If you’re new to the world of false lashes, navigating the endless options—from dramatic spikes to soft flutters—can feel overwhelming. With trends like Anime lashes taking social media by storm and classic styles like Fluttery lashes remaining a staple for everyday wear, it’s hard to know where to start. Add in edgier choices like Spiky lashes, and you might find yourself staring at a shelf of lash packs, unsure which one will complement your eye shape or fit your skill level. But fear not: this guide is designed to break down everything beginners need to know about Spiky lashes, Anime lashes, and Fluttery lashes—from their unique characteristics to how to match them to your eyes, and even tips for applying them without frustration. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently pick the perfect lash style to elevate your makeup look, whether you’re going for a casual day out or a bold night on the town.
First, let’s start with the basics: understanding what makes each of these lash styles distinct. Anime lashes are inspired by the large, expressive eyes of anime characters, so they’re all about volume, length, and drama. Typically, they feature longer fibers in the center of the lash band (to open up the eyes) and may have wispy, layered ends that mimic the “doe-eyed” look popular in anime. Unlike some false lashes that blend seamlessly with natural lashes, Anime lashes are meant to stand out—think thick, fluffy clusters that add instant dimension. They’re a favorite among makeup lovers who want to make a statement, whether for cosplay, concerts, or just a fun weekend look. However, their bold design means they can be tricky for beginners to apply, so we’ll cover tips for that later.
Next up: Fluttery lashes. As the name suggests, these lashes are all about softness and movement. They’re designed to look like naturally long, full lashes that “flutter” when you blink—no over-the-top drama here. Fluttery lashes usually have thin, lightweight fibers that are evenly distributed along the band, with subtle length that enhances your eyes without overpowering them. Many styles also have a natural curl (not too tight) and may be tapered at the ends to blend with your real lashes. This makes them ideal for everyday wear: think office meetings, brunch dates, or even just running errands when you want to look put-together without a full face of makeup. Because they’re lightweight and less dramatic, Fluttery lashes are often the best choice for beginners—they’re easier to handle, require less precision to apply, and are more forgiving if your placement isn’t perfect.
Then there’s Spiky lashes—the edgier cousin of the lash family. These lashes are defined by their sharp, pointed fibers that stick up slightly (hence the “spiky” name) rather than lying flat. Unlike Fluttery lashes, which are soft and blended, Spiky lashes have a more textured, uneven look that adds edge to any makeup style. They can range from subtle (with just a few short spikes) to bold (with long, dramatic points), making them versatile enough for both night and day—if you know how to style them. For example, a short pair of Spiky lashes can add a cool, punk-inspired touch to a daytime look, while a longer, thicker pair can complement a smoky eye for a night out. One thing to note: Spiky lashes often have a stiffer band than Fluttery lashes to hold their shape, so beginners may need a little practice to get used to applying them comfortably.
Now that you know the differences between Spiky lashes, Anime lashes, and Fluttery lashes, the next step is figuring out which style works best for your eye shape. Eye shape plays a huge role in how false lashes look—what flatters an almond eye might not work for a round eye, and vice versa. Let’s break it down:
For round eyes (which are characterized by a visible crease and equal width/height), the goal is to elongate the eyes to create a more oval shape. Fluttery lashes are a great choice here because their even length adds subtle fullness without making the eyes look wider. If you want to try something bolder, opt for Spiky lashes with longer fibers at the outer corners—this will pull the eye outward, creating a more elongated effect. Avoid Anime lashes with heavy volume in the center, as this can make round eyes look even rounder.
For almond eyes (the most versatile shape, with a slightly pointed outer corner), you’re in luck—almost any style works! Anime lashes look stunning on almond eyes because the centered volume enhances the eye’s natural shape without overwhelming it. Fluttery lashes add a soft, romantic touch, while Spiky lashes can highlight the eye’s pointed outer corner for a edgier vibe. Feel free to experiment—almond eyes can pull off both dramatic and subtle lash styles with ease.
For monolid eyes (which lack a visible crease), the key is to choose lashes that sit close to the lash line and don’t have too much volume (since excess volume can weigh the eye down). Fluttery lashes with a thin band are perfect—they’re lightweight and will stay in place without lifting. If you want to try Spiky lashes, go for shorter, less dramatic styles with flexible bands that conform to the lash line. Anime lashes can work too, but opt for thinner, more lightweight versions (avoid the super-thick clusters) and trim the band slightly to fit the eye’s shape—this will prevent the lashes from looking too heavy.
