Lash Guides

Few things are more frustrating than spending time on your makeup…
only for your magnetic lashes to pop off, slide around or lift at the corners.

If that’s happening to you, you’re not alone — and it’s usually not just “bad lashes” or “you’re not good at makeup”. It’s almost always a mix of:

• A few tiny technique issues

• The wrong lash style for your eye shape

• Oil, sweat or leftover makeup on your lashes

• Lashes that need a quick clean or trim

The good news? Once you know what’s going wrong, magnetic lashes can feel reliable, comfortable and drama-free.

In this guide, we’ll walk through:

• The most common reasons magnetic lashes won’t stay on

• How to troubleshoot lash-to-lash (sandwich) and liner-based systems

• A simple step-by-step checklist to fix the problem

• When it might be time to switch to a different lash style or brand

If you’re completely new to magnetic lashes, you might also want to read:

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

• How to Apply Magnetic Lashes for Beginners

You’ll find more tutorials in the LashNova Lash Guides and our full magnetic lashes collection.

Before You Blame Yourself (or the Lashes)

A quick reality check:

• Magnetic lashes are small, precise tools. Tiny changes in placement or prep can make a big difference.

• Not every lash style works for every eye shape. A lash that stays on your friend all night might fight your lids all day.

• Some products are simply better designed, with lighter bands and stronger, more consistent magnets.

Brands like LashNova focus on ultra-thin, ultra-light lash-to-lash systems that grip your natural lashes gently without glue. If you’re struggling with older, bulky styles, switching to a lighter design like LunarMuse or Nebula Crown can make a huge difference.

Now let’s troubleshoot the most common problems one by one.

1. Problem: Magnetic Lashes Won’t Click or Grip Properly

This section covers lash-to-lash (sandwich) systems, like soft magnetic lashes that use a top and bottom band.

What It Looks Like

• The top and bottom bands won’t “find” each other

• One side clicks, the other pops apart

• The lash keeps slipping down your natural lashes

Likely Reasons

• Your natural lashes are coated in old mascara or oil

• You’re holding the bands too far apart when trying to connect them

• The magnets are slightly misaligned instead of stacked directly on top of each other

• You’re trying to attach too many magnets at once rather than starting from the center

How to Fix It

• Start with clean lashes – Remove old mascara and oil. A clean lash gives magnets something to grip.

• Attach from the center first – Place the top lash where you want it, then bring the bottom lash up to meet the center magnets first. After they click, adjust the inner and outer magnets.

• Work in sections – Gently pinch and press along the lash line so each magnet pair stacks correctly.

• Use a mirror slightly below your face – Looking down into a mirror helps you see your lash line clearly.

For a full beginner routine, follow How to Apply Magnetic Lashes for Beginners.

2. Problem: Inner or Outer Corners Keep Lifting

Corners popping up might be the #1 complaint with magnetic lashes.

What It Looks Like

• The center of the lash seems okay, but inner or outer corners lift

• Outer corner pokes your eye or drifts downward

• Inner corner won’t stay flush with your lash line

Likely Reasons

• The lash band is too long for your eye and needs trimming

• Your eye shape and lash shape don’t match (e.g. very round lash on a downturned eye)

• You’re not placing the lash close enough to your natural lash line

• There’s oil, tears or watery eyes collecting at the corners

How to Fix It

• Trim the band to fit – Never let the band hang far past your outer corner. Always trim from the outer end, not the inner corner.

• Match the shape to your eye – If you have hooded or downturned eyes, a softer, lighter style like LunarMuse will usually sit better than a dense, heavy strip.

• Place closer to the lash line – When the band sits on the lid instead of the lash line, corners lift easily. Aim for as close to your natural lashes as possible.

• Blot the corners – If your inner corner is watery, gently blot with a tissue before applying your lashes.

For more shape-based tips, check out How to Choose Magnetic Lashes for Different Eye Shapes (With Examples).

3. Problem: Lashes Feel Heavy and Slide Down

If your magnetic lashes feel like they’re slowly drooping throughout the day, you might be dealing with weight and balance issues.

What It Looks Like

• Lashes look fine at first, then gradually point downward

• You feel a heavy or tired sensation on your lids

• When you look straight ahead, the lashes shadow your eyes

Likely Reasons

• The lashes are too long and dense for your eye shape

• The magnetic band is thick and stiff, not flexible

• The weight is not evenly distributed along the lash line

How to Fix It

• Switch to a lighter style – Ultra-light designs like LunarMuse are made to feel “barely there” while still giving definition.

• Avoid overly dense “block” lashes – Look for wispy fibers and small clusters instead of a solid, heavy fringe.

• Check your placement – If the band sits too high on the lid, gravity will pull it down. Move closer to your natural lash line.

Sometimes the solution really is as simple as: you need a more modern, lighter lash, not the thick, old-school strip style.

4. Problem: Magnetic Eyeliner Lashes Won’t Stick

Even if you’re mainly using lash-to-lash systems, you might occasionally use magnetic liner + lash combinations, so let’s quickly troubleshoot those too.

What It Looks Like

• Lashes won’t stick to the liner at all

• Only some magnets grab, others float or pop off

• Liner peels off in a strip when you try to adjust the lash

Likely Reasons

• The liner is still wet when you apply the lash

• You didn’t apply enough product or the line is too thin

• There’s oil, skincare or eyeshadow underneath the liner

• The liner formula or lash magnets are old or low quality

How to Fix It

• Apply to clean, dry skin – Avoid heavy cream or oily base on the upper lash line.

• Use two thin coats – Let each coat dry fully until it’s tacky-but-dry before applying lashes.

• Press magnets directly onto the liner – Don’t hover above it. Gently pinch along the line to help them stick.

