Should you apply false eyelashes before or after mascara?

Technically, you can apply falsies before or after mascara, but Riddle recommends applying them before. “I think the lashes stick better to your own natural lashes, and I think it gives you a better idea of how much lash you need—whether you want to add in just individuals for volume or go for a strip,” he says. “You will also be able to better tell what length to use.”

How do you mesh false eyelashes with your real eyelashes?

Sometimes it can be tricky to make your falsies blend with your natural eyelashes. If you struggle with this, Riddle is coming to the rescue. “After the glue is getting close to being dry, you can place your index and thumb together on the top and bottom of the lashes and [gently] press them together to make sure they are all aligned,” he explains. “I love to add mascara to merge and blend them together after.”

How do you take false eyelashes off?

Many people wonder, “Do false eyelashes ruin your natural lashes?” They can if you wear them very frequently or you’re not careful during the removal process. In order to ensure they come off as easily as possible, riddle recommends using an oil-based makeup removing and gently massaging it around the lash glue to slowly break it down. “If you get in the shower with some steam, this will help to soften the lashes as well,” he says. We recommend starting by using an oil-based makeup remover and then hopping into the shower when possible to allow the steam to work its magic.

The 9 Best False Eyelashes of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

False Lashes Primary — Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Popping on a pair of false eyelashes can be the thing that takes your makeup look to the next level. Whether you’re hoping to enhance your eyes daily or try a dramatic glam flare, consider falsies the cherry on top of your makeup look. And, if you have short lashes or struggle to hold a curl, falsies can also be a great solution for these lash woes.

But just like learning to apply them can take some trial and error, so can finding the falsies that suit you best. According to Charlie Riddle, New York-based MUA, longer lashes that are fuller at the outer corners are flattering for those with eyes that are deep-set or have a lot of lid space. If you have small or hooded eyes, Riddle recommends opting for shorter lashes or individual lashes. “If it’s harder to see the lash line, sometimes a thick band or heavy strip could be too much,” he says. “If you go shorter, it will give you a subtle but more eye-opening effect.”

With that in mind, we conducted hours of research on the best false eyelashes, evaluating them on ease of application, weight, wear, and overall look. After consulting with a makeup artist, and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top choices for that fabulous, full-lashed effect.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Colourpop Chica Mink Lashes at Colourpop.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Kiss MLBB My Lash But Better False Eyelashes at Amazon ($4)

Jump to Review

Best Day-to-Night:

KISS Products So Wispy Lashes at Amazon ($9)

Jump to Review

Best for Natural Looks:

Loveseen Troi at Loveseen.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best for Glam Looks:

Sephora Collection Vegan False Eyelashes at Sephora ($10)

Jump to Review

Best Re-Wearable:

Lilly Lashes Butterfl’Eyes 3D Faux Mink Half Lashes at Amazon ($18)

Jump to Review

Best DIY Set:

Lashify Control Kit at Lashify.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:

Doelashes Really Really Lowkey at Amazon ($15)

Jump to Review

Best Eco-Friendly:

Velour Second Nature Plant Fibre Lashes at Amazon ($18)

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Where We Stand
How We Tested
Other Options We Tested
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Best Overall

Colourpop Chica Mink Lashes

Ulta Beauty

View On Colourpop.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Application

5/5
Wear

5/5
Overall Look

5/5
Weight

5/5

What We Like

Easy to apply
Lightweight and comfortable on the eyes
Feel high quality for the price point

What We Don't Like

May need trimming to get the right length

The Byrdie team has nothing but rave reviews to share about these gorgeous false lashes. In addition to falling in love with the dramatic yet wearable style, we appreciated how easy they were to apply. We also like how high-quality they felt, and that the lash band kept all of the fibers intact with little-to-no shedding.

Once applied, they felt practically weightless, but we felt like they would likely hold up for multiple wears, given the quality and sturdiness of the lashes. Because the lash band is black, it creates the illusion of eyeliner or a fuller lash line which was a nice touch. If you’re in the market for a glam pair of lashes to pair with a variety of makeup looks, we highly recommend this one. But note that, depending on your eye size and shape, you may need to trim them to get a perfect fit.

Who It’s For

Defined, fluttery, and weightless—these perfect false lashes are our top pick for just about anybody.

