Magnetic Lashes Not Sticking? 6 Fixes That Actually Work

You've placed the top lash, brought the bottom one up — and it just won't grip. Or it sits fine for an hour, then slides toward the corner. Frustrating, but almost always fixable. When magnetic lashes aren't sticking, it's rarely the lashes; it's one of a handful of small things. Here are the six most common reasons and how to fix each.

1. Your lids are a little oily

Magnets grip a clean, dry surface. Skin oils, moisturiser, or primer near the lash line make the lash slide. Fix: cleanse the lash line, let it dry fully, then apply. This solves it more often than anything else.

2. There's residue on the magnets

Old mascara or makeup buildup on the tiny magnets weakens their pull. Fix: clean the magnets with a magnet-safe mist like The Pure Ritual — not an oil-based remover, which makes it worse — and let them dry before wearing.

3. Your natural lashes are too straight

If your lashes point down and forward, they poke under the band instead of meeting it, so the two magnets can't line up. Fix: curl first. A heated curler like the Executive Lift lifts your lashes to meet the band and holds that shape all day.

4. You're not letting them “click”

If you press too fast or at the wrong angle, the magnets never actually meet. Fix: rest the top piece on your lashes, bring the bottom one up slowly, and let the two find each other. Wait for the tiny click before you let go.

5. The lash is sitting on skin, not lashes

Placed too high, the top magnet lands on your eyelid instead of your lash line — nothing for the bottom magnet to grip. Fix: lower it so it sits right along the roots of your natural lashes.

6. The band got bent in storage

A band that's been squashed loose in a makeup bag loses its curve and won't sit flush. Fix: always store lashes in their case so the band keeps its shape. If it's slightly bent, gently ease it back to a curve before wearing.

Still not gripping?

Very occasionally a pair is simply near the end of its life after heavy use. But run through the five checks above first — clean lids, clean magnets, a good curl, a patient click, and correct placement fix the vast majority of cases. If you're starting fresh, a soft, forgiving style like Inbox is one of the easiest to get a clean grip with.