Buzz
Image: Lilly LashesAs a seasoned beauty editor, I’ve picked up quite a few makeup tips from the pros. Through interviews, glam sessions, and master classes, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry, and I like to think my makeup skills are pretty advanced for an amateur. But there’s one step I’ve never quite mastered, and over the years, it’s become my biggest beauty challenge: I can’t apply fake lashes.
There’s just something about those little, fuzzy strips that completely confuse me. And believe me, I’ve tried them all—wispies, magnetic lashes, adhesive eyeliner, specialized lash tweezers. But no matter what, I always end up with a sticky mess, uneven lashes, or more often than not, I give up entirely, opting for my flat, natural lashes over the full, fluttery ones I crave.
When I first heard about a self-adhesive, reusable lash that could be applied in seconds, I felt cautiously hopeful. After all, my experience with lashes isn’t exactly impressive. But could these be the foolproof fake lashes I’ve been looking for? The lashes in question are Lilly Lashes' new Self-Adhesive Lashes ($16). The magic lies in the self-adhesive band, which uses your body heat to stick to the lash line and stay put all day.
After trimming the lashes to fit my eyes, I set out to apply them. As I’ve mentioned, I’m really not great at applying false lashes, so I wasn’t sure if any technique or product could make it easier for me. That being said, I am writing this review while wearing a beautiful pair of fake lashes that are securely attached to my eyelids—quite an achievement!
The thick black band is designed to mimic the look of eyeliner, so aligning the lash perfectly with the eye is crucial. If it’s too high, there will be a visible gap between the real and fake lashes. If it’s too far to either side, it looks like you’ve gone overboard with eyeliner.
I found that the best technique was to use my fingers to gently position the lash along my eye, resting it on the lash line without fully securing it. Once I was satisfied with the placement, I used tweezers to press the real and fake lashes together at the inner and outer corners of my eye. At the same time, I would gently (but firmly!) secure the lash to the lash line. If I was too rough, the lash would stick to the tweezers instead.
What makes this process different from my past attempts at fake lashes is that there's no glue involved. This means I could easily remove the lashes and try again without any mess or hassle. I wasn’t worried about the glue drying, so I could take my time, which truly made a difference. Additionally, because the lashes are reusable, I could practice without worrying about wasting product. I spent two days working with the same pair of lashes, refining the technique until I had it down perfectly.
I’ll be honest: I don’t consider myself a pro at fake lashes just yet, but it's reassuring to know that I can wear them if I want to. If I can do it, I’m confident even complete beginners can manage. And if not, there’s always the option to keep practicing, without ever needing to purchase a second set.
Available for purchase: Lilly Lashes Self-Adhesive Lashes ($16)
