Lash Guides

If you’ve just discovered magnetic lashes and your first thought was, “There’s no way I can put those on,” this guide is for you.
In just a few minutes, you’ll learn exactly how to put on magnetic eyelashes — and how to apply magnetic lashes the beginner-friendly way (no glue, no liner).

featherlight magnetic lashes look futuristic, but with the right technique they’re often easier than traditional glue lashes — especially when you’re using a no-glue, no-liner system like LashNova’s ultra-light soft magnetic lash set with 0.17mm ultra-thin magnets and a featherlight 0.03g band.

LashNova’s featherlight-magnetic design uses 0.17mm ultra-thin magnets and a featherlight 0.03g band, so it feels more flexible and easier to control — especially for first-timers.

Want to see which styles work best for beginners? Browse our magnetic lashes collection →

In this beginner-friendly tutorial, we’ll walk through:

• What you need before you start

• How to prep your natural lashes

• A step-by-step method to apply soft magnetic lashes with an applicator

• Common mistakes (and how to fix them)

• How to remove and store your lashes so they last longer

If you’re not yet sure what magnetic lashes are or how they work, start with our Magnetic Lashes 101 guide, then come back here for the hands-on part.

How to Put On Magnetic Eyelashes (Quick Step-by-Step)

If you want the quick version first, here’s the exact routine most beginners follow:

1. Clean + dry your lash line (oil makes magnets slip).

2. Curl your natural lashes (optional, but it helps with lift).

3. Place the TOP lash strip as close to your lash roots as possible (not on eyelid skin).

4. Bring the bottom anchors/clips up from underneath to “sandwich” your natural lashes.

5. Adjust the outer corner last, then gently press the magnets to lock.

Once you’ve done it a few times, this becomes a 10–30 second routine per eye.

If your lashes keep lifting or sliding, check Why your magnetic lashes won’t stay on — it covers the most common fixes fast.

How to Apply Magnetic Lashes (Same Steps, Different Wording)

“How to apply magnetic lashes” and “how to put on magnetic eyelashes” mean the same thing. Use the exact step-by-step routine below—just follow the order and you’ll be set.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have:

A soft magnetic lash set

Ideally with ultra-thin, flexible bands and matching bottom anchors/clips (like LashNova kits).

Lash applicator or tweezers

A curved magnetic lash applicator makes it much easier to place and clamp the lashes, especially for beginners.

A mirror you can tilt upward

A table mirror or a standing mirror that you can look slightly down into works best.

Optional:

• Eyelash curler

• A light coat of regular mascara

• Cotton pads and oil-free makeup remover for cleanup

Set everything up in good lighting — your first few tries are much easier when you can clearly see your lash line.

Step 1 – Prep Your Natural Lashes

Magnetic lashes grip best when your natural lashes are clean and pointing in the right direction.

Clean your eyelids and lash line

Remove any oil, old mascara or eye cream from the lash line.
Oil can make magnets slip, so a quick cleanse helps a lot.

Curl your lashes (optional but recommended)

Gently curl your natural lashes to give them a little lift.
This helps the magnetic band sit snugly along your lash line.

Apply a light coat of mascara (optional)

One thin, even coat is enough.
Mascara gives the anchors a bit more grip and helps your natural lashes blend seamlessly with the magnetic band.
Avoid thick, clumpy mascara — it can make anchoring harder.

(If you want the full mascara compatibility guide, read Can you use mascara with magnetic lashes?.)

Step 2 – Gently Remove the Lashes From the Tray

Soft magnetic bands are thin and flexible. Treat them like delicate jewelry.

• Hold the lash tray close to your eyes so you can see the band.

• Use your fingers or applicator to grip the band, not the fibers, and gently lift from one end.

• If your kit includes small bottom anchors or a clip-style applicator, take those out and place them somewhere easy to reach (like the back of your hand or a clean tray).

• Avoid pulling on the lash hairs — that’s the fastest way to deform the shape.

Step 3 – Measure and Trim for Your Eye Shape

Most magnetic lash strips are slightly longer than you need, so measuring is important.

• Hold the top lash strip against your upper lash line without attaching anything yet.

• Line it up so that:

  • The inner end stops a few millimeters away from your inner corner (to avoid poking).

  • The outer end follows your natural lash line.

If the lash extends too far outside your eye:

• Mark where your natural lashes end.

• Carefully trim from the outer end only with small scissors.

After trimming, check where the magnets are:

• Make sure you don’t cut off too many magnets.

• Ideally keep 3–5 magnets evenly spaced on the band.

Repeat on the other lash so both eyes are balanced.

Step 4 – Pre-Curve the Band for a Better Fit

Soft magnetic bands hug your lash line best when they’re slightly curved.

• Wrap the lash strip gently around your finger or the applicator handle for a few seconds.

• Let it sit in a curved C-shape.

When you hold it up to your eye again, it should naturally follow your lash line instead of sticking out straight.

This tiny step dramatically reduces corner-lifting for beginners.

Step 5 – Position the Top Magnetic Lash

Now it’s time to place the top lash where you want it to sit.

• Hold the top lash strip in your applicator or between your fingers.

• Look slightly down into your mirror so your eyelid naturally stretches.

• Gently place the band as close to your natural lash line as possible, not on your eyelid skin.

Focus on positioning the center first:

• Get the middle magnets exactly where you want them.

