Lash Guides

If your first experience with magnetic lashes felt… frustrating, you’re not alone.

Most beginners run into the same problems:

• Lashes won’t sit right

• Corners keep popping up

• Everything feels heavy or “too much”

• Lashes don’t last as long as promised

If you’re hoping to get more wears out of a pair (without irritation), read Can You Reuse Magnetic Lashes?

The good news? These issues usually come down to a few fixable beginner mistakes, not some secret lash talent you’re missing.

In this guide, we’ll walk through:

• The most common magnetic lash mistakes beginners make

• Why they cause slipping, lifting, discomfort or short wear time

• Exactly how to fix each one, step by step

• How to choose beginner-friendly styles that are easier to work with

If you’re just starting your lash journey, you may also want to bookmark:

• Magnetic Lashes 101 – What They Are & How They Actually Work

• How to Apply Magnetic Lashes for Beginners

• How to Clean Magnetic Lashes and Make Them Last 100+ Uses

You can find more tips inside the LashNova Lash Guides and browse our magnetic eyelashes collection.

Mistake #1 – Skipping Eye & Lash Prep

Many people try to apply magnetic lashes directly over:

• Old mascara

• Oily lids

• Heavy eye cream

• Leftover liner or eyeshadow

Then wonder why nothing wants to stay put.

Why It’s a Problem

Magnets (and bands) grip best when:

• Your natural lashes are clean and dry

• Your lash line isn’t slippery with oil or thick cream

Oil + product buildup = sliding, slipping, lifting.

How to Fix It

Before you touch your lashes:

• Remove old eye makeup – Gently cleanse mascara, liner and shadow.

• Degrease lightly – Use a gentle, non-oily remover around the lash line.

• Keep rich creams away from the upper lash line – Focus heavier skincare on the undereye, not right at the roots of your lashes.

A clean “canvas” makes every other step easier — especially if you have oily lids or live in a humid climate.

Mistake #2 – Choosing a Dramatic Style as Your First Pair

It’s tempting to start with the most Instagram-glam, ultra-long, ultra-thick lash you can find.

But for most beginners, that makes everything harder:

• Heavier bands are less forgiving

• Dense fibers make it difficult to see your lash line

• Extra length magnifies every small placement mistake

Why It’s a Problem

Big, heavy lashes:

• Are more likely to droop, slide and poke

• Can overwhelm smaller, hooded or round eyes

• Make your first experience feel uncomfortable — so you never want to wear them again

How to Fix It

Start with a light, everyday-friendly style that’s designed to be easy to wear:

• Soft, wispy fibers

• Short-to-medium length

• Thin, flexible band

LunarMuse is a perfect beginner style:

• Ultra-light soft magnetic design

• Gentle lift and definition that flatters many eye shapes

• Natural enough for daytime, pretty enough for dates and photos

Once you’re comfortable with application and wear, you can add more dramatic options like Nebula Crown for nights out, or GlitzBabe for special occasions.

Mistake #3 – Not Trimming the Lash Band

New lash wearers often assume they must wear the lash exactly as it comes out of the box.

But most lash bands are intentionally made a bit longer so they can be customized.

Why It’s a Problem

If you don’t trim:

• The band may extend past your outer corner

• Corners are more likely to lift or stab your skin

• The shape can drag your eyes downward instead of lifting them

How to Fix It

1. Measure before cutting

   • Place the lash strip on your eye (without glue or clipping yet).

   • See where your natural lash line ends.

2. Trim from the outer corner

   • Always cut from the outer end, not the inner corner.

   • Remove a small section at a time — you can always trim more.

3. Re-check the fit

   • Re-position the lash and confirm the band ends where your natural lashes end.

A well-fitted lash is more comfortable, more secure and more flattering on your eye shape.

Mistake #4 – Placing the Band on Your Eyelid, Not Your Lash Line

One of the most common beginner mistakes is placing the lash too high, on the lid skin instead of right against the natural lash line.

Why It’s a Problem

When the band sits on your lid instead of the lash line:

• It looks obviously “floating”

• Corners lift much more easily

• Every blink can feel pokey or strange

How to Fix It

• Look slightly down into a mirror (not straight ahead or up).

• Bring the lash in so the band kisses the roots of your natural lashes.

• Adjust from the center first, then fix inner and outer corners.

If you’re wearing a soft magnetic lash-to-lash system, make sure your magnets are clamping around your natural lashes, not hanging above them.

For a full visual walkthrough, follow How to Apply Magnetic Lashes for Beginners.

Mistake #5 – Trying to Clamp All the Magnets at Once

With lash-to-lash (sandwich) systems, beginners often try to snap the entire lash on in one go.

Result:

• Centers misalign

• Magnets “chase” each other instead of stacking

• Inner and outer corners end up twisted or loose

Why It’s a Problem

Magnets are small and precise. If one pair is slightly off:

• The entire band can feel unstable

• Some magnets connect, others fight each other

How to Fix It

Use a center-first technique:

1. Place the top lash exactly where you want it.

2. Bring the bottom lash up to meet the center magnets first and let them click.

3. After the center is secure, gently adjust inner and outer magnets one by one.

4. Lightly press along the band to make sure every magnet pair is stacked correctly.

This small change often transforms application from chaotic to controlled.

Mistake #6 – Not Letting Magnetic Liner Dry (or Using Too Little)

If you’re using a magnetic liner + lash system, application timing matters.

Why It’s a Problem

If you:

• Apply the lash while the liner is still wet, it can slide around or lift.

