If you've tried false eyelashes once, struggled, and put them in a drawer never to be seen again - this guide is for you. The truth is, most people's first experience with false lashes goes badly simply because they chose the wrong type, used too much glue, or didn't trim to fit. With the right pair and a few simple tricks, false lashes become genuinely easy.
Here are the best false eyelashes for beginners in the UK, plus everything you need to know to make them work first time.
What Makes a False Eyelash Good for Beginners?
Before we dive into picks, here's what to look for if you're new to false lashes:
- Thin, flexible band - A thin band follows the natural curve of your eye without fighting you, and is nearly invisible once applied.
- Shorter length - Extremely long lashes are harder to position without them drooping or looking "stuck on." Start shorter.
- Natural style - If you can see the lash is clearly false from across the room, it's probably not beginner-friendly. A natural style hides any small application errors.
- No individual lashes - Individual and cluster lashes require much more skill. Strip lashes are always easier for beginners.
- Included glue or self-adhesive - One less thing to source and apply.
Our Top Picks for Beginners

1. Eylure Pre-Glued Volume Lashes 100 - Easiest Possible Application
Eylure's Pre-Glued Lashes eliminate the glue step entirely. The adhesive is already on the band - you peel away a protective backing strip and press them straight onto your lash line. They hold surprisingly well and are repositionable while you get them in the right place.
Why beginners love them: No separate glue. No timing. No mess. Just peel and press.
2. Ardell Naturals 110 Multipack - The Beginner Workhorse
The Ardell 110 Multipack gives you six pairs of their classic natural-style lash for the price of roughly one pair of a premium brand. This means you get to practise - repeatedly - without financial pressure. Ardell's cotton band is thin and flexible, their styles are forgiving, and the naturals range genuinely looks like your own lashes.
Why beginners love them: Affordable enough to practice on. Natural enough to be forgiving of imperfect placement.
3. KISS Impress Press-On Falsies - For the Reluctant Beginner
KISS Impress Falsies are a genuinely clever product for people intimidated by traditional strip lash application. The lashes come with adhesive already applied and a peel-and-press system that's almost foolproof. Positioning is adjustable before the bond sets.
Why beginners love them: The most beginner-friendly system available. Strong hold that rivals traditional glue.
4. Eylure Fluttery Light 008 Multipack - Natural and Lightweight
The Eylure Fluttery Light 008 is specifically designed for those who want the look of false lashes without them feeling heavy or looking overdone. The lashes are ultralight, the band is almost invisible, and the multipack format lets you practice across multiple attempts.
Why beginners love them: Genuinely comfortable. Looks natural enough that mistakes go unnoticed.
5. Boldface Lashes Short and Sweet - Perfect Proportions for Beginners
Boldface Short and Sweet is exactly what the name suggests - a short, sweetly shaped lash that adds a beautiful flutter without going too long. Short lashes are easier to position correctly and far less likely to droop at the outer corner.
Why beginners love them: The shorter length is more forgiving and more comfortable, especially for smaller eyes.
6. Salon System Naturalash 116 Twin Pack - Brilliant Budget Pick
At around £4 for two pairs, Salon System's Naturalash is the best budget entry point for beginners. The natural styles look genuinely real on, the band is flexible, and the twin-pack format gives you a backup.
Why beginners love them: Low financial commitment for learning. Twin pack means two chances to get it right.
Beginner Tips That Make All the Difference
Trim Before You Apply - Every Time
This is non-negotiable. Hold the lash up against your eye before applying glue. If it extends past your outer corner, trim from the outer edge. Untrimmed lashes are the number one reason beginners struggle.
Wait for the Glue to Get Tacky
Apply a thin line of glue to the lash band, then wait 45-60 seconds before pressing to your eye. When the glue is tacky (not wet), the lash grips instantly rather than sliding around. This single change transforms the experience.
Use a Lash Applicator
Tweezers or a dedicated lash applicator give you much more precision than fingertips alone. The small gripping surface lets you position the lash at the exact right spot without touching the glue.
Apply After Eye Makeup, Before Mascara
False lashes go on after all your other eye makeup (eyeshadow, eyeliner) but before you apply mascara to blend your natural lashes into the false ones.
Start in the Middle
Press the centre of the lash strip down first, then the inner corner, then the outer corner. Starting in the centre gives you the right reference point and prevents the whole strip from shifting sideways.
What Glue Should Beginners Use?
For beginners, we recommend DUO clear lash adhesive - it's the most forgiving, dries clear (so any small application issues aren't visible), and is strong enough for all-day wear. DUO is also the most widely used lash glue in professional makeup artistry, so you're learning with the best.
If you're using black eyeliner as part of your look, DUO black adhesive doubles as liner and covers the band beautifully.
Complete Beginner Starter Kit
Everything you need, in one place:
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Lashes (to practice) | Ardell 110 Multipack - 6 pairs |
| Lashes (for events) | Eylure Naturals or Fluttery Light |
| Glue | DUO Clear Lash Adhesive |
| Applicator | Tweezerman Lash Applicator |
| Remover | Micellar water |
Or shop our curated starter kits that bundle lashes and glue together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the easiest false eyelashes to put on?
Pre-glued styles like Eylure Pre-Glued and KISS Impress are the easiest - you just peel and press. For traditional strip lashes with separate glue, Ardell Natural styles are the easiest to position thanks to their flexible, thin bands.
What false eyelashes look most natural for beginners?
Eylure Naturals, Ardell Naked Lashes, and Salon System Naturalash are the most natural-looking options. Choose short-to-medium length styles rather than dramatic or very long versions.
How long does it take to learn to apply false eyelashes?
Most people are comfortable within 3-5 attempts. The technique clicks once you learn to wait for the glue to get tacky and to trim the lash to fit your eye length. Practice on non-event days.
Can you wear false eyelashes every day?
Yes, many people do. Use a gentle remover and allow the adhesive to soften before removal to protect your natural lashes. Taking a night off once a week and applying lash serum helps keep natural lashes healthy.