Giving the Overlapping Technique a Go with Lash Clusters

You are not alone if you have ever sat there with your lash clusters, glue in hand, and thought, "These aren't looking quite as full as I'd hoped". Lash Clusters are great for a quick fix or a DIY glam moment, but they might seem a little sparse or too uniform. This is where the overlapping approach comes in.

It's a brilliant little trick that will make your clusters appear fluffier, fuller, and more like salon extensions without the high cost. And the greatest bit? Once you get the feel of it, it's much easier than you'd expect.

What’s the Overlapping Technique, Then? 

Normally, while applying lash clusters, you just place them side by side over your lash line. Simple, however it occasionally leaves little gaps. The overlapping approach is all about layering, which involves arranging one cluster slightly over another rather than in a perfect row. It's similar like masonry, except for your eyelashes.

What was the result? A softer, more blended appearance that resembles professional volume sets. It's less "stuck-on strip lash" and more "I woke up like this."

Why Bother with Overlapping? 

Okay, so why not simply slap the clusters on in a line and call it done? Here's why you should attempt overlapping:

• Fuller effect. Gaps are filled, and your lash line appears rich.
• A more natural finish. Blending clusters helps them appear less blocky.
• Customisable. You may increase the loudness where you want it: more on the outside corners, less on the interior corners.
• Longer lasting. Overlapping increases the glue's contact sites, allowing clusters to stay in place for extended periods of time.

How to Do It Step by Step 

1. Prep Your Lashes

Give your natural lashes a thorough cleaning, removing any mascara, oils, and old glue. A clean basis cannot be compromised. 

2. Start with a Base Layer

Apply your first row of clusters as usual, spaced equally down your lash line. Don't worry if there are little gaps; you'll fix them in the next phase. 

3. Overlap and Layer

Once the first row is complete, begin putting clusters in between the spaces, just over the borders of the ones that are already there. Angle them to sit properly rather than clumping.

Consider stacking tiles in a staggered pattern, rather than perfectly on top of each other. 

4. Focus on the Shape

If you want to create a cat-eye effect, overlap more strongly in the outer corners. For a doll-eye effect, concentrate the overlaps in the middle. Play around; that's the beauty of clusters. 

5. Finish with a Brush

After the glue has cured, gently brush them through with a clean spoolie. This blends everything together and eliminates any noticeable criss-crossing. 

A Few Tips from Experience  

• Less glue means more. Using too much glue causes clusters to slip about and stay together.
• Don't overlap too much. Keep the overlaps minimal; you want volume, not a clumpy mess.
• Practice makes perfect. The first time may feel fiddly, but after a few attempts, it becomes second nature.
• Take breaks. If your eyes begin to moisten or your hands get unsteady, relax for a minute. Nobody is timing you.

If you like lash clusters, the overlapping method is a must-have. It provides you salon-style fluffiness without the hassle of scheduling an appointment, and it's perfect for evenings out, weekends away, or simply when you want a little drama.

Sure, it requires a little more work than putting them on in a row, but the effects are far superior. Once you've mastered clusters, you'll wonder how you ever accomplished them any other way.

So the next time you sit in front of your mirror with lash tweezers in hand, try overlapping. Your lashes will appear bigger, softer, and more professional, and your friends will be asking where you went.