hours. It also requires touch-ups every three to four weeks plus tons of maintenance in between, including conditioning, combing, and avoiding mascara.
Fortunately, applying individual lashes at home can be a great low-commitment option for a night out—at a fraction of the cost. Available at any major drugstore from brands like Ardell and Kiss, these individual lashes are intended to be applied in conjunction with your mascara and eyeliner and removed at the end of the night with the rest of your makeup, says aesthetician Tess Arroyo. They're great for special occasions and to look more awake on a day-to-day basis, too.
Meet the expert
Tess Arroyo is a licensed aesthetician based in Los Angeles. She is an expert in eyelash extensions and application.
Ahead, we break down everything you need to know about applying individual lashes.
How to Choose Individual Lashes
Consider the Length
Generally speaking, false lashes are sold in short, medium, and long lengths. Additionally, many brands offer single-layer or double-layer options depending on the volume you want (the latter has more volume).
To choose the right lashes, you'll want to start by assessing your natural lashes. The best way to ensure your individual lashes look natural and seamless is by matching them to your natural lash texture and length, says Arroyo. One thing worth noting: Wearing falsies won't lead your natural lashes to grow; they'll just make them appear longer.
Think About Thickness
If you have light, fine, straight, or short lashes, you'll want to stick with a short or medium length and single-layer clusters. If you have thick, wavy, curly, or long lashes, the double-layer or the long option may be more suitable.
Inspect the Lashes at the Base
You'll also want to inspect how the lashes are bound at the base of each cluster. The options with knots will have a little clump at the base of the cluster to give more surface area for the lash glue to stick to. However, if you have fine or light lashes, these knots can show up in your final look. For most, the "knot-free" option is best. We love i-Envy's Kiss Individual Eyelashes, which come 70 to a pack.
Check for Lash Glue
Another item you may have to shop for: lash glue. Some packs of lashes come with the brand's lash glue, but not always, so make sure to check before making a purchase. As far as lash glues go,Duo Striplash Adhesive—which comes in clear or black—just so happens to be our favorite.
Use clear lash glue for a more natural eye makeup look. But for a more dramatic cat-eye or smokey eye, try black.
How to Apply Individual Lashes
Cut the lashes to match yours.
Prior to applying, you may need to trim the lashes to mimic the natural lash length, says Arroyo. This is especially true of the lashes in the inner corner of your eye, which usually are finer and shorter. "Before putting them on, grab the falsies and hold them to your own lashes," instructs Arroyo. "From there, eyeball the length that you'll need to cut off for the false lashes to match your own. The aesthetician cautions never to cut the lashes once they're on your eye as the risk of injury is too high.
Let the glue get tacky.
Apply a small dollop of glue to the back of your hand or in the plastic tray the lashes come in. Wait for 30 to 60 seconds to allow the glue to get nice and tacky—you'll know when the glue is ready when the color starts to change and the outer layer starts to thicken. This is important to ensure the lash instantly bonds once it's put in place. If the glue is too runny, the lash won't hold in place and will be more likely to shift or tilt.
Apply lashes with a tweezer.
Next, tilt your head back to better position your eyelid and upper lash line. This will expose your eyelid and upper lash line. Using angled tweezers or lash tweezers, tap the base of the lash cluster into the glue. Then drop the lash along your lashes, starting at the outside of the eye and working inward toward the center of the eye.
If the glue is tacky enough, you should be able to drop the cluster in place and leave it alone for a few seconds to dry. You're aiming for the glue to bind to the base of your lashes, not your eyelid skin.
After a few seconds, you can pick up another cluster and drop it next to the first. If you're looking for a subtle flirty look, apply three to four clusters on the outside corner of the eye. If you want a fuller or more dramatic look, you can build along the entire lash line toward the inner corner of the eye.
Let them dry, then clamp.
After you've placed the desired number of lashes and feel good about the placement, give your lashes a good 10 minutes to dry completely.
Use a lash curler or your thumb and pointer fingers to clamp the false lashes into your natural lashes.
How Long Individual Lashes Last
Individual lashes are only meant to last 12 hours tops, depending on what activities you have in store. Duo Glue is water-soluble so if you cry, wash your face, get rained on, or jump in a pool, it's possible that the glue will loosen and you may lose a few of your clusters. But, if you can prevent any of these things from happening, then you can be sure they will last throughout the night!
How to Remove Individual Lashes
To remove your falsies, begin by soaking a cotton pad in an oil-based makeup remover and hold it over your closed eye for a few seconds. This will loosen up the lash glue as well as start to break down your eye makeup. Then continue to remove the rest of your makeup regularly.
Alternatively, you can also opt for a cleansing balm or coconut oil—both of these will break down the glue. You'll notice the lashes start to fall off just as your eye makeup starts to disappear.
Most importantly, regardless of whether or not you're always diligent about removing your makeup, taking your lashes off before going to sleep is non-negotiable. Leaving pieces of glue on the lash for an extended period of time can cause dirt and bacteria to stick to the eye area, which can lead to infection. Note: This is another reason to use an actual remover, instead of picking the clusters off with your fingers. Removing your lashes gently will also protect your hair follicles so you don't compromise the health of your natural lashes.
After removing all your lashes, toss them in the garbage. Individual lashes are intended for one-time use only—luckily, one pack should provide you with enough lashes for two to three applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you glue individual lashes to skin or lashes?
According to Arroyo, you always apply lashes and lash glue on the skin right above your lash line. Otherwise, if you apply them to your lashes, you could damage them.
Are individual false lashes easier to apply than lash strips?
Individual false lashes aren't harder to apply than lash strips. Arroyo says that the first time you apply false lashes tends to be the hardest and takes the longest, but it's smooth sailing from there. However, the application process will take longer than lash strips since you're going one by one.
Can I reuse individual false lashes?
Arroyo says you can reuse these so long as you keep them clean—i.e., don't put mascara on them. If you want to get more than one use out of them, make sure to remove all the glue from the knot so that it doesn't interfere with reapplication.
