How Do You Use Snapchat Faces?

If you're a Snapchat newbie, not a fan of social media, or just can't be bothered to update your phone, you've probably spent the past week wondering how to use Snapchat faces — or, if you're over the age of 25, wondering what the heck they are in the first place. Why is everyone puking rainbows on Instagram all of a sudden? How are people making their eyes look like they just walked off the set of a Lady Gaga music video? What is going on?

If this applies to you, never fear! Your resident Bustle Snapchat expert is here to tell you everything you need to know about how to use Snapchat lenses. I've gone into detail about the new update before, so I'll stick to the basics for the purposes of this article. As you've undoubtedly figured out by now, Snapchat released a new update last week which contains all sorts of nifty new features: Trophies, extra replays for people willing to fork over $0.99, and, of course, lenses. We have lenses to thank for the rainbow puke epidemic sweeping the nation, as well as any of the other oddly-proportioned Snaps you've been receiving over the past few days.

If you're sick of everyone's rainbow selfies, by the way, you're in luck. According to Business Insider, a new lens rotates in every day, so there's a chance that the epidemic will end soon. On the other hand, that means we'll have all kinds of new faces to play with every day! It's a fair trade-off.

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OK, the history lesson is over. Let's get to the important part: How to use the darn things. Before we begin, though, it should be noted that nothing is going to work unless you update the Snapchat app to version 9.15. Got it? Then let's get started.

1. Prepare Your Selfie Game

The lenses depend on facial recognition, so chances are you're going to be using the forward-facing camera.

2. Hold Down On Your Face

Hold down on the screen once you get the camera in position, which should pull up a grid that fits your face, like the picture above.

3. Make Sure It's Focused

If you don't focus the grid correctly, chances are you'll have hearts coming out of your nose. It's a cool look, but it's probably not what you're going for. To realign the grid on your face, just press on the center of your face until it reappears.

4. Choose Your Lens

At the bottom of the screen, you can scroll horizontally among the available lenses.

5. Follow The Directions

Some lenses don't require any action to work, but most, like the one pictured above, ask you to raise your eyebrows or perform some other small movement to function. Pro tip: These are ideal for public situations when you want to Snapchat but don't want to make a fool of yourself. Or, well, look any more foolish than normal. Other lenses ask you to open your mouth, which makes them more appropriate for when you're alone or trying to creep out the other people on the subway at 3 a.m. — although chances are they also have Snapchat, so they'll probably know exactly what you're doing.

6. Have Fun!

Put on your best selfie face, and go puke some rainbows!

Images: Claire Warner/Bustle (6)