Best false eyelashes: top 10 natural and dramatic fake lashes

What are false lashes made from?

The most popular types are human hair, mink fur and synthetic. Human hair and mink lashes are generally pricier but give a softer, more natural appearance. They feel lightweight but can lose their shape when wet, such as when you’re cleaning them, so may need handling with care.

Synthetic lashes are normally cheaper. They give a shinier, artificial appearance but work well for dramatic, voluminous styles as they keep their curl when exposed to water (so you can get them wet without having to worry).

What should you consider when choosing false strip lashes?

• The style you’re after – e.g. dramatic, voluminous, natural, lengthening
• Your eye shape and size
• Your eyelids – e.g. monolids and hooded eyelids may not suit all styles
• Any allergies or sensitivities
• Whether you want vegan/cruelty-free lashes
• The size of the lash band – thicker bands tend to peel away from the lash line so may require extra glue

What glue should I use?

Most falsies come with glue but, if not, you should use a strip lash glue from a trusted stockist – we like the Tarte Tarteist PRO Lash Adhesive.

Some brands offer clear and black glue. Clear is better for a natural look while black gives some extra definition and intensity. Some lash glue contains latex so, if you’re allergic, check the ingredients before purchase.

How to apply false eyelashes

It might take you a couple of attempts but, when you get it right, a good pair of falsies can really accentuate your eyes. Follow our quick how-to guide below:

1.Ensure both your real and false lashes are clean.
2.If the falsies look too long for your tastes, trim the ends.
3.Curl your natural lashes with an eyelash curler.
4.Apply a thin line of lash glue to the band, leave to dry for 20-30 seconds (or as advised in the instructions). This makes it tacky and easier to stick.
5.Place the false lash on your lash line and press down gently.
6. If you plan to wear make-up, finish with a coat of mascara and liquid liner (this may also help to hide any gaps between the falsie and your real lash line).

Can you reuse false eyelashes?

Some falsies can be worn again. The number of times varies from brand to brand but should be stated on the pack. If you plan on reusing yours, make sure to clean and care for them properly in between uses.

How long can false eyelashes be left on?

It’s not advisable to wear strip lashes for over 24 hours as they weigh down your natural ones and could trap potentially eye-irritating bacteria.

How do I remove and clean my false strip lashes?

Use clean hands and gently peel the strip away from your lids. If you’re struggling, soak a cotton pad in an oil-based make-up remover and hold it over each eye for 20-30 seconds to loosen the glue.

Next, place the lashes on a clean surface and use tweezers to pull away any dried glue. Apply make-up remover to a cotton wool pad and hold it over the lashes for 30 seconds, then gently swipe to remove any make-up residue, dirt and glue. For a more precise clean, use a cotton swab soaked in make-up remover.

Mink and human-hair options need a bit more care and attention as any liquid may cause them to lose their shape. Try to pull away as much glue as possible and if necessary, clean the lash line with a cotton bud, avoiding the strands.

Do false strip lashes damage your own lashes?

If you wear false lashes only occasionally, use a quality glue and remove them with care, they shouldn’t damage your real ones. If you’re a falsie addict, however, the strain on your lids from removing them and cleaning off glue remnants may cause some mild irritation or lash loss. Don’t panic if your real lashes start looking a little sparse though, as they should grow back in a couple of weeks.

How we test false lashes

We asked 152 women to trial 12 different strip lashes at home over a two-week period. They tested a variety of styles from natural, to lengthening and volumising, assessing how easy they were to apply, how comfortable they felt, how they looked, the consistency of the glue and how well they lasted.

The prices listed are for one pair and, unless stipulated, each pack came with a tube of clear latex-free glue. Reuse times stated assume you are following the care instructions – so if you want them to last the recommended amount of wears, don’t just sling them in your makeup bag once you’re done with them