Common Mistakes in DIY Eyelash Extensions—and How to Avoid Them
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If you’ve ever wanted salon-quality lashes without scheduling an appointment or searching “eyelashes near me,” you’re not alone. DIY eyelash extensions let you create gorgeous natural eyelash extensions or dramatic volume in the comfort of your own home. With the right eyelash extension supplies—like a solid LeCil DIY Lash Kit—and a little patience, you can enjoy professional results that turn heads.
That said, diving into diy lash extensions can feel intimidating. Mistakes happen, and the learning curve can be a little steep at the beginning. In this blog, we’ll cover how to apply diy eyelash extensions, common pitfalls, share easy tips to avoid them, and show you how to elevate your at home lashes experience—no salon needed!
Also, don't forget, while you’re learning, don’t worry if you need multiple attempts. You can always wash and reuse your lash clusters with LeCil Renew Lash Cleansing Solution before trying again.
1. Choosing the Right DIY Eyelash Extensions Kit
Your journey begins with the right tools. A well-rounded kit sets you up for success, whether you’re a first-timer or have tried lash extensions before.
- High quality applicators: The shape makes a huge difference.
- Quality Adhesive: Invest in a reputable bonding agent, with no cyanoacrylate or latex. Such as the LeCil Bond & Seal Lash Glue—cheaper adhesives might lead to irritation or poor retention.
- Remover included: Using the correct formulation of remover for your bond and seal is essential to ensure you don't damage your natural lashes.
- Don't be fooled by cheap filler items: spoolies, alcohol swabs and squeeze air lash blowers etc cost only cents to manufacture and are included in kits to trick you into thinking you are getting more value for money. Don't fall for that trap! What you really want is all your valuable spending money being put towards premium lashes and the essential tools we listed above. These are the things that will give you the best results. If you want spoolies etc they can be bought much cheaper at most chemists and supermarkets.
- Satisfaction guarantee: A company who believes in the quality of their products will offer a satisfaction guarantee. To our knowledge, at time of writing, LeCil is the only DIY lash extensions provider who offers this to australia and new zealand! Read more about it.
Before you commit, check product reviews (ensure they are real and not paid or moderated to only include good reviews) and compare lash materials. The right kit will help you achieve diy eyelash extensions you can proudly show off.
2. Prepping Your Natural Eyelashes
Great results start with a clean canvas. Any leftover makeup or oils can weaken the bond and shorten the life of your new lashes.
- Wash and Dry: Gently cleanse your eye lashes with an oil-free product, like our LeCil Renew Lash Cleansing Solution—it removes impurities without breaking down the adhesive you’ll apply later.
- Dry thoroughly: You can either just wait until dry or use our set lash fan.
- Patch Test: If you’re new to a particular adhesive, test it on a small patch of skin 24 hours beforehand.
3. Organizing Your Workspace for At Home Lashes
A neat, well-lit space can truly be your best friend when you’re handling tiny eyelash extension clusters.
- Bright Lighting: Natural daylight or a good lamp helps you see exactly where each lash goes.
- Sanitize: Clean your tools—like tweezers and scissors—before each session.
- Easy Reach: Keep adhesives, spoolies, and lash trays on hand so you’re not fumbling mid-application.
- Pre-map your lashes and lay them out. This will make your life much easier when you are ready to apply them.
An organized setup cuts down on mistakes, plus it makes the process more enjoyable.
4. The LeCil Bonding Process: Your Key to Long-Lasting DIY Lash Extensions
One of the biggest game-changers in DIY eyelash extensions is how you handle the bonding and sealing steps. Here’s the approach recommended by LeCil for strong, beautiful results.
4.1 Apply a Super-Thin Layer of Bond
“Less is more. Much less than mascara. Just tap the bond wand to the underside of your lashes, focusing on the bases.”
- Underside Application: Gently brush the LeCil Bond & Seal Lash Glue on the underside of your natural lashes (the underlash technique)—aim for the base, steering clear of the tips.
- Wait It Out: Give it a good few minutes to get tacky or speed up the process with the fan. You’ll know it’s ready when a lash cluster touched to your eye holds strongly enough to slightly lift your lid.
- No Overload: Applying too much bond leads to clumpy, uncomfortable extensions.
(For a quick visual refresher, check out our video tutorial on LeCil.com.au.)
4.2 The Importance of Sealing
“The seal must reach every bonded area to cure effectively. This is because it activates the curing process. Carefully apply from both top and bottom—just avoid the lash tips.”
- Clamp It Down: A clever trick is to smear the seal on your applicators, then clamp them along your lash base for a secure hold.
- Keep Tips Flexible: Seal on the tips can lead to stiffness, so focus on the roots where the bond is.
This two-step approach—bond then seal—locks in your lash extensions for lasting wear.
