It might be time to ditch your dramatic lash extensions for this Korean idol-approved manga lash look

Undoubtedly, lash extensions are all the rage today. And while getting lash extensions can mean shaving minutes off your morning makeup routine, they are not without fault.

Not only do you have to be careful when washing your face or even rubbing your eyes, they can start to fall out after a few days, and that can end up bringing attention to your peepers for all the wrong reasons.

Which explains why an increasing number of women are falling back on false lashes. Their go-to look lately? Wispy, manga-inspired lashes to make the eyes appear bigger, rounder and more lifted.

What exactly is the manga lash look? According to makeup artist Larry Yeo, manga lashes are created with individual lashes carefully and equally spaced out along your lashes. “This effect looks more innocent and creates that wide-eyed effect,” he adds.

So what is the difference between manga lashes and the usual full-lash look? “It softly defines the eyes and enhances the focus on the eyes in a more subtle way,” explains Yeo. Most importantly, unlike the heavier, fuller-lash look, manga lashes are suitable for virtually everyone. Just make sure you’re not too heavy-handed, which then defeats the purpose, Larry cautions.

How to prep for manga lashes

To begin, Larry recommends lining your eyes thinly with a waterproof eyeliner. This frames your eyes subtly and also prevents the gap between your lash line and your falsies from being visible. We like Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Longwear Gel Eyeliner, $33, which glides on smoothly so there’s no tugging on your lids.

Next, curl your lashes to help make sure they blend in seamlessly with the falsies you apply, which have more curl and lift than natural, bare lashes. Our pick? The OG eyelash curler that can be found in the kits of many professional makeup artists: the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $30.

Then, lightly coat your lashes with mascara. This helps bulk up your natural lashes and holds them in place so they wouldn’t droop. Try Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Sculpt, $46, which lengthens, lifts and volumises without flaking, clumping or smudging.

Application tips and tricks

Here comes the star of the look: the falsies! While it’s up to you to choose between individual lashes and lash strips, Larry recommends using lash strips as they are “easier for everyone and takes the guesswork out on where to place the individual lashes."

We like bycaxs Baddie Eyes Quickie Kit, $42, an all-in-one kit that comes with a pair of lash strips, lash tweezer and lash adhesive that doubles up as an eyeliner.

For those who are more dextrous and have had experience with falsies, you can challenge yourself with Huda Beauty Hoodie Flares #25 Classic Lashes, $32, which comes with individual lashes and lash pieces in varying sizes for creating a customised effect according to their eye shape or preference.

“Make sure the false lashes are as close to your lash line before pushing it down,” Larry advises, “and make sure the lash placements on both eyes are symmetrical”.

As for tools, we reccommend the Velour Lashes Velour Too Easy Lash Applicator, $35. It has an ultra-fine tip for precise application. Best part? It also has a lash comb on the other end for ultimate convenience.

Don't forget to add the Duo Brush-On Dark Adhesive With Vitamins, $18, which comes with a fine-tipped brush for effortless application onto lash bands, strips or individual lashes. This formula turns black upon application, blending seamlessly with your eyeliner – it even comes fortified with vitamins for a lash care boost.