How to Apply Press-On Lashes | Beginner Step-by-Step Guide
How to Apply Press-On Lashes Like a Pro
A simple, step-by-step guide to applying pre-glued underlash clusters comfortably, securely and without messy lash glue.
Press-on lashes are one of the quickest ways to create a salon-style lash look at home. Unlike traditional strip lashes or DIY lash clusters that require Bond & Seal, Meraki Press-On Lashes arrive with a pressure-sensitive adhesive already attached to each cluster.
That means there is no wet glue, no waiting for adhesive to become tacky and no salon appointment. You simply prepare your natural lashes, remove the protective seal, place each cluster underneath your lashes and press it firmly into position.
Before You Start: What You Need
Your Press-On Lashes
Choose your favourite Meraki style and map out the lengths you want to use before beginning.
Precision Applicator
A curved lash applicator helps you place each cluster underneath the natural lashes and press the bases together securely.
Clean, Dry Lashes
Remove makeup, skincare, oils and old adhesive. Residue can reduce the grip of pre-glued lash clusters.
Mirror and Good Lighting
Position a mirror slightly below your face so you can look down and easily see the underside of your natural lash line.
Pick Up the Press-On Lash Correctly
Always grip the cluster at the very base with your applicator. Avoid pulling from the lash fibres, as this can distort the cluster or transfer pressure onto the adhesive strip.
Lift the lash gently from the tray using a slow upward motion. Keeping your fingers away from the adhesive helps prevent oils, makeup and lint from weakening the bond.
Remove the Protective Seal
Each Meraki Press-On Lash cluster has a protective top seal that keeps the pressure-sensitive adhesive fresh and clean until application.
Hold the lash securely at the base, locate the edge of the protective seal and peel it away gently. Do not scrape, stretch or touch the exposed adhesive more than necessary.
Place the Cluster Underneath Your Natural Lashes
Look slightly down into your mirror and bring the cluster underneath your natural lashes. Position it close to the lash line, but never directly on the waterline or eyelid skin.
Leave approximately a 1 mm gap from the waterline. This tiny space helps the lashes feel comfortable and reduces the chance of the adhesive touching your eyelid or lower lashes.
Start at the outer corner or wherever feels easiest for you. Continue placing clusters side-by-side across the lash line. For Press-On Lashes, avoid heavily overlapping the adhesive bands because exposed adhesive may feel tacky.
Press the Lashes Firmly Into Place
Once each cluster is positioned, use the applicator to firmly press the Press-On Lash and your natural lashes together.
This step activates the pressure-sensitive adhesive and improves contact between the cluster and the natural lash. Press along the full lash line, paying special attention to the inner and outer corners.
- Keep every cluster around 1 mm away from the waterline.
- Firmly fuse the Press-On Lashes to your natural lashes after placement.
Why Do Press-On Lashes Feel Sticky?
Pre-glued lash clusters use a pressure-sensitive adhesive designed to remain tacky enough to grip the natural lashes. A small amount of tackiness at the adhesive base can therefore be normal, especially before the cluster has been pressed firmly into place.
However, the lashes should not feel as though they are sticking uncomfortably to your eyelid, lower lashes or applicator. When this happens, it is usually related to placement, exposed adhesive or handling during application.
How to Fix Press-On Lashes That Feel Too Sticky
- Check the placement: Make sure the clusters sit around 1 mm away from the waterline and are not touching the eyelid.
- Press them again: Firmly fuse the lash bases to your natural lashes using a clean applicator.
- Check for exposed adhesive: Keep clusters side-by-side and ensure the adhesive band is attached to your natural lashes rather than left exposed.
- Keep tools clean: If the applicator becomes sticky, clean it before continuing so it does not pull newly placed clusters away.
- Avoid touching the base: Finger oils, skincare and repeated handling can affect how the adhesive behaves.
How to Make Press-On Lashes Last Longer
Wear time varies with natural lash type, skincare, sleep habits and application technique. These aftercare steps can help you get the best possible wear from your pre-glued underlash clusters.
Apply to Oil-Free Lashes
Skincare, mascara and cleansing oils can create a barrier between the adhesive and your natural lashes.
Allow Them to Set
Avoid steam, water and heavy eye products for approximately two hours after application while the adhesive settles.
Press Before Bed
Use your applicator to gently re-fuse the clusters before sleeping, especially after the first day.
Avoid Oils and Rubbing
Keep oil-based products away from the lash line and avoid pulling, rubbing or sleeping directly on the lashes.
Press-On Lash Aftercare Checklist
- Keep the lashes dry for around two hours after application.
- Do not apply mascara directly to the Press-On Lash clusters.
- Avoid oil cleansers and oily eye creams around the adhesive base.
- Brush gently with a clean spoolie when needed.
- Re-press the lashes with the applicator if a corner begins to lift.
- Remove them using the recommended remover rather than pulling.
Common Press-On Lash Application Mistakes
| Mistake | What Can Happen | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Applying over mascara or oily lashes | The clusters may lift early or slide out of position. | Clean and fully dry the natural lashes first. |
| Placing directly on the waterline | The lashes may feel uncomfortable or stick to lower lashes. | Leave an approximately 1 mm gap. |
| Touching the adhesive with fingers | Oils and lint may weaken or contaminate the adhesive. | Handle each cluster by the base with clean applicators. |
| Skipping the final press | The pressure-sensitive adhesive may not grip securely. | Firmly fuse the clusters and natural lashes together. |
| Overlapping adhesive bands | Exposed adhesive may feel tacky or create uneven wear. | Place Press-On clusters neatly side-by-side. |
Press-On Lash Application FAQs
How do you apply press-on lashes?
Apply them to clean, dry natural lashes. Pick up each cluster at the base, remove its protective seal, place it underneath the natural lashes around 1 mm away from the waterline, then firmly press the cluster and natural lashes together.
Do press-on lashes need lash glue?
No. Meraki Press-On Lashes already have a pressure-sensitive adhesive attached, so they do not require separate lash glue, Bond or Seal.
How long do press-on lashes last?
With correct preparation, application and aftercare, Meraki Press-On Lashes can typically be worn for approximately 5–7 days. Individual wear time varies.
Why are my pre-glued lash clusters sticky?
The adhesive is designed to remain tacky enough to grip your natural lashes. Excessive stickiness can occur if adhesive is exposed, the clusters are too close to the waterline or the lashes have not been pressed firmly enough.
How close should press-on lashes be to the waterline?
Leave approximately a 1 mm gap between the cluster and the waterline. The lash should attach to your natural lashes rather than your eyelid skin.
Can you shower with press-on lashes?
Yes, after the initial setting period. Avoid soaking, rubbing or directing strong water pressure at the lashes, and keep oily products away from the adhesive base.
Can beginners use press-on lash clusters?
Yes. Because they do not require separate glue or Bond & Seal, Press-On Lashes are Meraki's easiest at-home lash system for beginners.
How do I remove press-on lashes safely?
Use the recommended lash remover and allow it time to soften the adhesive. Gently slide the clusters away without pulling or forcing them from your natural lashes.
Ready to Try Press-On Lashes?
Choose from Emme, Harper, Lila and Indiana and create a salon-style lash look at home in minutes.
Shop the Press-On CollectionApplication and wear time can vary between customers. Stop use and remove the lashes if you experience ongoing discomfort or irritation.
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