Material: 100% synthetic fibers | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Best Drugstore

Kiss MLBB My Lash But Better False Eyelashes

KISS MLBB My Lash But Better Everyday Wearable Volume False Eyelashes

Ulta Beauty

View On Amazon $4 View On Ulta $4 View On Walmart $4

Our Ratings

Ease of Application

4/5
Wear

5/5
Overall Look

4/5
Weight

5/5

What We Like

Very lightweight
Creates a beautiful, dramatic look
Designed for everyday wear but great for events, too

What We Don't Like

Those with round eyes might struggle to get the right fit

While these falsies are marketed as an enhanced version of your natural lashes, we found them to be quite impactful. Despite their fluffy, dramatic appearance, they felt incredibly lightweight and comfortable once applied. They’re perfect for event makeup or glam looks, and if you’re on the hunt for long lashes, they’ve certainly got length to them.

Who It’s For

The drugstore is a great place to shop for falsies, and if you’re planning on stopping by, we recommend grabbing a pair of these. However, we did feel like the lash strip is pretty straight, so this could create a fit issue if you have very round eyes. And if you have hooded eyes, beware that these are very long, so they might be a bit overwhelming on your eye shape.

Material: Synthetic faux mink | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Best Day-to-Night

KISS Products So Wispy Lashes

Target

View On Amazon $9 View On Ulta $9 View On Target $9

Our Ratings

Ease of Application

4/5
Wear

3.8/5
Overall Look

5/5
Weight

5/5

What We Like

Thin lash band helps to maintain a natural appearance
Lightweight and comfortable
Create the appearance of enhanced, natural lashes

What We Don't Like

Thin lash band can make application tricky
Not ideal for reuse

These flirty, natural-looking lashes come in a pack of five and can be purchased at most drugstores, making them accessible to most people. They’re also versatile as they make an impact without appearing super dramatic.

Once applied, we found them comfortable and lightweight on the eyes. While the thin lash band helps to maintain a natural appearance, it can make application a bit challenging as the lash strip struggles a bit to maintain its shape. We also noted that because the lash band is thin and delicate, these falsies aren’t made for re-wearing. That being said, if you’re in the market for affordable lashes that can be taken from day to night, these are a great option.

Who It’s For

These impactful false lashes come in a cost-effective pack of five, making them a good pick for budget-conscious beauty shoppers.

Material: Synthetic faux mink | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Best for Natural Looks

Loveseen Troi

LoveSeen

View On Loveseen.com View On Goop.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Application

5/5
Wear

3/5
Overall Look

5/5
Weight

5/5

What We Like

Natural, authentic look
Lightweight and comfortable
Can be worn up to 10 times

What We Don't Like

Thin lash band could make reuse challenging

If you don’t mind splurging a bit on a pair of high-quality lashes, we highly recommend you check these out. The Loveseen Troi False Lashes’ synthetic nylon fibers appear really authentic and natural-looking on the eyes. We loved that they felt lightweight and blended beautifully with our real eyelashes.

These falsies have a very thin lash band which helps make them appear seamless. While some people find false lashes with thin lash bands tricky to apply, we didn’t have a problem because the band is flexible. In addition to their excellent quality and beautiful look on the eyes, we also love that they can be worn up to ten times—if you’re gentle and care for them properly.

Who It’s For

If you want natural-looking falsies that add thickness and fullness to your own lashes, this featherlight pair will do the trick.

Material: Synthetic nylon | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Best for Glam Looks

Sephora Collection Vegan False Eyelashes

Sephora

View On Sephora $10 View On Kohls.com $5

Our Ratings

Ease of Application

5/5
Wear

5/5
Overall Look

4/5
Weight

5/5

What We Like

Flexible lash band makes application easy
Lightweight and comfortable on the eyes
Create a fun, dramatic look

What We Don't Like

Could be a bit overwhelming on some eye shapes

If you’re looking for a pair of lashes that make a statement, these could be right up your alley. The vegan fibers are molded into a fanned-out, curled shape that tapers at the inner corners of the eyes to give the outer corners a lifted effect. While they’re certainly dramatic, we found that they remain lightweight and easy to apply thanks to a flexible lash band and featherlight fibers. Once applied, they felt comfortable and non-irritating.

We loved the drama and that you can get it in several different styles from “flirty” to “swanky.”

Who It’s For

For an amplified, ultra-glam look, these statement lashes pull out all the stops. Just be aware that if you have a smaller eye shape, they could overwhelm your eyes unless you’re willing to trim them to get the perfect fit.