• Replace old liner – If the formula is separating, clumpy or smells off, it’s time for a new one.

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

5. Problem: Oil, Sweat or Makeup Breaking the Hold

Even the best magnetic system can struggle if it’s fighting oil and moisture all day.

What It Looks Like

• Lashes slowly slide along your natural lashes

• Magnets keep losing grip after a few hours

• Your lash line feels slick or slippery

Likely Reasons

• Oily eyelids or rich eye creams applied too close to the lash line

• Sweat or humidity breaking down your base

• Mascara or makeup buildup on your natural lashes or on the lash band

How to Fix It

• Prep with a gentle cleanse – Clean your lids and natural lashes before application.

• Avoid heavy creams near the lash line – Keep rich skincare slightly lower or use lighter formulas.

• Skip thick mascara under your magnetic lashes – If you wear mascara, keep it light and avoid waterproof formulas that are hard to remove.

• Regularly clean your magnetic lashes – Follow How to Clean Magnetic Lashes and Make Them Last 100+ Uses to remove oil and makeup residue from the bands.

Clean lashes + clean lash line = more grip, less slipping.

6. Problem: Your Eye Shape and Lash Shape Don’t Match

Sometimes the lash simply isn’t designed for your eye shape — and it will fight you no matter what you do.

What It Looks Like

• The lash never sits quite right, no matter how you adjust

• It either overwhelms your eyes or looks oddly flat

• Corners always seem wrong: too droopy, too round, or too far out

Likely Reasons

• You’re using a very round lash on a downturned or almond eye

• You’re using an overly long, dense lash on hooded or small eyes

• You’re using a heavy, outer-only cat-eye on very wide-set eyes

How to Fix It

• Choose shapes that support your natural eye instead of fighting it.

• For many eye shapes, a soft, balanced style like LunarMuse is the safest starting point.

• Use lifted, structured styles like Nebula Crown when you want more drama and shape correction.

For a deep dive by eye type, bookmark How to Choose Magnetic Lashes for Different Eye Shapes (With Examples).

7. Problem: Old, Dirty or Damaged Lashes

Magnetic lashes are reusable, but they’re not indestructible.

What It Looks Like

• Magnets feel weaker or misaligned

• Fibers are bent, twisted or falling out

• The band doesn’t sit straight anymore

Likely Reasons

• You’ve pulled or tugged too hard when removing them

• Lashes haven’t been cleaned, and product buildup is affecting the magnets

• They’ve simply reached the end of their realistic lifespan

How to Fix It

• Clean your lashes regularly following How to Clean Magnetic Lashes and Make Them Last 100+ Uses.

• Store them properly in a protective case as shown in How to Store Magnetic Lashes So They Don’t Lose Shape.

• Be gentle when removing – slide magnets apart instead of pulling.

• When a pair is clearly warped, shedding or won’t hold shape even after cleaning, it’s time to replace it.

Step-by-Step Fix Checklist (Use This Every Time)

Next time your magnetic lashes won’t stay on, run through this quick checklist:

Step 1 – Clean Your Canvas

• Remove old eye makeup and oil from your lids and natural lashes.

• Skip heavy creams right on the lash line.

Step 2 – Check & Clean the Lashes

• Inspect the band and magnets for old makeup or buildup.

• Gently clean the band using the method from our cleaning guide.

Step 3 – Trim for Your Eye Width

• Measure the lash against your eye.

• Trim from the outer corner so the band fits comfortably without hanging over.

Step 4 – Match the Shape

• Choose lighter, more balanced styles (like LunarMuse) for everyday and tricky eye shapes (hooded, small, glasses wearers).

• Use more lifted, structured styles (like Nebula Crown) for nights out and extra definition.

Step 5 – Apply in the Right Order

For lash-to-lash systems:

1. Look slightly down into a mirror.

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

3. Bring the bottom lash up to connect at the center magnets first.

4. Then secure inner and outer magnets.

For liner systems:

1. Apply two thin coats of magnetic liner to a clean lash line.

2. Let each coat dry fully.

3. Press magnets directly onto the liner and pinch gently along the band.

Step 6 – Check Corners & Comfort

• Make sure inner and outer corners sit flush with your lash line.

• If something feels pokey or loose, remove and reapply instead of fighting it all day.

When It’s Time to Switch to a Different Lash System

If you’ve tried all the fixes above and your lashes still won’t stay:

• Your current lashes may be too heavy, too stiff or poorly designed.

• You may find a soft magnetic lash-to-lash system much easier than thick liner-based or glue-on styles.

LashNova’s soft magnetic designs are built to:

• Use ultra-thin magnets and featherlight bands

• Grip your natural lashes without glue or sticky residue

• Stay comfortable through everyday wear

If you’re ready for lashes that work with you instead of against you, start with:

• LunarMuse – your everyday, soft-glam, easy-to-wear lash

• Nebula Crown – your night-out, lifted glam lash

• GlitzBabe – your special-occasion, extra-drama lash when you want maximum impact

You can explore all styles in our magnetic eyelashes collection ↗.

Final Thoughts – Your Magnetic Lashes Can Stay On

If your magnetic lashes won’t stay on, it doesn’t mean:

• Your eyes are the problem

• You’re “bad at lashes”

• Magnetic lashes just don’t work

It almost always means you’re one or two small adjustments away from reliable, comfortable wear.

To recap:

• Prep clean lids and lashes

• Clean and trim your magnetic lashes

• Match the lash style to your eye shape and lifestyle

• Apply in the right order and check your corners

• Upgrade to lighter, better-designed lashes if your current ones keep fighting you

Once everything clicks into place, your magnetic lashes will finally do what they’re supposed to: stay put and make you feel amazing, without constant mirror checks or lash emergencies.