Quick answer: Apply magnetic lashes backwards — place the longer section toward the inner corner of your eye and the shorter section at the outer edge, set them slightly above your natural lash line so the magnets pull them down into position, then snap the bottom piece up from underneath to sandwich your own lashes between the two magnetic halves. No glue is involved at any point.
Key takeaways
- Apply them backwards for an easier fit. Place the longer section of the lash toward the inner corner instead of the outer corner. On many eye shapes this aligns far more naturally and makes the magnets connect on the first try.
- Start slightly above the lash line. The magnets pull the lash downward once connected, so setting the top piece a touch high lets it settle into the right position instead of drooping below the line.
- Curl and mascara your natural lashes first. Coated, lifted natural lashes give the magnetic pieces something to grip and blend into, so the false lash disappears into the real one.
- No glue means no latex risk. Magnetic lashes are held entirely by small magnets — no adhesive touches the skin, which makes them comfortable for sensitive eyes and latex allergies.
- Choose the style by how much lash you want. Ardell's magnetic range runs from a full, dense Double Whispies to a short, partial Accent piece, so there is a version for natural daytime and a version for evening drama.
- Removal is instant and non-damaging. Roll or push the two pieces apart with your fingers — the magnets separate cleanly, leaving the lashes intact for reuse and no residue on the eye.
What are magnetic lashes and how do they work?
Magnetic lashes are false lashes that use tiny magnets instead of adhesive to stay in place. Each pair comes as two separate pieces — a top half and a bottom half — designed to sandwich your own natural lashes in between. The magnets on each piece attract each other and snap together through your lashes, holding the pair firmly along the lash line without any glue, tape, or liner involved.
The concept is simple, but the execution frustrates most people on the first few tries. The two pieces need to line up, the magnets need to connect cleanly, and the placement needs to sit at the right height. That is where Nikol's backwards trick changes the experience entirely.
What is the backwards placement trick?
The trick is to apply magnetic lashes in the opposite direction from what you would expect. Instead of running the lash from short to long like a winged liner — with the longest fibers at the outer corner — Nikol places the longer section toward the inner corner and the shorter section at the outer edge.
She discovered this by accident. After struggling with the standard direction like everyone else, she noticed the lashes aligned beautifully on her eye shape when reversed. The reason it works is that most magnetic lash strips are cut with the assumption of an outer-corner wing, but many eye shapes — especially mature or hooded eyes — get a more natural, lifted placement when the longer fibers frame the center and inner eye instead of pulling weight to the outside.
If the reversed lash feels slightly too long at the inner corner, trim it on an angle to create a soft, fringed edge that tapers naturally.
How do you apply magnetic lashes step by step?
- Curl your natural lashes and apply mascara. Lift the lashes with a curler — a heated eyelash curler gives a lasting bend — then apply a coat of mascara so the magnetic pieces have texture to grip.
- Pick up the top lash piece with angled tweezers. Hold it by the very tip of the band, not by the lash fibers. Angled tweezers give better control than your fingers for placing the piece precisely.
- Orient the lash backwards. Turn the piece so the longer section faces the inner corner of your eye and the shorter section faces the outer corner.
- Anchor the inner starting point. Position the longer section close to where your natural lashes begin near the nose, so the look stays natural rather than floating in the middle of the lid.
- Set the lash slightly above your natural lash line. The magnets will pull the piece downward once they connect, so starting a touch high prevents the finished lash from sitting too low and looking droopy.
- Bring the bottom piece up from underneath. Holding the bottom half with tweezers or your fingers, push it upward beneath your natural lashes until you feel the magnets snap together through your lashes.
- Adjust the pair onto the lash line. Gently press and slide the connected pair until it sits snugly against the base of your lashes. The sandwich should feel secure with no gaps.
- Trim if needed and repeat on the other eye. If the inner edge overhangs, trim at an angle. Mirror the same backwards orientation on the second eye.
Which magnetic lash style should you choose?
