How to Apply Strip Lashes (Beginner-Friendly, Sweat-Proof Tips, Product Recommendations Included)
Strip lashes can look intimidating, but once you learn the rhythm and get practice, it’s actually not as scary! This is the exact method I use (the same one from my lash tutorial) to get lashes to sit flush, feel comfortable, and stay put.
If you want the easiest learning curve, the biggest secret is this: let the glue get tacky before you apply. Not wet. Not dry. Tacky.
What You’ll Need
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Strip lashes (pick a style that works for your eye or desired effect)
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Lash applicator or tweezers (optional, but helpful)
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Lash scissors (optional, for trimming lash ends to fit eye)
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Mirror (a lower-angle mirror is a MUST)
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Chula Beauty Lash Glue: (the BEST as it lasts all-day)
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Strip Lashes
Step 1) Start with clean lids and curled lashes
If you have any oil or skincare residue on your lids, lashes can lift faster. Make sure your lash line is dry, then curl your natural lashes for a more blended effect.
Optional: Add a light coat of mascara after curling if you like extra structure, but don’t go too heavy or your lashes can clump with the strip.
Step 2) Measure the lash band to your eye
Place the strip lash on your lash line without glue just to measure.
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If it extends past your outer corner, trim from the outer end (tiny snips).
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The lash should end where your natural lash line ends, not on your skin beyond it. Otherwise, the lash can drag your eye and make it look droopy!!
Pro tip: Trim a little at a time. You can always cut more, but you can’t un-cut.
Step 3) “Flex” the lash band
Before glue, gently bend/roll the lash band between your fingers. This helps it match your eye shape and makes it way easier to apply.
Step 4) You need the RIGHT lash glue! Your tools matter. Wait 20–30 seconds for the glue to get tacky
This is the difference between “why is this impossible” and “oh that was easy.”
I confidently recommend our waterproof, sweatproof formula because it will hold your lashes intact all day. Here are two MUST-know tips for lashes that won't budge or embarrass you:
- To avoid your inner and outer corners lifting, applying a thin line on your lash line first is ESSENTIAL. This 99% ALWAYS works! Your lashes have something to stick to and this trick when done right, never fails me.
- Let the glue sit until it’s tacky (sticky), not wet. If you apply too soon, the lash moves and lifts. If you wait too long, it can get too dry and won’t grip.
Step 5) Apply a thin layer of glue (less than you think)
Apply a thin, even layer along the lash band.
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Put a tiny extra dot on the inner and outer corners (these lift first).
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The key is to avoid thick glue blobs. Thick glue takes longer to dry and can slide around.
Step 6) Place the lash from the center first
Look slightly down into your mirror. The best way to ensure your lash sticks as close to your lash line and so you have no weird visible gaps between your lash and skin is to look down into a mirror. Not straight ahead like in a vanity or wall mirror, you need a pocket or hand mirror to place under you!! (Of course I always recommend our cute Tengo Chisme Limited Edition Mirror)
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Place the lash strip right on top of your natural lash line, starting at the center.
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Then press down the outer corner.
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Then press down the inner corner.
If you’re new, use your fingers first and then “pinch” with tweezers after. (I always use my fingers but tweezers or applicators can help! It's all your preference.)
Step 7) Pinch the strip lash and your natural lashes together
This blends everything so it looks seamless and feels secure.
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Use your fingers or applicator.
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Focus on the base of the lash line (where the band meets your lashes).
Step 8) Final check: corners + comfort
If a corner lifts:
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Add a tiny amount of glue just to that corner
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Wait a few seconds
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Press it back into place
If the lash feels pokey, the band might be too long or sitting too far into the inner corner. Adjust slightly outward or trim the inner edge very lightly.
KEY TIP: Do not place your lash right up into your inner corner!! This is a recipe for uncomfortable wear! It's best to leave a finger's length or so space so that the inner corner of the lash doesn't poke you or make you feel uncomfortable.
Common Mistakes (and the quick fixes)
“My lashes won’t stick.”
Most likely cause: you applied while the glue was still wet.
Fix: reapply a thin layer, wait 20–30 seconds, then try again. (Also make sure you're using the best of the best!)
“The inner corner always lifts.”
Most likely cause: band is too long or you placed it WAY too close to your inner corner.
Fix: Take it off and try again. If lash is too long, trim slightly on outer end, add a small extra glue dot on the inner corner, and press.
“The lash is sitting too high / looks floating.”
Most likely cause: lash was placed above the lash line instead of on it. This was likley caused by not looking down into a mirror. Doing it this way lets you get access to your lash line the best instead of looking right at a mirror, etc.
Fix: remove gently and re-place directly on the lash line by looking down into a mirror.
My Best Pro Tips (from doing this a LOT)
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A lower mirror angle makes placement easier.
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Thin glue layers work better than thick ones. (The RIGHT glue is crucial too!)
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Always press the band into the lash line, not the eyelid skin above it.
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If you want the lashes to last through heat/sweat, let the glue fully set before messing with them.
Want them to stay on even longer?
Use a lash glue that’s made to hold through real life, not just a cute photo.
👉 Chula Beauty Lash Glue: (Okay, last time I'll bring it up, but I'm serious! Try my brands glue, you won't regret it!)
Quick FAQ
How long should I wait before applying the lash?
Usually most adhsieves you need to wait 20–40 seconds until the glue feels tacky.
Do I apply lashes before or after eyeliner?
Either works, but many people prefer eyeliner first so the band blends.
Can beginners apply lashes without tools?
Yes. Start with fingers for placement, then pinch to blend.
How come my lashes don't look as curly or as pretty as the model photo?
Omg, great question! A great tip to get the most of your lashes is not to just glue the band on your skin, but to glue it almost at an angle so the curl/lash style gets the best visibility. An easy trick is that after you place it on your lash line, make sure its as close to it so you don't have any big gaps, simply use your finger to push the lash hairs up and press onto your eyelid as to push the style "in an upwards" direction. This can make the difference between getting the most of any pretty lash and making any style look "flat" or not the same as you see it on others.