Material: Vegan fibers | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Tamara Staples

Best Re-Wearable

Lilly Lashes Butterfl’Eyes 3D Faux Mink Half Lashes

Ulta Beauty

View On Amazon $18 View On Sephora $20 View On Ulta $18

Our Ratings

Ease of Application

5/5
Wear

5/5
Overall Look

4/5
Weight

5/5

What We Like

Lightweight and easy to apply
Lashes feel durable
Creates a naturally enhanced lash look
Great value

What We Don't Like

Might be a bit small for large eyes

A pair of falsies that cost $20 might not sound so cost-effective, but when you consider that they can be worn more than 20 times if cared for correctly, their value adds up. These high-quality lashes are durable and flattering on a wide range of eye shapes, and we found them lightweight and easy to apply. We also loved that there was no pulling or discomfort during the application process, and once applied, we didn’t feel them sitting on our eyes.

Because they’re half lashes, they beautifully accentuate the outer corners of the eyes and create the illusion of naturally enhanced lashes. Another plus: they make it look like you’ve got subtle eyeliner on due to the thin, black lash band, which is great if you have sparse lashes.

Who It’s For

If you love the half-lash shape and you like to re-wear your lashes, we highly recommend buying this pair. While they’re not intended to be a full strip of lashes, we found them to be slightly short in width, so note that if you have large eyes, you might find them a bit short, too

Material: Synthetic fibers | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Best DIY Set

Lashify Control Kit

Lashify

View On Lashify.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Application

4/5
Wear

5/5
Overall Look

4/5
Weight

5/5

What We Like

They’re applied underneath your real lashes for a natural look
Customizable
Create a really authentic lash look
Incredibly lightweight

What We Don't Like

Application can take practice to master

If you take your lashes seriously, this all-in-one DIY lash extension kit may be just what you’re looking for. The brand sells complete kits that come with everything you need to apply and remove your lash extensions at home—and you can select your lash style from three different options to get one that best suits you. The extensions can be worn for one day or up to a week, used to fill in gaps in your lashes as they’re applied in several pieces, or applied to your entire lash line to mimic a full falsie.

While there are multiple steps needed to apply the lashes (which can certainly take some time to perfect), the kit contains everything you could need during the process. We loved that they are meant to be applied beneath your real lashes as opposed to on top, which helps to create a really authentic look. Once adhered to, they feel weightless and secure, and look natural.

Who It’s For

If you’re addicted to lash extensions but want to part ways with your lash technician, this kit just might be the answer.

Material: 100% Premium Korean PBT Silk | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Best Lightweight

Doelashes Really Really Lowkey

Doelashes

View On Amazon $15 View On Doebeauty.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Application

4/5
Wear

5/5
Overall Look

4/5
Weight

5/5

What We Like

Lightweight and easy to apply
Lash band is ideal thickness
Creates a natural look

What We Don't Like

Lash band might be a bit short for those with large eyes

We imagine it would be hard to find someone who enjoys the feeling of heavy false lashes weighing down their real lashes and eyelids. If you’re particularly sensitive to that, we recommend checking out this pair of weightless lashes. Made from synthetic Korean silk, the fibers themselves are fine and featherlight, and the lash band is thick enough to make application easy but thin enough to ensure they’re comfortable once applied.

We appreciated the fine, black lash band because it created the illusion of subtle eyeliner. While we really loved how curled and fluttery the lashes looked on our eyes, the length of the band was pretty short and therefore did not fully extend the length of our eyes. If you have a long eye shape, keep this in mind.

Who It’s For

If you find the falsies irritating to wear, this lightweight pair was made for you.

Material: Synthetic Korean silk | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Best Eco-Friendly

Velour Second Nature Plant Fibre Lashes

Ulta

View On Amazon $18 View On Sephora $18 View On Ulta $18

Our Ratings

Ease of Application

3/5
Wear

5/5
Overall Look

5/5
Weight

5/5

What We Like

Great for everyday looks
Lightweight
Can be reused up to twenty times

What We Don't Like

The very fine material of the fibers makes them a bit tricky to grip when applying

In addition to being made from plant fibers, these falsies come in recyclable packaging, the lash band is made from thin cotton, and they can be used up to twenty times if cared for properly. How’s that for impressive eco credentials?

