How to Apply False Lashes
By Lamyaa Aissi · Professional Makeup Artist, Casablanca
Nothing finishes an evening or bridal look like lashes — and nothing ruins a getting-ready timeline like fighting with a lash strip for twenty minutes.
After hundreds of bridal mornings, this is the exact process I use to make lashes go on in under two minutes, sit flush, and stay put through tears and dancing.
What you'll need
- A pair of strip lashes suited to your eye shape
- Lash glue (latex or latex-free)
- Small scissors, tweezers or a lash applicator, and mascara
Step 1: Measure and trim
Lay the strip along your lash line without glue. It should start where your natural lashes become dense — never in the inner corner — and end just before the outer corner. Trim excess from the outer edge only.
Step 2: Bend the band
Wrap the strip around your finger for thirty seconds. A curved band hugs the lash line; a straight band pops up at the corners.
Step 3: Glue and — this is the secret — wait
Apply a thin line of glue along the band with a little extra at each end. Wait 30–45 seconds until it turns tacky. Wet glue slides; tacky glue grips instantly.
Step 4: Place from above, centre first
Look down into a mirror held at chin level. Set the centre of the strip against the lash line first, then press the inner and outer ends into place with tweezers.
Step 5: Marry the lashes
Once the glue dries, gently pinch your natural lashes and the strip together, then finish with one coat of mascara on the roots and a line of eyeliner over the band.
Pro tips from the chair
- Half-strips or 'accent' lashes on the outer corners are more comfortable for beginners and photograph beautifully.
- Black glue disappears into eyeliner looks; clear glue is safer with clean, liner-free looks.
- Never apply mascara to the false lashes themselves if you want to reuse them — coat only your natural lashes.
Frequently asked questions
Strip lashes or individual clusters?
Clusters look more natural and are ideal for brides who cry happy tears — if one lifts, the look survives. Strips give more drama for evening events.
How do I remove them safely?
Hold a cotton pad soaked in oil-based remover against the closed eye for ten seconds, then peel the strip from the outer corner inward. Never pull without dissolving the glue first.
Learn it hands-on in Casablanca
Reading only gets you so far — technique clicks when someone corrects your hand in real time. I teach one-on-one makeup lessons in Casablanca tailored to your face, your kit, and your skill level, from 600 MAD. Or if you'd rather have it done for you, book a session for your next event.
More guides: all tutorials · the full smokey eye masterclass · bridal makeup tutorial.