Lash Guides

Learning how to apply magnetic lashes can feel intimidating the first time — especially if you have only used glue-on lashes before.

The good news: LashNova magnetic lashes do not require traditional lash glue or magnetic eyeliner. Instead, you use the included applicator to align the lashes, place them close to your natural lash line, and gently clamp to lock them in seconds.

This beginner-friendly guide shows you how to put on magnetic eyelashes step by step, including how to prep your lashes, use the UP/DOWN applicator alignment, avoid corner lift, remove your lashes safely, and store them for reuse.

LashNova lashes are designed with a 0.17mm soft magnetic band and an approx. 0.03g weight feel, so they feel flexible, lightweight, and easier to control for first-time users.

New to magnetic lashes? Start with our Magnetic Lashes 101 guide, then come back here for the hands-on tutorial.

Ready to try the routine? Shop no-glue magnetic lashes.

Quick Answer: How Do You Apply Magnetic Lashes?

To apply LashNova magnetic lashes, place the lash set onto the included applicator following the UP/DOWN alignment marks, position the applicator close to your natural lash line, then gently clamp to lock the lashes in place.

You do not need traditional lash glue or magnetic eyeliner. The key is to keep the applicator close to the lash line, align the lash correctly, and release slowly after the magnets connect.

How to Put On Magnetic Eyelashes: Quick Step-by-Step

Here is the easiest way to apply LashNova magnetic lashes with the included applicator:

1. Start with clean, dry lashes and oil-free lids.
2. Place the magnetic lash set onto the applicator following the UP/DOWN alignment marks.
3. Look slightly down into a mirror so you can see your natural lash line clearly.
4. Position the applicator close to the base of your natural lashes.
5. Gently clamp the applicator so the magnetic lashes connect and lock in place.
6. Release slowly, then check the inner and outer corners.
7. Adjust the angle if needed for a closer, more comfortable fit.

Once you understand the motion, the routine becomes much faster and easier. The goal is not to press hard — it is to align the lash correctly, get close to the lash line, and let the magnets connect.

If your lashes lift at the corners, read our guide on why magnetic lashes won’t stay on.

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 LashNova magnetic lash set

Choose a soft magnetic lash style that fits your eye shape and routine. For beginners, a lightweight everyday style is usually easier to control than a very dramatic lash.

The included magnetic lash applicator

LashNova lashes are designed to be applied with the included applicator. Use the UP/DOWN alignment marks to place the lash correctly before clamping.

A mirror you can tilt slightly upward

A table mirror or standing mirror works best. Look slightly down into the mirror so you can see your lash line clearly.

Optional:

• eyelash curler
• a light coat of regular mascara
• oil-free makeup remover for cleanup

Set everything up in good lighting. Your first few tries are easier when you can clearly see your natural 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 can help your natural lashes blend more seamlessly with the magnetic band.
Avoid thick, clumpy mascara — it can make alignment harder and may affect how close the lash sits to your lash line.

(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.
• Gently lift from one end and keep the lash shape curved.
• Avoid pulling on the lash hairs, because that can deform the style.

Step 3 – Measure and Trim for Your Eye Shape

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

• Hold the magnetic lash band against your upper lash line without clamping it 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 magnetic lash band 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 Magnetic Lash Band

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

• Place the magnetic lash band onto the applicator following the UP/DOWN alignment marks.
• Look slightly down into your mirror so your eyelid naturally relaxes.
• Position the applicator so the lash sits as close to your natural lash line as possible, not on your eyelid skin.
• Focus on the center first, then check the inner and outer corners.
• Use your free hand to slightly lift your lid if you need more visibility.

The goal is to get close to the lash line before clamping. A closer position usually looks more natural and helps reduce corner lift.

Step 6 – Use the Applicator to Clamp and Lock

Now use the applicator to lock the magnetic lashes in place.

1. Place the lash set onto the applicator following the UP/DOWN alignment marks.
2. Open the applicator and bring it close to your natural lash line.
3. Keep your eye relaxed and look slightly downward into the mirror.
4. Gently close the applicator so the magnetic lashes connect and lock.
5. Hold for a moment, then release slowly.
6. Check the inner and outer corners before moving to the other eye.

You should feel the lashes connect without needing glue or magnetic eyeliner. If the lash sits too far from your lash line, open the applicator and try again with a closer angle.

Do not press hard or pinch the skin. The applicator should help the lashes align and lock — not squeeze your eyelid.

How to Get Magnetic Lashes Close to the Lash Line

Getting magnetic lashes close to the lash line makes them look more natural and helps reduce corner lift.

Try these tips:

• Look slightly downward into a mirror.
• Keep your eyelid relaxed instead of stretching it too much.
• Bring the applicator close to the base of your natural lashes before clamping.
• Start near the center of your lash line, then check the inner and outer corners.
• Release the applicator slowly so the lash stays aligned.

If the lash sits too far above your natural lash line, remove it and try again. A closer angle usually looks better and feels more secure.

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 near one magnetic connection, then gently slide the connected pieces apart horizontally.

• 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. Make sure the applicator is close enough to your lash line before clamping, and check that the inner and outer corners are aligned before you release.

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 close to the lash line — not the eyelid skin.

FAQs: Putting On Magnetic Lashes

How do you apply magnetic lashes for the first time?

Start with clean, oil-free lids. Place the lash set onto the included applicator following the UP/DOWN alignment marks, position it close to your natural lash line, then gently clamp to lock the lashes in place. Release slowly and adjust the corners if needed.

How do you apply magnetic eyelashes without eyeliner?

With LashNova no-liner magnetic lashes, you do not need magnetic eyeliner. The hold comes from the lash design, applicator alignment, and correct placement close to your lash line.

Is it hard to put on magnetic eyelashes?

Not once you understand the motion. Most beginners need a few practice tries to get comfortable. After that, putting on soft magnetic lashes usually becomes much faster because there is no glue or magnetic eyeliner step.

Can beginners put on magnetic lashes without eyeliner?

Yes. Beginners can apply LashNova magnetic lashes without eyeliner by using the included applicator. Start with a lightweight style, keep your lids clean and dry, and practice the clamp-to-lock motion a few times.

Can you apply magnetic lashes without an applicator?

LashNova magnetic lashes are designed to be applied with the included applicator for easier alignment. Using the applicator helps place the lashes closer to your natural lash line and makes the clamp-to-lock motion more beginner-friendly.

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.