First time? Don't stress. Almost everyone feels a little awkward the first time they apply DIY lashes. The good news? Most people are surprised by how quickly it clicks, and by the second or third application, it becomes part of their routine.

What You'll Need

• FlutterHabit lash segments (your chosen style: The Sweetheart®, The Flirt, The Bestie, etc. — not sure which one fits your eye shape? Our eye shape guide can help you pick)
• Made for This® Adhesive (comes in clear and black)
• FlutterHabit lash applicator tool or fine-tip tweezers
• Lash Off™ Removal Spray or an oil-based balm (for removal)
• A well-lit mirror (a magnifying mirror makes a real difference!)

Prep Your Natural Lashes

Clean, oil-free lashes are the foundation of a lasting application. Any oil, mascara residue, or skincare product on the lash line will compromise the adhesive bond and shorten wear time significantly.

Cleanse your face and eye area thoroughly before starting. If you're applying lashes as part of a makeup routine, do lashes before eyeshadow and liner, not after. Allow your lashes to dry completely.

Do not apply mascara before applying segments. Mascara creates a barrier that prevents proper adhesion.

Application in 2 Easy Steps

STEP 1 • APPLY ADHESIVE

Apply a small, rounded bead of Made for This® Adhesive to the top side of the lash cluster's bottom edge. Wait 20–30 seconds until tacky.

Tip: Tacky adhesive looks matte, not shiny, and feels slightly sticky (not wet) to a light touch. If it still looks wet and glossy, give it another 10–15 seconds.

STEP 2 • APPLY TO LASH LINE

Using your applicator, apply your segments to the underside of your natural lashes, avoiding your waterline. Repeat for remaining segments.

Start at the outer corner of your eye and work inward. The number of segments per eye varies by style and how full you want the look — most applications use between four and six per eye.

PRO TIP • CLAMP TO SECURE

Once all segments are applied, gently clamp your natural lashes and segments together using your applicator to fully secure your set and achieve a seamless blend. Hold for a few seconds to let the bond begin setting.

Repeat on the other eye.

Need a little extra help? Our team offers application support because we're committed to helping every customer feel confident applying their lashes.

Application Tips for Beginners

• Work in good lighting with a magnifying mirror. Placement accuracy improves dramatically.
• Don't overload the adhesive. A thin, even bead works better than a heavy coat.
• If a segment shifts while you're placing it, gently reposition it before the bond fully sets.
• Start with fewer segments for a natural look, then add more as you get comfortable.
• Be patient with the tackiness step. It feels slow at first, and saves you every time.

How to Make Your Lashes Last Longer

• Avoid oil-based cleansers and eye makeup removers while wearing lashes (oil breaks down the bond).
• Don't rub or touch your eyes throughout the day.
• Sleep on your back or use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction overnight.
• Avoid steam rooms and heavy direct water pressure in the first hour or two after application while the bond fully sets.

Want the full breakdown of what affects wear time? Check out our wear time guide.

How to Remove FlutterHabit Lashes

Apply FlutterHabit's Lash Off™ Removal Spray or balm to the lash line. Hold for 20–30 seconds to let it break down the bond, then gently slide segments downward and off the natural lash. Never pull or tug.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to apply FlutterHabit lashes?
Most people complete a full application in 20 minutes or less once they're comfortable with the process. Your first application may take a bit longer as you learn the placement and adhesive timing.

Why are my lash segments falling off?
The most common causes are that the bond wasn't tacky enough before placement, too much adhesive creating a slippery surface, oil on the lashes during prep, or skipping the final clamp step. Walk through each of these before assuming it's a product issue. (For a deeper breakdown, see our full guide on why lashes fall off.)

Can I wear mascara with FlutterHabit lashes?
You don't need to. Applying mascara to your segments makes them harder to clean and reuse. If you do use mascara, choose a water-based formula and apply it only to your natural lashes at the base, away from the segments.

How many segments do I need per eye?
Most looks use four to six segments per eye. A natural everyday look typically uses four; a fuller, more dramatic look may use six to eight.

Can I reuse FlutterHabit lash segments?
FlutterHabit lash segments are designed for a single application. While some customers do choose to reuse segments, we don't advise it — reapplying can affect how the segments sit and how well they bond.

What if my segments don't look seamless?
The clamp step is usually the fix. Gently press and hold your natural lashes against the segments for a few seconds after placement to blend them for a more natural finish.