For hooded eyes (where the upper lid droops slightly over the crease), the goal is to choose lashes that open up the eye and don’t get hidden under the hood. Spiky lashes with longer fibers at the outer corners are a great choice—they lift the eye upward, creating a more awake look. Fluttery lashes with a slight upward curl also work, as long as they’re not too long (longer lashes can get caught under the hood). Anime lashes can be tricky for hooded eyes, but if you love the style, look for “half-lashes” (which only cover the outer half of the lash line) or styles with less volume in the inner corner—this will keep the lashes visible without getting hidden.
Once you’ve chosen the right style for your eye shape, it’s time to think about skill level. As a beginner, you’ll want to start with lashes that are easy to apply—so let’s rank Spiky lashes, Anime lashes, and Fluttery lashes from easiest to hardest:
- Fluttery lashes: These are the easiest for beginners. They have thin, flexible bands that are easy to manipulate, and their lightweight fibers mean they’re less likely to lift or shift once applied. Many Fluttery lashes also come in “natural” lengths, so even if you make a small mistake in placement, it won’t be too noticeable.
- Spiky lashes: These are slightly harder than Fluttery lashes because the band is often stiffer (to hold the spiky shape). However, shorter Spiky lashes with a thin band can still be manageable for beginners—just take your time when applying the lash glue and aligning the band with your lash line.
- Anime lashes: These are the hardest for beginners. They often have thick, heavy bands and dense clusters of fibers, which can be tricky to align correctly. They also require more precision to avoid looking “too much”—if the band is even slightly off-center, it will be noticeable. If you’re set on trying Anime lashes as a beginner, start with “beginner-friendly” versions (look for labels like “lightweight” or “easy apply”) and practice on a day when you don’t have anywhere to go—this will let you experiment without pressure.
Now, let’s cover some general application tips that apply to all three styles. First, always trim the lash band to fit your eye! Most false lashes come in a one-size-fits-all band, but everyone’s eye shape is different—if the band is too long, it will poke the inner or outer corner of your eye, causing discomfort. To trim, hold the lash band up to your eye, mark where the excess ends (usually 1-2 mm from the inner and outer corner), and cut the band with small scissors (sharp, precision scissors work best).
Next, choose the right lash glue. For beginners, clear glue is a must—it dries invisible, so if you make a mistake (like getting glue on your lid), it won’t be noticeable. Avoid black glue until you’re more confident, as it can be unforgiving. Also, don’t apply too much glue—just a thin line along the band. Wait 30-60 seconds for the glue to get “tacky” (this is key!)—tacky glue adheres better and is easier to adjust than wet glue.
When applying the lashes, start by placing the center of the band on your lash line (this is the easiest spot to align), then press the inner corner down, followed by the outer corner. Use a pair of tweezers or a lash applicator (a game-changer for beginners!) to press the band into place—this will give you more control than using your fingers. Once the glue is dry, use a lash curler to blend your natural lashes with the false lashes (be gentle—you don’t want to pull the false lashes off!), and apply a coat of mascara to the roots of your natural lashes—this will help the two blend seamlessly.
Finally, let’s talk about care and maintenance. To make your Spiky lashes, Anime lashes, or Fluttery lashes last longer (most can be worn 5-10 times with proper care), always remove them gently. Use an oil-free makeup remover (oil can break down the lash glue and damage the fibers) and soak a cotton pad in the remover, then hold it against your lash line for 10-15 seconds—this will loosen the glue so you can peel the lashes off without pulling. Once removed, peel off any excess glue from the band (use tweezers to pick off dried glue), then store the lashes in their original case—this will keep them from getting bent or damaged.
In conclusion, choosing between Spiky lashes, Anime lashes, and Fluttery lashes as a beginner doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding each style’s unique characteristics, matching them to your eye shape, and starting with easier-to-apply options (like Fluttery lashes), you’ll be able to build your confidence and experiment with bolder styles (like Anime lashes or Spiky lashes) over time. Remember: practice makes perfect—don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. With a little patience and the right tips, you’ll be rocking beautiful false lashes in no time, whether you’re going for a soft, everyday look or a bold, head-turning style.