Wearing false lashes for the very first time can feel intimidating — so who better to learn alongside than a complete beginner? In this warm, patient tutorial, Nikol Johnson teaches her 70-year-old mom how to apply false lashes step by step, making it approachable for anyone trying falsies for the first time at any age.
Key Takeaways
- Anyone can learn false lashes — age is no barrier, and beginners get the hang of it fast.
- Choose a natural, lightweight style for a first pair — less intimidating and more flattering.
- Trim, tacky glue, and a tool are the beginner's three keys to a clean application.
- Practice makes it easy — the first time is the hardest, and it gets quick after that.
What should a beginner start with?
A natural, lightweight lash. For a first-ever pair, a wispy, not-too-dramatic style is easier to place and far more flattering — it enhances rather than overwhelms, which builds confidence. Starting gentle is the same principle behind Nikol's guide to false lashes for mature eyes: the right style makes everything easier.
What are the beginner-friendly steps?
Three keys make it approachable. First, measure the strip against your lash line and trim the excess so it fits and doesn't poke. Second, apply glue and wait until it's tacky — the single biggest first-timer fix, since wet glue slides everywhere. Third, use tweezers or an applicator rather than fingers for control, setting the band right against your natural lashes. Patient, unhurried, one step at a time.
Why teach an older beginner?
Because it proves the point that beauty has no age limit and it's never too late to try something new. Watching a 70-year-old confidently master falsies is quietly encouraging for any hesitant beginner — the warm, generational heart of the redefine-your-beauty message. To recreate the full look from this session, see the mother-daughter makeup tutorial.
This episode features Nikol's mother as the model, and some third-party lashes are linked in the video description on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you put on false lashes for the first time?
Start with a natural lightweight pair, trim to fit your lash line, apply glue and wait until tacky, then place with tweezers right against your natural lashes. Go slowly — the first time is the hardest.
Can older women wear false lashes?
Absolutely — at any age. A natural, lightweight style flatters mature eyes and is easy to learn. It's never too late to try false lashes for the first time.
What false lashes are best for beginners?
Natural, wispy, lightweight styles with a flexible band. They're easier to place, more comfortable, and more flattering than heavy dramatic lashes for a first pair.
Why won't my false lashes stick?
Usually the glue is applied too wet — wait until it turns tacky before placing. A too-long strip that doesn't fit your lash line will also lift at the corners.