Nikol demonstrates four styles from the Ardell magnetic collection, each suited to a different occasion and comfort level:
| Style | Look | Density | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Whispies | Full, glamorous | High — longer fibers, more volume | Evening, events, a statement eye | Does not wing out much; the drama comes from fullness across the whole lash line |
| Double 10s | Natural-to-medium | Moderate — two layers but not heavy | Everyday polish, filming, photos | The pair Nikol wore during the tutorial; the double layer creates a slightly darker lash line |
| Double Demi | Winged, elongated | Moderate — fans out at the outer edge | Studio work, bridal, a lifted cat-eye effect | Nikol's go-to for professional work; now available in magnetic form |
| Accent 001 | Partial, subtle | Low — covers only part of the lash line | First-timers, lighter definition, easier placement | Shorter and denser; a good starting point if a full magnetic lash feels intimidating |
The Demi Whispies — Nikol's studio favorite — are the style she reaches for most often for brides, clients, and red-carpet looks. All four styles use the same magnetic sandwich mechanism, so the application technique is identical regardless of which you choose.
How do magnetic lashes compare to other false lash options?
| Lash type | Attachment | Skill level | Wear time | Reusable | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnetic lashes | Magnets — no glue | Moderate — placement takes practice | One event or evening | Yes — clean and store | Glue-free convenience, sensitive eyes, latex allergy |
| Strip lashes (glue) | Lash adhesive along the band | Moderate — glue drying time matters | One event or evening | Yes — with careful removal | Widest style selection, familiar technique |
| Press-on clusters | Pre-glued clusters underneath natural lashes | Easy-moderate — eye stays open | Up to 24 hours | No — single use | Lifted, natural look on mature and hooded eyes |
| Professional extensions | Semi-permanent adhesive per lash | Done by a technician | 2–4 weeks with fills | No — shed naturally | Maintenance-free fullness, no daily application |
How do you remove magnetic lashes without damaging them?
Removal is one of the biggest advantages of magnetic lashes over every glue-based option. Because the two pieces are held together only by magnets, you simply roll them between your fingertips or gently push the halves apart — no peeling, no adhesive remover, no tugging at the lash line. The lashes come apart cleanly and can be stored and reused multiple times.
After removal, wipe the magnet strips with an alcohol pad to remove any mascara or oil buildup. Store each pair with the two halves together so the magnets stay aligned and the lash fibers keep their shape. Avoid bending the band, which can misalign the magnets and make the next application harder.
Are magnetic lashes safe for sensitive eyes?
For most people, yes — and they are often more comfortable than glue-based alternatives. No adhesive touches the skin, so there is no risk of a latex or cyanoacrylate reaction, no stinging from fumes while glue dries, and no residue to scrub off at the end of the night. Nikol specifically notes there is no burning or stinging during wear.
The magnets themselves sit along the lash band, not directly on the eye, and they are small enough that you do not feel their weight once the lashes are in place. If you wear contacts, the lashes sit far enough from the lens that they should not interfere, but remove the lashes before taking contacts out so you are not pressing near the eye with a magnetic strip attached.
As with any product near the eye, stop wearing them if you notice redness, irritation, or discomfort, and check the product packaging for any materials you know you react to.
What are the most common mistakes with magnetic lashes?
- Placing the lash too low on the lash line. The magnets pull the lash downward when the two pieces connect. If you start at or below the natural lash line, the finished lash sits too low and looks droopy. Set the top piece slightly above the line and let the magnets do the settling.
- Applying them in the standard direction on every eye shape. The default long-to-short orientation assumes an outer-corner wing, but many eyes — especially hooded or downturned shapes — get a more natural fit with the lash reversed. Try the backwards direction before deciding magnetic lashes do not work for you.
- Skipping mascara on natural lashes. The magnetic pieces grip better when your own lashes have texture from a coat of mascara. Bare, smooth lashes let the sandwich slip and shift throughout the day.
- Using the wrong tweezers. Needle-nose or pointed tweezers bring a sharp tip too close to the eye and are harder to control. Angled tweezers follow the curve of the lash line and give a stable grip on the band.
- Forcing the magnets to connect. If the top and bottom pieces are not aligned, pressing harder does not fix it — it just pushes the lash out of position. Lift the bottom piece away, realign, and let the magnets find each other naturally.