• Don’t worry about the corners yet — we’ll adjust them next.

Use your free hand to slightly lift your lid if you need more visibility.

Step 6 – Attach the Bottom Anchors / Step 6 – Attach the Bottom Anchors / Clamp

Option A: Individual bottom anchors

• Keep the top lash resting lightly on your lash line.

• Take one small bottom anchor with your applicator or fingers.

• From underneath your natural lashes, bring the anchor up to meet the first magnet on the top band.

• You should feel a soft “click” as they connect around your natural lashes.

• Repeat for the remaining magnets, working from center → outer corner → inner corner.

Option B: Magnetic clamp applicator (UP/DOWN style)

• Place the top lash on the upper curve of the applicator.

• Place the bottom lash/anchors on the lower curve, magnets facing each other.

• Open the applicator, slide it around your natural lashes so the band sits where you want it, then gently close to clamp.

• Release carefully and check that your natural lashes are sitting between the magnets, not pinched.

Take your time on this step the first few tries. Once your hands remember the motion, it becomes a 10–15 second routine.

Step 7 – Adjust and Perfect the Fit

With the magnets connected, it’s time for small adjustments:

Check the inner corner

If it feels pokey or too close to your tear duct, gently slide the band a millimeter outward.

Check the outer corner

If it droops, you may have trimmed too long or placed it slightly downward.
Lift the outer corner slightly and let the magnet “re-grip” at a higher angle.

Blend with your natural lashes

You can lightly squeeze your natural lashes and the magnetic band together with your fingers or applicator for a seamless look.

Repeat the same process on the other eye.

Step 8 – How to Remove Magnetic Lashes Safely

Removal should feel gentle — never like peeling glue.

Do not pull straight off.
Instead, use your fingers to slide the magnets apart horizontally:

• Place your thumb and index finger on the top and bottom band near one magnet.

• Gently move them in opposite directions to break the magnetic connection.

• Once one magnet is released, the rest will come off much more easily.

Set the lashes down and use a clean cotton pad with oil-free remover to wipe your lash line if needed.

If you feel any tugging on your natural lashes, pause and slide the magnets apart more carefully.

Step 9 – Clean and Store for Long-Lasting Wear

Soft magnetic lashes can last dozens of wears with the right care.

Remove any mascara from the band

Use a cotton swab slightly dampened with oil-free makeup remover.
Gently wipe along the band and magnets — don’t soak them.

Avoid oil-based products on the magnets

Oil can weaken the magnetic coating over time.

Place lashes back in their tray

Match the left/right labels.
Keeping the original curve helps them sit better next time.

Store properly

Store the tray somewhere dry and away from direct heat or sunlight.

If you want the detailed guides: How to clean magnetic lashes + How to store magnetic lashes.

Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

1. “The band sits on my eyelid, not my lash line.”

Cause: You’re placing the band too high.
Fix: Look further down into the mirror. Place the band so the magnets are just above your natural lash roots, not on the skin.

2. “Corners keep lifting.”

Cause: The band is too straight or too long for your eye.
Fix: Pre-curve the band more before application. Trim the outer end to match your lash line length. Attach an anchor close to each corner for extra hold.

3. “They feel heavy or ‘in the way.’”

Cause: The band is placed too far forward or the style is too dramatic for you.
Fix: Slide the band closer to the lash line and slightly upward. Try a more natural style with a thinner band and shorter fibers to start.

4. “I keep pinching my eyelid with the applicator.”

Cause: Bringing the applicator too close to your skin.
Fix: Practice with the applicator empty first to learn the motion. When clamping, focus on catching the lashes, not the lash line skin.

FAQs: Putting On Magnetic Lashes

How do you apply magnetic lashes for the first time?
Start with clean, oil-free lids, place the top lash from the center, then attach the bottom anchors/clips underneath. Once the magnets “click,” adjust corners last.

How to apply magnetic eyelashes without eyeliner?
With no-liner systems, you don’t need magnetic eyeliner. The hold comes from the lash structure + magnet placement + proper clamping—just keep lids dry and avoid oily products near the lash line.

Is it hard to put on magnetic eyelashes?

Not once you know the motion. Most beginners need 3–5 tries to get comfortable. After that, putting on soft magnetic lashes usually takes under a minute per eye.

Why won’t my magnetic lashes stay on?

The #1 reason is oil on the lash line or the band sitting on the eyelid skin instead of the lash roots. Clean and dry your lids, pre-curve the band, and make sure the anchors connect under your natural lashes, not on top of them.
If needed, go straight to Why your magnetic lashes won’t stay on.

Can beginners put on magnetic lashes without eyeliner?

Yes. With no-liner systems like LashNova, you don’t need magnetic eyeliner at all. You can still wear regular eyeliner if you want — just let it dry fully and avoid oily formulas right where the magnets sit.

Beginner-Friendly Style Recommendations 

If you’re brand new to magnetic lashes, start with something lightweight and comfortable before going full glam.

Two beginner-friendly options we recommend:

• For everyday, soft-focus definition: LashNova LunarMuse

• For a slightly bolder, photo-ready look (without feeling heavy): LashNova Nebula Crown

Not sure which style to start with? Explore all magnetic lash styles →

For more tips on choosing styles, lash care and magnetic lash basics, explore our Lash Guides collection — we’ll keep adding new guides for different eye shapes and occasions.