How to Apply Magnetic Lashes | A Step-by-Step Guide

Learning how to apply magnetic lashes takes about two minutes once you master the magnet-to-magnet or magnet-to-liner grip.

Magnetic lashes are a clever alternative to glue-on falsies — no sticky adhesive, no messy clean-up, just tiny magnets doing the work. The technique differs depending on whether you’re using a magnetic eyeliner system (one strip per eye) or a sandwich-style set (two strips that clasp your natural lashes between them). Either way, the core skill is the same: get the magnets to meet. Here’s the method that works, plus the mistakes that cause lashes to slip.

Starting With The Right Prep

Magnetic lashes grip best on clean, dry lashes. Before you touch the strips, curl your natural lashes and, if you like, apply a light coat of mascara. Doing this first makes sure your own lashes sit neatly and don’t get in the way of the magnets.

Some systems are pickier than others. L’Oréal Paris, which sells both liner and sandwich styles, notes that long natural lashes can interfere with liner-to-magnet contact if they aren’t positioned clear of the strip. A quick curl usually solves that.

Applying With Magnetic Eyeliner

This method uses one lash strip per eye, and the liner is the anchor. Shake the magnetic eyeliner well before use — the formula separates when it sits.

Apply a smooth line along your upper lash line, then let it dry to a tacky state. Applying the lashes before the liner has dried is a frequent cause of slipping. The line should be thick enough to match the magnets’ width; too thin, and there’s nothing for the magnets to grip.

• Place the lash as close to your natural lash line as possible.
• Fit the outer corner of the strip to the outer corner of your eye first, then press the inner corner in place.
• Press gently along the band for a few seconds so the magnets connect with the liner.

Applying With Sandwich-Style Lashes

Sandwich lashes come as two strips per eye — a top strip and a bottom strip — that snap together around your natural lashes. L’Oréal’s official guidance describes placing one strip on top of your natural lashes and the other underneath, so the magnets connect through your lash line.

If the set fits awkwardly, trim the lash band to match your eye’s width for a more comfortable fit. Adjust until you feel the magnets click together; that click is your signal that the hold is solid.

Common Mistakes That Weaken The Hold

The biggest is rushing the liner’s drying time — every brand’s formula takes slightly longer than you expect to set. The second is using too little liner, which leaves the magnets nothing substantial to grip. Third is misalignment: if the band sits too far from your lash roots, the hold weakens. Finally, oil on your lash line can break the seal in sandwich systems, so skip heavy eye creams before application.

If you’re ready to buy your first pair, our tested roundup of the best magnetic lashes breaks down which sets are worth the money.

Removing Magnetic Lashes Safely

Removal is gentler than with glue, but still needs care. Gently peel the strip away from the outer corner inward, rather than yanking from the middle. If your liner doesn’t come off easily with warm water, a gentle oil-based makeup remover will dissolve it without tugging.