How To Draw Eyelashes

Drawing eyelashes is an important skill because eyelashes play a big role in expressing emotion, beauty and personality in drawings. Well-drawn eyelashes can make eyes look softer, sharper, cuter or more dramatic depending on the style you choose. Although eyelashes may seem like tiny details, they can completely change how a face looks. The key to drawing eyelashes well is understanding their direction, thickness and spacing rather than drawing each lash separately. This guide explains how to draw eyelashes in an easy and clear way for beginners and improving artists.

1. Start with the Eye Shape

Eyelashes should always be drawn after the eye.

• Draw the basic shape of the eye first.
• Add the upper and lower eyelids clearly.
• Make sure the eye shape looks balanced.
• Keep the outline clean and light.

Eyelashes follow the curve of the eyelid, so the eye shape matters.

2. Draw the Upper Eyelid Line

The upper eyelid is where most eyelashes grow.

• Darken the upper eyelid line slightly.
• Make the line thicker toward the outer corner.
• Keep the inner corner thinner.
• Use smooth, confident strokes.

A thicker upper lid line helps the eyelashes look natural.

3. Understand Eyelash Direction

Eyelashes do not grow straight.

• Lashes curve upward from the eyelid.
• Inner lashes curve slightly upward and inward.
• Middle lashes curve straight upward.
• Outer lashes curve outward and upward.

Following this natural direction makes eyelashes look realistic.

4. Draw Individual Eyelashes

Now begin adding the lashes.

• Draw lashes as quick curved strokes.
• Start each lash from the eyelid and flick outward.
• Make lashes longer toward the outer corner.
• Avoid drawing lashes the same length.

Uneven lashes look more natural than perfect ones.

5. Add Thickness and Layers

Eyelashes usually overlap.

• Add a few lashes behind the first layer.
• Slightly thicken some lashes near the base.
• Let some lashes cross over others.
• Keep the tips thin and sharp.

Layering gives eyelashes depth and fullness.

6. Draw Lower Eyelashes Lightly

Lower lashes are shorter and softer.

• Use very thin lines for lower lashes.
• Space them farther apart than upper lashes.
• Keep them short and subtle.
• Avoid making them too dark.

Lower lashes should enhance the eye, not overpower it.

7. Adjust Style for Different Looks

Eyelashes can change based on art style.

• Short lashes for simple or cartoon drawings.
• Long, thick lashes for feminine or dramatic looks.
• Soft lashes for realistic portraits.
• Bold lashes for anime or stylized characters.

Matching lash style to the character improves the overall drawing.

8. Add Shading and Finishing Touches

Final touches bring eyelashes together.

• Darken the base of the lashes slightly.
• Blend the lashes into the eyelid line.
• Erase stray sketch marks.
• Check symmetry between both eyes.

Clean finishing makes eyelashes look polished and intentional.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding errors improves your results.

• Do not draw lashes as straight lines.
• Do not space lashes evenly like a comb.
• Do not make lower lashes too dark.
• Do not draw lashes before the eye shape.

Also Read: How To Draw Anime Hair