How to apply cluster lashes

Are you an MUA who loves to think beyond basic strip lashes? You’ll want cluster lashes in your kit. They’re pre-bonded groups of synthetic lash strands (always vegan and cruelty-free at Pretty Lashes) that give you far more control over the final look – but they can be a little more technical to apply than your standard strip set.

With a strip lash, the fibres are already mapped out for you. You can place the band on the lash line in a couple of minutes and know exactly how the finished look will turn out.

(Need inspiration? Take a scroll through the Pretty Lashes collection for everything from fluffy, feathered strips to bolder, 3D designs.)

Cluster lashes, on the other hand, let you customise every detail. They might be grouped by style (airy, soft-volume, winged), but they come in different lengths and can be remapped for different clients and occasions.

For a half lash look, use the shortest clusters from your set and save the medium-length lashes for another time. When a night out rolls around, use your longer lashes on the outer corners and blend with mascara for after-hours glam. If that sounds like something you need in your look-book, it’s well worth learning how to apply cluster lashes properly – it’ll make every application quicker.

What you’ll need before you start

Before getting started, it’s time to set up your equipment. Having everything within reach will make the process far less stressful.

Cluster lashes

- Choose your styles and lengths from the Pretty Lashes cluster lash collection – we’ve got softer, natural minis to fuller 3D finishes, all to mix and match across the lash line.

Optional: Pre-glued cluster lashes

- Excellent for speed or beginners. Pretty Lashes pre-glued clusters come with adhesive already on the micro-base, so you can place, press, and go without a separate glue step.

Lash applicator or fine-tipped tweezers

- A curved lash applicator gives you better control and a clearer view of the lash line than fingers alone.

Mirror and good lighting

- Set a mirror just below chin level and look down into it as you apply – this extra step stretches the lid and makes it much easier to see exactly where you’re placing each cluster.

For the classic adhesive method

A latex-free lash glue formulated for individual/cluster lashes

- Latex-free formulas are a gentler choice for sensitive eyes and are widely recommended for faux lash application – always patch test first (more on that later!)

For the Bond & Seal method

A Bond & Seal duo (+ your applicator)

- These 2-in-1 products are designed specifically for cluster lashes, giving a flexible bond and a sealing topcoat that can extend wear to several days when applied correctly.

For removal

Makeup remover

- We recommend using an oil-free remover to gently dissolve the bond, then sliding clusters away rather than pulling – especially important to Bond & Seal or classic adhesive.

Before you apply – prep & patch test (don’t skip this bit)

A bit of preparation makes all the difference to how smoothly clusters go on (and how comfortably they’ll sit).

Clean & dry lashes

For any method (classic adhesive, Bond & Seal or pre-glued), lashes need to be completely clean. Oils, skincare products, and even mascara can prevent the bond from gripping properly and lead to early lifting. Use an oil-free eye makeup remover, then let the lashes dry fully before you begin.

Curl where needed

If you’re working with pre-glued clusters, curl your natural lashes first. Doing this will help the bases of your pre-mapped lashes connect cleanly.

Patch test (Bond & Seal and pre-glued bases)

We always recommend patch testing before use. Apply a small amount of Bond & Seal to a few outer lashes and wait 24 hours. If you notice any reaction or sensitivity, do not continue to use.

How to apply cluster lashes (choose your method)

Option 1: Classic cluster lashes with regular lash adhesive

If you’re learning how to apply cluster lashes and use adhesive, this is your go-to method for when you want to peel everything off and start fresh at the end of the day.

Use tweezers to gently lift your chosen cluster from the tray, holding about 1mm above the root.
Dip the base into a small amount of lash glue and leave it for 30–40 seconds until it becomes tacky.
Looking down into a mirror, bring the cluster towards the eye and line it up close to the natural lash roots – but not on the waterline or in contact with the skin. Press it into place with your tweezers or lash applicator, and hold for a few seconds to let the glue set.
Start at the outer corner and work your way in. Keep placing clusters until you’ve achieved the fullness and shape you mapped out.

Pretty Lashes Pro Tip: If you’re new to classic adhesive, start small. Use just two or three clusters on the outer third of the eye for a soft winged lift, then build up to full sets as you get more confident with placement and timing.

Option 2: Long-wear cluster lashes with Bond & Seal

MUAs who want a DIY alternative to salon lash extensions should follow these instructions. Bond & Seal systems are designed to give cluster lashes a flexible, long-lasting hold that can keep your look in place for several days (with the right preparation and aftercare).

Before starting, make sure your lashes are clean, dry, and free from any makeup or oils. It’s best to work on one eye at a time when applying Bond & Seal with lash clusters.
Apply a light coat of Bond to your natural lashes, focusing on the area where the cluster base will attach.
For larger or fuller clusters, you may need to place the adhesive slightly higher on the lash for a stronger hold, but avoid coating the full lash length.
For the most seamless look, skip mascara before applying Bond. Wait about 30 seconds for the adhesive to become tacky.
Work in sections across your lash line (starting at either the inner or outer corner), applying Bond and clusters gradually. If your lashes feel overly sticky, you’ve likely used too much – one coat is enough.
Loosen each cluster gently from the tray by lifting as close to the base as possible. Peel carefully with your fingers.
Pick up the lash cluster with your applicator, holding from the tip rather than the base. Place it underneath your natural lashes by pressing the base up and out against the root, leaving a small gap from your lash line. Continue until the full eye is complete.
Once all clusters are applied, dab Seal onto the bonded areas (top and bottom) to remove any stickiness and lock everything in place. Avoid brushing through or touching the lash tips, as this may leave residue and cause clumping. Wait 5 minutes for the Seal to fully cure. Reapply lightly if needed.
Use your applicator to gently clamp the clusters and your natural lashes together, focusing on the base where they’re bonded. Make sure the applicator is clean before clamping to prevent Bond transfer. This step ensures a strong hold and long-lasting wear, giving the look and feel of lash extensions.
For best results, avoid water and steam for the first 24 hours after application.

Option 3: Pre-glued cluster lashes

If you want the speed of strip lashes with the customisation of clusters, pre-glued clusters will become your new best friend. When you want to know how to apply cluster lashes without any separate glue, follow option 3:

Carefully lift the lashes from the tray using either your fingers or a lash applicator, holding them as close to the base as possible. Make sure your natural lashes are curled before starting the application.
With the pre-glued lash applicator, pick up a cluster near the base, taking care not to touch the pre-glued section.
Apply the cluster underneath your natural lashes by moving it in an upward and outward motion against the roots, leaving a small gap of about 2mm from your lash line.
Once in place, use the lash applicator to gently clamp your natural lashes and the cluster together, focusing pressure along the lash base to secure them firmly.

Pretty Lashes Pro Tip: Try to avoid touching the pre-glued base or letting the applicator press directly into it, as this may cause sticking. For best results, we suggest patch testing by applying one cluster to the outer corner and leaving it for up to 24 hours.

How to remove cluster lashes without damaging your natural lashes

Removing clusters gently is just as crucial as the application. Done properly, you shouldn’t lose natural lashes. When you’re ready to take them off, gently peel the cluster away from the base with your finger: this won’t damage your natural lashes.

If you’d like to remove them before the 5-day wear period, simply peel the clusters away from your lashes whenever you’re ready.

Build your perfect lash map with Pretty Lashes

We know that cluster lashes can feel a bit technical at first, but with a little practice, they’ll quickly become a fast step in your daily routine – especially when you’re working with high-performance, vegan, cruelty-free styles like Pretty Lashes clusters.