How to Choose and Apply False Eyelashes
Quick answer: Choose false eyelashes by your eye shape and the look you want: natural, wispy styles for everyday wear and fuller, longer styles for evenings out. Measure the band against your lash line, trim from the outer end if needed, then apply close to your natural lashes. If you'd rather skip lash glue, Thin Lizzy Magnificent Magnetic Lashes click onto a magnetic eyeliner in minutes.
False eyelashes are one of the quickest ways to make your eyes look brighter and more open, especially as natural lashes become finer and shorter over time. But with so many styles and lengths, and the fiddly reputation of lash glue, it's easy to give up before you've found the right pair. This guide walks you through choosing a style that suits your eyes, the difference between strip and magnetic lashes, and how to apply, remove and care for them.
How to Choose False Lashes for Your Eye Shape
The right style frames your eyes rather than overwhelming them. Use these as a starting point:
- Hooded eyes: choose lightweight lashes that are a little longer in the middle. They lift the eye without being hidden under the lid or feeling heavy.
- Almond eyes: most styles suit you. Try a gentle winged shape that's longer at the outer corners.
- Round eyes: lashes that lengthen towards the outer corners help elongate the eye.
- Downturned eyes: look for lashes that flick up at the outer edge to give a lifted look.
- Close-set eyes: keep the inner corners short and add length on the outer third.
- Deep-set or mature eyes: soft, feathery lashes with a thin, flexible band look most natural and feel comfortable.
If you're new to lashes, start with a natural, criss-cross style. It blends easily with your own lashes and looks right for both day and night.
Strip Lashes vs Magnetic Lashes
Both give you fuller-looking lashes. The difference is how they stay on:
- Strip lashes are attached with lash adhesive along your lash line. They come in endless styles, but the glue takes practice, needs time to become tacky and can be messy to remove.
- Magnetic lashes have small magnets along the band that attach to a magnetic eyeliner. There's no glue, they're quick to reposition if you don't get them right first time, and they come off cleanly.
Many women who have struggled with glue find magnetic lashes far easier, particularly if their eyes are sensitive or their hands aren't as steady as they used to be. We cover magnetic application in detail in our guide on how to apply magnetic eyelashes.
Our Picks
Magnificent Magnetic Lashes
Best for: natural-looking, fuller lashes without glue.
Soft, silky, lightweight lashes with a criss-cross design that adds volume, length and depth and blends easily with your own lashes. A flexible band fits comfortably, and five magnets on each lash hold them securely in place. They're wind, sweat and smudge resistant, so they look good from morning to night.
- Reusable magnetic lashes
- Criss-cross, multi-dimensional design
- Super-soft synthetic fibres
- Easy to apply and remove
Magnificent Magnetic Eyeliner
Best for: holding magnetic lashes in place while defining your eyes.
An intense black gel eyeliner with micro magnetic particles, designed to keep your Magnificent Magnetic Lashes on all day. The ultra-fine tip glides on easily, so you can line close to the lashes or create a cat-eye wing. It's long-lasting and smudge resistant.
- Ultra-fine tip for precision
- Intense black gel
- Long-lasting, smudge resistant
You can see the full range in our false eyelashes collection.
How to Apply False Eyelashes
- Start with clean, dry lids: remove any oil or moisturiser from the lash line so lashes sit flat and stay put.
- Curl and coat your own lashes: a light coat of mascara helps your natural lashes blend with the falsies.
- Measure the band: hold the lash against your eye. If it's longer than your lash line, trim from the outer end. With magnetic lashes, make sure a magnet remains at each end so the corners don't lift.
- Prepare the base: for strip lashes, apply a thin line of glue and wait until it's tacky. For magnetic lashes, apply two coats of magnetic eyeliner along the lash line, paying attention to the ends, and let it dry for 1–2 minutes.
- Place from the centre: look down into a mirror, line the lash up with the middle of your lash line, then press the inner and outer corners into place. Keep the band slightly away from the inner corner for comfort.
- Blend: gently pinch your natural lashes and the falsies together with your fingertips.
How to Remove and Care for Your Lashes
- Remove gently: hold the outer corner and peel slowly towards the inner corner. Magnetic lashes slide off the liner with no tugging.
- Clean the band: wipe away any liner, glue or mascara with a cotton bud so the band stays flexible.
- Remove your eye makeup: take off the eyeliner and mascara properly before bed.
- Store them in their case: keeping lashes in their tray helps them hold their shape for the next wear.
- Don't share lashes: they're a personal item, like mascara.
For more eye makeup inspiration, read how to choose eyeliner for your eyes and our guide to the best volumising mascara.
What Customers Say
"I have tried several different lashes and these are the easiest to use."
Veronica C., Thin Lizzy customer (Magnificent Magnetic Lashes)
"A beautiful, easy to use product that lasts! Be gentle with these lashes and get about 3 weeks daily use. Gorgeous, natural looking and a show stopper!"
Barbara P., Thin Lizzy customer (Magnificent Magnetic Lashes)
"Love the ease and convenience of this eyeliner with the lashes."
Nikki S., Thin Lizzy customer (Magnificent Magnetic Eyeliner)
Read all Magnificent Magnetic Lashes reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
Which false lashes look most natural?
Lightweight lashes with a thin, flexible band and a soft criss-cross design look the most natural, because they blend into your own lashes rather than sitting on top of them.
Are magnetic lashes easier than strip lashes?
Many people find them easier, because there's no glue to wait for and you can reposition them if they're not quite right. They attach to a magnetic eyeliner applied along the lash line.
Can I wear false lashes if I have hooded eyes?
Yes. Choose lightweight lashes that are slightly longer in the centre, and trim the band so it fits your lash line. Keep the eyeliner thin so it isn't hidden by the lid.
How many times can I reuse false lashes?
It depends on the lash and how gently you handle it. Remove them slowly, clean the band after each wear and store them in their case to get the most wears from every pair.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy lashes in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Farmers, Life Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse and Unichem stores across New Zealand. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
The best false lashes are the ones that suit your eye shape and that you'll actually enjoy wearing. Start with a natural style, measure and trim for a comfortable fit, and look after your lashes so they last. If glue has put you off before, magnetic lashes are well worth a try.