4.3 Perfect Placement of Lash Clusters
“They should be around 1 mm from your waterline. If you feel them, they’re too close. Overlap clusters by at least 1 mm for a fuller look.”
- Mind the Gap: Leaving a tiny space near the waterline reduces irritation and gives a more natural finish.
- Overlap Strategically: Each new cluster should slightly overlap the previous one, this gives a beautiful seamless finish and it also means each cluster is supporting the next, leading to better hold. The cluster closest to your nose is usually the most vulnerable to falling off, because your lashes are smaller there. So its a good idea to place it first, that way the neighbouring cluster will be overlapping it and providing better hold.
- Adjust Quickly: If something feels off, reposition your lash cluster before the bond fully sets.
When done correctly, your clusters blend seamlessly with your natural eyelash extensions—and you won’t even feel them.
5. Safeguarding Your Lashes During the 48-Hour Curing Period
It takes about two days for the LeCil bonding agent to fully cure. This is an important safety measure for diy lash extensions. We don't want anyone gluing their eyes shut! During this window, be gentle:
- No Water: Avoid swimming or steamy showers—moisture disrupts the drying process.
- Hands Off: Touching or fiddling with your lashes can weaken the bond.
- Watch the Oils: Oil-based makeup or cleansers can cause premature lash fallout.
- Sleep Smart: If possible, sleep on your back so your face (and lashes) won’t press against pillows.
These guidelines may feel like a hassle, but they’re key to making your diy lash extensions last.
6. Common Pitfalls in DIY Eyelash Extensions
Even seasoned pros slip up sometimes. Here’s what to watch out for:
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Too Much BOND
- Issue: Clumpy, sticky lashes and clusters falling off easily. If using white DUO bond it wont dry to clear and will look gluggy.
- Solution: Stick to a thin layer of LeCil Bond & Seal Lash Glue and let it get tacky.
-
Not enough SEAL
- Issue: The bond won't fully cure.
- Solution: Take care to ensure the seal covers every bit of bond.
-
Getting seal on the lash tips
- Issue: Stiff white lashes that look fake
- Solution: Use the seal clamp trick for precision application (described above)
-
Rushing the Process
- Issue: Gaps, adhesive on the eyelids, or crooked placement.
- Solution: Take your time. A few extra minutes go a long way in ensuring a top-notch finish.
7. How to Maintain & Remove Your DIY Lashes
Once you’ve nailed your application, proper upkeep ensures your at home lashes keep turning heads:
- Keep them clean: Avoid mascara or getting eyeshadows or concealers on the lashes as much as possible.
- Oil-Free Cleansers: If you do need to clean Stick to products like LeCil foaming Lash Cleansing Solution that won’t break down the bond. The included brush is just the right softness to clean without disrupting your lashes, the precision end is perfect for getting to any makeup at your lash line.
- Avoid water: While the bond is waterproof for gentle swims etc, even salon applied eyelash extensions are dislodged by too much water so avoid when possible. If you do get them wet, fully dry them then repeat the seal clamp technique.
- Gentle Removal: When you’re ready for a fresh set, use LeCil Lash Remover in your kit to dissolve the adhesive. When it has worked its magic your lashes will simply slide off. No yanking or pulling!
- Protect your natural lashes: When used correctly,our lash extensions will not damage your natural lashes. But no harm in giving them a bit of extra love right? our max lash growth serum is safe to use alongside your lash extensions. Who knows? your natural lashes might grow so long you won't want extensions any more!
By treating your extensions with care, you’ll preserve your individual lashes while enjoying a fabulous look for longer.
8. Pro Tips: Practice and Reuse
Perfecting diy lash extensions might take a few tries—so don’t fret if your first go isn’t picture-perfect. While you practice, remember you can:
- Wash and Reuse: Give your lash clusters a gentle clean with LeCil Renew Lash Cleansing Solution so you can keep practicing without buying new sets each time.
- Experiment with Styles: Try mixing lengths or curls to find your signature look.
- Build Confidence: Every attempt refines your technique, bringing you closer to pro-level results.
Conclusion: Elevate Your At Home Lashes with Patience and Quality Supplies
Whether you want subtle natural eyelash extensions or a full-on glamorous set, diy lash extensions from LeCil let you customize your look on your own terms. By carefully following a thin-bond-then-seal routine, respecting the 48-hour cure period, and practicing mindful aftercare, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and enjoy head-turning lashes.
So take a breath, gather your LeCil DIY Lash Kit, and embrace the process. It’s not just about looking great—it’s about discovering a new level of confidence that comes with mastering your own beauty routine. If you make a mistake, simply use your LeCil Renew Lash Cleansing Solution to clean and reuse your lashes, and try again. Soon enough, you’ll be applying lash extensions like a seasoned pro. Happy lashing gorgeous!
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