- Not trimming when the lash overhangs. A magnetic lash that extends past the corner of your eye pokes, lifts at the edge, and looks obviously false. Trim the excess at an angle for a fringed, tapered edge that disappears into the natural lash line.
How long do magnetic lashes last and how do you maintain them?
A single pair of quality magnetic lashes can be reused many times if you take care of them. After each wear, clean the magnet strips with an alcohol wipe to remove mascara, oil, and skin cells. Store the lashes flat with the two halves snapped together so the magnets stay aligned and the fibers do not get crushed.
Replace the pair when the magnets weaken noticeably, the band warps, or the fibers start to look sparse and tired. Most people get several weeks of occasional use from one pair — significantly more wears than a glue-on strip lash, which tends to lose its shape after two or three applications once adhesive residue builds up on the band.
The bottom line
Magnetic lashes remove every frustration of traditional glue-based false lashes — no adhesive, no drying time, no latex risk, and instant removal. The backwards placement trick is the technique that makes them easy instead of maddening: longer section toward the inner corner, set slightly above the lash line, and let the magnets do the work. Start with an Accent or Double 10 style to build confidence, then move up to a Demi or Whispies when placement feels natural. Pair them with a curled, mascara-coated natural lash for the most seamless blend, and browse the lashes and eyes collections for everything else the look needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the backwards trick for magnetic lashes?
Place the longer section of the magnetic lash toward the inner corner of your eye and the shorter section at the outer edge — the reverse of what most people assume. On many eye shapes, especially hooded or mature eyes, this orientation aligns more naturally and makes the two magnetic pieces easier to connect.
Do magnetic lashes need any glue at all?
No. Magnetic lashes use small magnets embedded in the lash band. A top piece and a bottom piece sandwich your natural lashes between them and snap together, so there is no adhesive to apply, dry, or remove. This makes them a good option for anyone who dislikes lash glue or has a latex sensitivity.
Are magnetic lashes safe for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers?
For most people, yes. No adhesive touches the skin, so there is no risk of a glue reaction, and the magnets sit along the lash band rather than on the eye itself. Contact lens wearers should remove the magnetic lashes before taking out lenses so there is no pressure near the eye with a magnetized strip still attached.
Why do my magnetic lashes look droopy after I apply them?
You are probably placing the top piece too low. The magnets pull the lash downward when the two halves connect, so if you start at or below your natural lash line the finished lash settles too far down. Position the top piece slightly above the lash line and let the magnets draw it into place for a lifted fit.
How do I remove magnetic lashes without pulling out my own?
Roll the two pieces between your fingertips or gently push them apart — the magnets release cleanly without any tugging on your natural lashes. Never peel a magnetic lash off the way you would a glue strip. After removal, wipe the magnet strips with an alcohol pad to keep them clean for the next use.
Can I trim magnetic lashes to fit my eye shape?
Yes. If the lash overhangs at the inner or outer corner, trim it at an angle rather than straight across — the angled cut creates a soft, fringed edge that blends into your natural lashes instead of ending in an obvious blunt line.
How many times can you reuse magnetic lashes?
A quality pair can be reused many times — significantly more than a glue-on strip lash, which tends to warp after a few wears once adhesive builds up on the band. Clean the magnets with an alcohol wipe after each use and store the pair flat with the halves snapped together. Replace them when the magnets weaken or the fibers look sparse.
Do I need to curl my natural lashes before applying magnetic lashes?
Yes. Curling and applying a coat of mascara to your natural lashes before the magnetic pair goes on gives the magnets something textured to grip, helps the false lash blend into the real one, and lifts the eye so the overall look reads as open and natural rather than heavy.
What is the difference between magnetic lashes and press-on lash clusters?
Magnetic lashes are two-piece strips held together by magnets with no adhesive at all. Press-on clusters are small, pre-glued individual pieces applied underneath the natural lash line. Magnetic lashes offer completely glue-free wear and easy removal; press-on clusters offer a more natural, buildable fringe and work well on hooded or mature eyes where a full strip can feel heavy.
