How to Apply Magnetic Half Lashes

Magnetic half lashes stay on with small magnets instead of lash glue. How you put them on depends on which kind you have. Some attach as two pieces that hold your natural lashes between them. Others stick to a magnetic eyeliner painted on the lid. Check the instructions supplied with your lashes first, then follow the steps for that type below. Either way, work over a table with a mirror below eye level, and expect the first few attempts to take patience.

What are magnetic half lashes?

A half lash covers only the outer half or two-thirds of the lash line, instead of running corner to corner. That gives a lifted, elongated effect and avoids the inner corner, where a full strip often pokes. Magnetic versions carry tiny magnets along the band.

The two magnetic systems

Listings do not always say which system a set uses. If yours does not, look at the instructions in the box, and at how the pieces are arranged in the tray.

A two-pair set

The Uexim reusable magnetic half lashes attach magnetically, with glue-free application, in a half-lash design for a natural look. They are hand-made, with a lash length of 0.5 to 1 cm and a black cotton stalk band, and each box holds 8 pieces, which the listing counts as 2 pairs. They are described as reusable and come in four styles: 010, 015, 016 and 018. The listing does not describe how the pieces attach, so follow the instructions supplied with the lashes.

Before you start, for either type

• Clean, dry lashes and lids. No oil or heavy cream.
• Curl your natural lashes. A light coat of mascara, fully dry, is optional.
• Sit at a table with a towel in front of you, so a dropped lash is easy to find.
• Place a mirror flat on the table and look down into it. Looking down brings your lash line into view.
• Handle the lashes by the fiber tips, not the band.

If your lashes attach lash-to-lash

1. Identify the upper and lower pieces. Many sets mark them. Check your instructions.
2. Rest the upper piece on top of your natural lashes at the outer half of the eye, as close to the lash line as you can without touching the lid.
3. Bring the lower piece up underneath your natural lashes, directly below the upper one.
4. Let the magnets meet. The pieces pull together when they are close.
5. Check the position. The outer end should finish at, or just inside, the end of your natural lashes.
6. To adjust, slide the two pieces apart sideways and try again.

If your lashes use magnetic liner

1. Patch test the liner on your arm first, as its label directs.
2. Shake the liner, then draw a line along the upper lash line where the lash will sit, slightly thicker than a normal liner.
3. Let it dry for the time the directions give.
4. Apply a second coat if the directions advise it, and let that dry.
5. Hold the lash by the tips and lower it onto the liner, outer end first, until the magnets grip.
6. Press lightly along the band, and nudge it toward the lash line.

Troubleshooting

• The lash sits too far from the lash line. Start closer, and look down more steeply.
• It tilts or droops. It is not aligned. Lift it off and re-place it.
• It will not hold. Lash-to-lash sets need enough natural lash to grip. Liner sets need an even, fully dry line.
• It feels heavy. Half lashes are lighter than full strips, but magnets add weight. Choose a shorter style.
• The inner end lifts. Place the lash a little further toward the outer corner.

How do you take them off?

• Lash-to-lash: look down, hold the two pieces between thumb and forefinger, and slide them apart sideways. Do not pull straight off, which tugs your lashes.
• Magnetic liner: lift the lash from the outer corner, then remove the liner with an oil-based or dual-phase eye makeup remover.

How do you care for them?

• Wipe makeup or liner from the band and magnets with a cotton bud dampened with oil-free makeup remover.
• Let them dry.
• Return them to their case, in their original positions, so the magnets do not clump with other metal items.
• Do not soak them or bend the band.
• Replace them when fibers shed or a magnet comes loose.

Magnetic vs glue-on lashes

• No lash glue, so less residue on the lash band.
• Reusable when kept clean.
• A learning curve. Placement takes practice.
• Extra weight from the magnets, compared with a plain strip.

Good to know

• Do not wear false lashes on irritated or infected eyes.
• Take them off before sleeping, swimming or showering.
• Remove magnetic lashes and magnetic liner before an MRI scan, and tell the staff you have been wearing them.
• If you have an eye condition, ask your eye care professional before using false lashes.
• Keep small magnets away from young children.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which type of magnetic lash I have?

Check the instructions in the box. If the listing or packaging does not say, the instructions will show whether a liner is needed.

Are magnetic lashes easier than glue?

They are cleaner. Placement takes practice, but once learned it is quick.

How many times can I reuse them?

It depends on care. Keep them clean and stored in their case.

Why use half lashes instead of full strips?

They are lighter, easier to place, and lift the outer corner without crowding the inner eye.

The bottom line

Find out which magnetic system your lashes use, then follow the steps for it. Work looking down into a mirror, place the outer end first, and remove them gently.