Why Won't My Lashes Stick? Lash Application Help

Why Won't My Lashes Stick? Lash Application Help

If you’re wondering why your lashes won’t stick, don’t worry—we’ve got you. Here are the most common reasons your lashes might be acting up, and easy fixes to get them looking flawless ✨

We’ve all been there: you’re trying to get your lashes on just right, but they keep popping off, sliding around, or refusing to stick altogether. Nothing ruins a look faster than stubborn falsies!

Your Lids Are Too Oily

If your eyelids are oily (which is totally normal!), lash glue might have a hard time sticking.

How to Fix It:

Blot your eyelids with a cotton pad + micellar water, or dab on an oil-free primer before anything else. You can even lightly set your lids with translucent powder. We want matte, not slippery.

Bonus tip: Clean your natural lashes too! Makeup or skincare residue can totally mess with glue grip.

You Didn’t Let the Glue Get Tacky

Raise your hand if you slap on your lashes 2 seconds after applying glue… It’s okay, we’ve all been there, this is definitely one of the biggest reasons that lashes end up sliding around.

How to Fix It:

Wait around 30 seconds after applying the glue. It should feel tacky, not wet or runny. That’s the sweet spot where your lashes will actually stick and stay put. When applying lash glue to the band of a false lash, especially strip lashes, you may need to wait a little bit longer depending on how generous you are with the glue.

Personally, I love using our Daily Lash Glue and Bond & Seal because chances are, you won’t need to wait as long for the glue to get tacky. Both are fast drying, and typically won’t need a full 30 seconds to get tacky after application.

Use any time waiting for lash glue to dry to hype yourself up in the mirror, drink water, or rehearse your “lash check” selfie pose!!

You’re Using Too Little (or Too Much) Glue

Both can cause problems. Too little = weak hold. Too much = messy chaos and lifting ends.

How to Fix It:

Use a thin, even layer along the band—concentrating a bit more on the ends, which are most likely to lift. Our Ninetynine Dreams Lash Glue is beginner-friendly and dries down strong without getting crusty.

When using our Bond & Seal, make sure that you’re just tapping the glue at the base of your lashes, no need to brush all the way through and coat your lashes like mascara. A little goes a long way, and applying too much can make the lashes slip or clump.

If you’re applying glue onto the lash band and not your own natural lashes, try this trick: place a small amount of glue on a flat surface (such as the plastic case of your lashes), then dip the lash band into the glue, and gently tap off any excess before applying to your natural lashes.

You Didn’t Trim the Lashes

If your lash band is longer than your natural lash line, it’ll lift, poke, or feel uncomfortable. 

How to Fix It:

Always measure your strip lashes against your natural lash line before applying. Trim from the outer end (never the inner), and do it little by little until it fits your eye shape just right. A good fit = a good stick and way more comfort.

Not loving how lashes feel in your inner or outer corners? You can totally trim off a little extra on each side for a lighter, more wearable feel—especially if you’ve got sensitive eyes or a smaller eye shape.

And if you're working with individual lashes or lash clusters, you don’t need to go all the way to the inner and outer corners unless you want to. In fact, some people don’t have enough natural lashes in those areas to support clusters, so focusing on the middle to outer third of the lash line can give you a more lifted, natural look without the droop or discomfort.

You’re Not Pressing Them In

One of the most overlooked steps in lash application is pressing the lashes into place. Just laying them on top of your lash line and hoping for the best? That’s a recipe for lifting, sliding, or uneven wear—especially if you're trying to get all-day hold.

How to Fix It:

After placing your lash strip, gently press it into your natural lash line using your fingers or tweezers. Don’t just tap it once and move on—give it a few good presses along the entire band, especially at the corners. Then, softly pinch your natural lashes and falsies together to help them blend and lock in. Think of it like a lash sandwich—your real lashes help secure the falsies in place.

If you’re applying individual lashes or clusters, this step is even more important. Once they’re placed, press them upward and slightly back into your natural lashes while the glue is still drying. This gives the glue more surface area to grip onto (aka your real lashes), which makes them last longer and stay put even through blinking, heat, or long wear days.

Pressing them down also helps anchor the base of the cluster, which prevents it from lifting or drooping at the ends. Hold each one for a few seconds to let the glue fully bond before moving on to the next lash.

Your Tweezers Are Sticky

If you notice your tweezers feeling sticky or like they’re not gripping properly, it’s probably because of residue buildup from lash glue or natural oils. This stickiness can make it tricky to apply individual lashes, especially since you need to press the lashes together for a secure hold.

How to Fix It:

Make sure to regularly wipe down your tweezers with a makeup wipe or rubbing alcohol to remove any glue or oil buildup.

Pro tip: For an easy hack, dip your tweezers lightly into some loose powder before using them. The powder creates a barrier that prevents stickiness and helps the tweezers glide smoothly when picking up and pressing individual lashes together. This trick makes applying clusters or singles much easier and keeps your lash application flawless!

Skip the Trouble, Try Self-Adhesive Lashes

Don’t want to deal with messy glue or spend extra time waiting for your lashes to dry? Our self-adhesive lashes are here to make your beauty routine effortless and stress-free! These lashes come pre-coated with a gentle, flexible gel adhesive that allows them to stick on instantly—no glue, no mess, no fuss.

Applying them is super simple and perfect for anyone who’s short on time or just wants a quick lash boost without the hassle. All you need are tweezers to carefully peel the lashes off the tray and press them gently onto your natural lash line. The built-in adhesive does all the work for you, providing a strong yet comfortable hold that lasts all day long.

Because there’s no need to wait for glue to get tacky, you can achieve flawless lash application in seconds, whether you’re heading to work, a night out, or just want to elevate your everyday look. Plus, the gel adhesive is designed to be gentle on your skin and easy to remove at the end of the day, making these lashes a convenient and reliable option for daily wear.

Just peel, press, and go. 💖

Conclusion

Applying lashes might seem tricky at first, but honestly, it’s way more beginner-friendly than it seems! You don’t need to remember every single tip or trick the first time you try. Everyone finds their own rhythm and techniques that work best for them — it’s all part of the fun. Whether you’re using classic glue or our easy self-adhesive lashes, the most important things are a little prep, patience, and practice.

If your lashes don’t stick perfectly right away, don’t stress or give up! Just try some of these simple fixes, and soon you’ll be rocking gorgeous, flirty lashes like a pro. Remember, there’s no one “right” way — it’s all about what feels good for you. ✨

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