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How to Trim False Eyelashes in 5 Steps: Eyelash Tutorial

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Apr 6, 2022 • 3 min read

False eyelashes are a simple way to enhance the appearance of your eyes. Learn how to trim false eyelashes to create an eye makeup look that flatters your eye shape.

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What Are False Eyelashes?

False eyelashes are cosmetic extensions designed to add length and volume to your lashes. Made of silk, human hair, mink, or synthetic fibers, false eyelashes come in varying shapes and sizes. While individual eyelash extensions add length to one area of the lash line, strip lash extensions add a new set of wispy lashes to the entire lash line. False eyelashes use an adhesive, typically a lash glue, to secure the base of the extensions to your eyelid.

3 Reasons to Trim False Eyelashes

Your false lashes may fall past your natural lash line, depending on the extensions you use. Trimming your false eyelashes makes them appear more natural and aids in keeping a secure fit along your lash line. Trimming your false eyelashes helps:

  1. 1. Create a natural look: Trimming your falsies to make the lash band match your eye shape and lash line makes your extensions look more natural. You can also trim the lengths of your false eyelashes to shorten them to suit your desired look.
  2. 2. Increase comfort: If your fake lashes are too long, they can irritate your eyes. Trimming your extensions to fit the shape and length of your eyes can prevent your extensions from rubbing and irritating the skin surrounding your eye area.
  3. 3. Protect your eyes from debris: When your eyelashes are too long, the lash adhesive can gather dust and debris, irritating your eyes and causing styes. By trimming your false eyelashes, you can prevent dust from gathering on the ends of your eyelashes.

How to Trim False Eyelashes in 5 Steps

Here is a step-by-step tutorial to help you cut a new pair of fake eyelashes to create the perfect fit for your eye size:

  1. 1. Gather your tools. Makeup artists suggest using a pair of scissors and tweezers to trim a new set of lash strips. Rinse your pair of tweezers to remove debris, and get small scissors to cut the lashes.
  2. 2. Measure your lashes. Hold the set of lashes against your lash line and begin to position the fake eyelashes at the inner corner of your eye. Lay the fake eyelashes against your natural lashes to measure the length of your lash line. The end of the fake lashes should rest at the outer corner of your eye, so as you position the lash strip against your eye, move your finger to the point of the strip that extends past your eye. Hold your finger in that spot to mark where to trim.
  3. 3. Mark the trimming point. Use tweezers to grab the point on your eyelash strip that extends past the outer edge of your eye. Gently secure the lash strip between your tweezers, tightening the tweezers on the lashes to indent the spot that needs trimming.
  4. 4. Trim the excess. Cut your fake lashes with a pair of lash scissors. Use the point you marked with the tweezers as a guide so the lash strip fits your natural eye shape.
  5. 5. Repeat the process for the other eye. Using a new lash strip, measure, mark, and trim your other set of fake lashes so they fit the opposite eye. Rather than measuring your lash strips against each other, measure and trim your fake lashes according to each eye. This ensures the lash strip fits your individual eye shapes, as your eyes may differ in size. Apply your false eyelashes after your other eye makeup products, like eyeliner, mascara, and eye shadow.

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