Lashify's DIY lash extension system makes it possible to customize your lash look to suit your eye shape and desired style. If you’re diving into the world of DIY lashes, understanding lash mapping is key to achieving a flawless, customized look. Lash mapping refers to the strategic placement of different lash lengths and styles to create a specific effect. Here's a quick lash mapping guide for beginners that I like to call - Lash Mapping 101.
Beginner Lash Mapping Techniques
When lash mapping with Lashify, we recommend using 6 Gossamer® lashes (or lash segments). If you have a smaller eye you may end up only using 5. If you have a larger eye you may end up using 7. The average eye holds 6 so this is what we will focus on when building beginner lash maps.
The 3 most common types of lash maps that people try to create are a natural lash look, winged lash look, and an open eyed lash look. Here are tips on how to create each one.
Natural Lash Map:
One of the most popular and beginner-friendly maps is the Natural Lash Map. A natural lash map is designed to mimic the way your lashes naturally grow. Most people’s lashes are shorter at the inner corners, gradually getting longer toward the middle and outer corners, then tapering back to a shorter length at the very edge. This style gives you a polished and effortless look that enhances your natural beauty without looking over the top.
The natural lash map is perfect for:
- Everyday wear: It enhances your natural beauty without looking overdone.
- Beginners: The simplicity of the design makes it an excellent choice for first-timers.
- Versatility: It works for any eye shape and compliments most occasions.
The natural lash map typically uses three different lash lengths to create a subtle, seamless effect. By strategically placing these lashes, the result looks more realistic and flattering. Here’s an example of a simple natural lash map layout:
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8mm, 8mm, 10mm, 10mm, 12mm, 10mm
Here’s a breakdown of how this map works:
- Inner Corners (8mm): Start with shorter lashes at the inner corner for a soft and natural transition.
- Middle (10mm): Gradually increase the length as you move toward the center for a lifted and open look.
- Outer Corners (12mm): Add the longest lashes near the outer edge (usually falling under the arch of the brow) for a subtle elongating effect.
- Outer Edge Taper (10mm): Finish with slightly shorter lashes to close the look naturally as our eyes naturally have shorter lashes in the inner and outer corners.
Winged Lash Map:
If you’re ready to add a touch of drama and elongation to your lashes, the Winged Lash Map is the way to go! This map can enhance or elongate the eyes by gradually increasing the length of the lashes toward the outer corner, creating a lifted, cat-eye effect.
A winged lash map is designed to draw attention to the outer corners of your eyes, giving them a flirty, elongated look. The lashes start shorter near the inner corner and steadily grow longer as they reach the outer edge.
A winged lash map is perfect for:
- Creating a lifted effect: The extended outer corner draws the eyes upward and outward.
- Adding drama: The winged design makes your eyes pop without needing eyeliner.
- Elongating the eye: Placing the longest lash at the end of the map helps to give the appearance of an elongated eye shape.
This lash map typically includes four or more lash lengths, transitioning smoothly from short to long for a bold yet sophisticated finish. Here’s an example of a winged lash map:
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10mm, 10mm, 12mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of a classic winged lash map:
- Inner corner: 10mm, 10mm
- Middle section: 12mm, 12mm
- Outer corner: 14mm, 16mm
The gradual increase in length helps lift and accentuate the outer corners, making your eyes appear more defined and dramatic.
Open-Eyed Lash Map:
If you’re looking for a lash style that makes your eyes appear bigger, brighter, and more awake, the Open-Eyed Lash Map is the perfect choice. This lash mapping style focuses on creating a wide-eyed effect by placing the longest lashes in the center of your eye, drawing attention to the middle for a fresh, youthful look.
The open-eyed lash map is great for:
- Enhancing round or almond-shaped eyes: This style accentuates natural eye shapes by drawing focus to the center.
- Making eyes appear larger: It’s the perfect choice for achieving a wide-eyed, youthful effect.
- Occasions that call for a bright-eyed look: Whether for daytime or a special event, this lash map adds a touch of elegance and charm.
This style uses a gradual build-up to the longest lash lengths in the middle of the eye, tapering off with shorter lengths on the inner and outer corners. The result is a balanced, symmetrical, and eye-enhancing look. The key feature of this map is the central focus. It’s ideal for those who want to make their eyes the star of their look while maintaining a natural flow. Here is an example of an open eyed lash map:
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10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 14mm, 12mm
Here’s how the lash lengths are typically arranged in an open-eyed map:
- Inner corner: 10mm
- Building up: 12mm
- Center focus: 14mm, 16mm
- Tapering off: 14mm, 12mm
This sequence creates a symmetrical design that makes your eyes appear wide and rounded while maintaining a polished look.
Choosing the Right Gossamer® Lash Length
If you already have a vision for your desired lash look and understand how to create a lash map, but aren't completely satisfied with the sizing mentioned above, don't worry—adjusting it is simple! You can scale the entire map down for a shorter look or up for a longer one.
For example, the winged lash map provided above uses the lengths: 10mm, 10mm, 12mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm.
To achieve a shorter version, you could try 8mm, 8mm, 10mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm.
For a longer version, you might use 12mm, 12mm, 14mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm.
The key is knowing the look you want to achieve. From there, you can select any style or length while following the lash mapping guidelines provided to create your perfect lash look.
Additional Lash Mapping Tips:
- Experiment with different lash maps to find what looks best on you.
- Consider the occasion and desired look when choosing a lash map.
- Don't be afraid to mix and match different lash styles to create a unique look.
- Make it your own! These lash mapping guidelines are here to inspire you, but feel free to switch things up and create a look that works perfectly for you!
Remember: Practice makes perfect! It may take some time to get the hang of lash mapping, but with a little practice, you'll be able to create stunning, customized lash looks that are perfect for you!
Looking for more help with lash mapping? Join our Lashify Life Facebook group! With over 130,000 real-life customers sharing tips, tricks, and hacks, it’s the perfect place to connect and learn. Or check out our HOW-TO page with an entire section on Lash Mapping. Plus, our Lashify Educators are available 24/7 to provide expert guidance and share valuable resources. Don’t miss out—join the community today!