• Draw an ultra-thin line, there isn’t enough product for the magnets to grab.

• Layer liner over heavy shadow or oil, it may peel off in a strip.

How to Fix It

• Apply liner to clean, non-oily skin.

• Use two thin coats instead of one thick coat.

• Let each coat dry until it feels dry-to-touch before applying lashes.

• When applying the lash, press magnets directly onto the liner and pinch gently along the band.

If you struggle with liner, or have very sensitive eyes, a liner-free soft magnetic system (like LashNova’s lash-to-lash design) is often easier and more comfortable.

Mistake #7 – Pulling Lashes Off Roughly at the End of the Day

We get it. At the end of a long day, you just want everything off your face.

But yanking magnetic lashes off in one rough motion is a fast way to:

• Damage your reusable lashes

• Tug on your natural lashes

• Bend magnets and warp the band

Why It’s a Problem

Rough removal can:

• Shorten the lifespan of your lashes

• Make magnets misaligned, which affects hold on future wears

• Potentially irritate your lash line

How to Fix It

For lash-to-lash systems:

• Slide, don’t rip – Gently slide the top and bottom magnets apart, rather than pulling straight away.

• Work from the outer corner inward if that feels easier.

For magnetic liner systems:

• Soak a cotton pad with a gentle, oil-based remover and press it against the lash line for a few seconds.

• Let the remover do the work — your lashes should lift off without force.

Treat your lashes like a reusable beauty tool, not a one-time disposable.

Mistake #8 – Never Cleaning or Storing Your Lashes Properly

If you toss your lashes on the bathroom counter after wearing them, they’ll look and behave tired pretty quickly.

Why It’s a Problem

No cleaning or storage leads to:

• Product buildup on magnets and bands

• Bent, twisted, flattened fibers

• Dust and bacteria collecting on something that sits near your eyes

How to Fix It

After each wear:

• Gently clean the band following the steps in How to Clean Magnetic Lashes and Make Them Last 100+ Uses.

• Avoid soaking the lashes in water or harsh solutions.

• Store them in their case, as outlined in How to Store Magnetic Lashes So They Don’t Lose Shape.

A few seconds of care can mean dozens more comfortable, beautiful wears.

Mistake #9 – Expecting Unrealistic Wear Time

“100+ uses” doesn’t mean 100 careless uses.

Why It’s a Problem

If you:

• Sleep in your lashes

• Shower, swim or steam with them on

• Never clean or store them

• Yank them off every night

…you’ll absolutely get less wear time than advertised.

How to Fix It

• Treat lashes as a daily-wear product, not semi-permanent extensions.

• Remove them every night.

• Follow basic hygiene and care rules.

To understand what realistic wear time looks like (and what affects it), read How Long Do Magnetic Lashes Last? Wear Time, Care & Realistic Expectations.

Mistake #10 – Ignoring Your Eye Shape Altogether

Many beginners choose lashes purely based on:

• What looks pretty in the tray

• What their favorite influencer wears

…but not what actually suits their eye shape and lifestyle.

Why It’s a Problem

When lash shape and eye shape clash, you get:

• Constant lifting at specific points

• Eyes that look more droopy, smaller or overwhelmed

• The feeling that “lashes just don’t look right on me”

How to Fix It

Spend a few minutes learning how your eye shape behaves with different lash designs.

If you want a simple starting point:

• Use LunarMuse as your easy, everyday base – it suits many eye types and looks natural but defined.

• Use Nebula Crown as your go-to glam lash when you want more lift and length.

For a more detailed breakdown by eye shape, see How to Choose Magnetic Lashes for Different Eye Shapes (With Examples).

Quick Beginner-Friendly Routine (Putting It All Together)

Here’s a simple routine that avoids all the biggest beginner mistakes:

1. Prep – Clean lids and natural lashes. No heavy creams on the lash line.

2. Choose the right style – Start with a light, flexible style like LunarMuse.

3. Trim the band – Size it to your eye, cutting from the outer corner.

4. Apply correctly –

   • For lash-to-lash systems: center magnets first, then inner and outer corners.

   • For liner systems: two thin coats of liner, fully dry, then press magnets onto the line.

5. Check corners & comfort – Adjust as needed instead of fighting it all day.

6. Remove gently – Slide magnets apart or dissolve liner before taking lashes off.

7. Clean & store – Wipe the band, let it dry, and place lashes back in their case.

If your lashes still won’t stay on after all of this, see the troubleshooting guide in Why Your Magnetic Lashes Won’t Stay On (And How to Fix It Step by Step).

Final Thoughts – You’re Not “Bad at Lashes”, You Just Need a System

Most magnetic lash “fails” are not a you problem — they’re a technique + tools problem:

• No prep

• Wrong style

• No trimming

• Rushed application

• Zero cleaning or storage

Once you fix those, magnetic lashes become what they’re meant to be:

• Fast – a few minutes instead of a full lash appointment

• Comfortable – ultra-light, flexible bands that don’t feel heavy

• Reusable – a long-term part of your beauty routine, not a one-night fling

If you’re ready to start (or restart) your magnetic lash journey the right way, begin with:

• LunarMuse – beginner-friendly, everyday, soft-glam lashes

• Nebula Crown – your night-out and camera-friendly glam

• GlitzBabe – your special-occasion, high-impact lash

You can explore all styles at LashNova in the magnetic lashes collection. With the right system, magnetic lashes really can become the easiest part of your routine.