Eyeshadow or Lashes First? The Order That Actually Matters
Eyeshadow first, then liner, then lashes. Always. Powder landing on a lash you have already placed leaves it dusty, and powder landing on tacky liner destroys the grip. The order is the whole answer.
Why does eyeshadow have to go first?
Two reasons, and the second is the one people miss.
The obvious one is fallout. Eyeshadow, especially anything bold or pigmented, sheds while you apply it. Land that on lashes already in place and you get dusty, dull looking fibres you then have to clean.
The less obvious one is grip. Magnetic liner holds because it is tacky when the lash meets it. Powder settling onto that tacky surface puts a dry layer between the liner and the magnets, and the band lifts by the middle of the day. It is one of the most common causes of a lash that will not stay put.
The Youthphoria order
Eyeshadow, then liner, then lashes. Finish all your powder work before the liner goes anywhere near your lid, and do not go back in with powder afterwards.
How do you place the lash?
- Check the fit first. If the band is wider than your lash line it needs trimming, taking one magnet off the outer end and one from the inner end so the spacing stays even. Better still, choose a width that suits your eye and skip trimming altogether.
- Curl the band around your finger for about 10 seconds. This moulds it to the curve of your eye so it sits flush instead of bridging.
- Apply liner and wait until it is tacky, roughly 70% dry, not wet and not fully set.
- Secure one corner first. Press and hold the first two magnets down for a few seconds until that end does not move.
- Lay the rest of the band along the liner and press firmly all the way along so it sits flush against the lid.
- Test it. Tug gently. Your eyelid should move and the lash should not.
Try not to reposition once it is down. If you have to, add another coat of liner rather than pressing the lash onto a surface that has already lost its tack.
What about mascara?
On your natural lashes, before the falsies, a light coat helps them blend with the band and gives you a guide for placement. Never on the magnetic lashes themselves: it clumps the fibres and shortens the life of the lash.
Frequently asked questions
Do you put eyeshadow on before or after false lashes?
Before, always. Eyeshadow fallout dulls lashes that are already in place, and powder settling on tacky magnetic liner puts a dry layer between the liner and the magnets, which makes the band lift during the day. The order is eyeshadow, then liner, then lashes.
Does eyeshadow stop magnetic lashes sticking?
Yes, if it lands on the liner. Magnetic liner grips because it is tacky when the lash meets it, and powder on that surface breaks the contact. Finish all powder work before applying liner, and do not touch up with powder afterwards.
How do you know when the liner is ready for the lash?
When it is tacky rather than wet, roughly 70% dry. Too wet and the lash slides, fully dry and there is nothing for the magnets to hold onto.
Should you trim magnetic lashes to fit?
Only if the band is wider than your lash line, and take one magnet from each end rather than two from one side so the spacing stays even. Choosing a band that already fits your eye width is better, and Youthphoria's accent styles at 26mm suit smaller eyes without any trimming.
Why do my magnetic lashes lift during the day?
Usually powder on the liner, an oily lid, or a lid that was not clean and dry. Magnetic liner will not grip through moisturiser, eye cream, primer or eyeshadow fallout. Start bare and dry, and put all powder on before the liner.