We appreciated how light and comfortable they felt on our eyes and adored how natural they looked—perfect for everyday makeup looks. But keep in mind that because the fibers are so fine, gripping the lashes while applying them can be tricky. We recommend using a tweezer when applying them to help you get a better grip.

Who It’s For

If maintaining an eco-conscious beauty routine is important to you, check out these falsies made sustainably from plant fibers.

Material: Hemp-derived plant fibers | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Using an eyelash curler, curl your natural lashes prior to applying the falsies for a more seamless blend.
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
The false lash is applied successfully onto the left eye.
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Gently press the false lash onto your lash line with your fingers or a tweezer.
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Where We Stand

Overall, the best false eyelashes are Colourpop Falsies Faux Mink Lashes in Bae. They’re easy to apply, comfortable and lightweight on the eyes, and instantly pull a glam makeup look together. We also loved our budget/drugstore pick, Kiss MLBB My Lash But Better Everyday Wearable Volume False Eyelashes which helped enhance our natural lashes with long, fluttery fibers that were comfortable to wear all day long.

How We Tested

Each pair of lashes was put to the test in our lab facility in NYC and evaluated based on ease of application, weight, wear, and overall look. Testers began by ensuring that the lashes were trimmed to fit their eyes, if necessary, before applying lash glue to the band and adhering them. They used tweezers to ensure the lashes were applied precisely and made sure to mesh them with their real lashes before letting them set as the glue dried. Once dry, they assessed the lashes to see if they remained in place and how comfortable they felt.

Other Options We Tested

Ardell Demi Wispies Multipack

These drugstore false lashes are incredibly popular thanks to the natural look they create, but our tester found the lash band to be so thin that it made application difficult.

Tarte Tarteist Pro Cruelty-Free Lashes

Although we appreciate cruelty-free lashes, our tester shared that the lash band was sharp at the edges, causing discomfort during the application process and once on the eyes.

D'Lashes D'Wispy Lashes

While our tester applauded that these wispy lashes have a clear lash band for a seamless look, she found them to feel heavy on the eyes and shared that the criss-cross pattern looked a bit off.

What to Look for When Buying False Eyelashes

Style: When buying false lashes, we recommend considering the lash style. Everyone's eyes are different, meaning that not all false lashes will be universally flattering. Deep-set eyes will benefit from lashes that are fuller at the outer corners, like the Colourpop Falsies Faux Mink Lashes in Bae. Smaller and hooded eyes should look for shorter falsies or individual lashes that won’t overwhelm their eyes. If this sounds like you, we recommend the Lashify Control Kit.
Material: While many companies are thankfully moving away from using mink, it’s always a good idea to consider what materials are being used to create the lash fibers. If you’re particularly keen on opting for something sustainable, we recommend the Velour Second Nature Plant Fibre Lashes.
Value: If you wear false lashes often, it’s smart to consider buying a pack of lashes or a high-quality pair that can be reused several times. Our favorite picks that are a great value are KISS Products So Wispy Lashes - 5 Pairs and the Lilly Lashes Faux Mink Dreamy Half Lashes.

FAQ

Should you apply false eyelashes before or after mascara?

Technically, you can apply falsies before or after mascara, but Riddle recommends applying them before. “I think the lashes stick better to your own natural lashes, and I think it gives you a better idea of how much lash you need—whether you want to add in just individuals for volume or go for a strip,” he says. “You will also be able to better tell what length to use.”
How do you mesh false eyelashes with your real eyelashes?

Sometimes it can be tricky to make your falsies blend with your natural eyelashes. If you struggle with this, Riddle is coming to the rescue. “After the glue is getting close to being dry, you can place your index and thumb together on the top and bottom of the lashes and [gently] press them together to make sure they are all aligned,” he explains. “I love to add mascara to merge and blend them together after.”
How do you take false eyelashes off?

Many people wonder, “Do false eyelashes ruin your natural lashes?” They can if you wear them very frequently or you’re not careful during the removal process. In order to ensure they come off as easily as possible, riddle recommends using an oil-based makeup removing and gently massaging it around the lash glue to slowly break it down. “If you get in the shower with some steam, this will help to soften the lashes as well,” he says. We recommend starting by using an oil-based makeup remover and then hopping into the shower when possible to allow the steam to work its magic.

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

Additional guidance was provided by Charlie Riddle, a New York-based makeup artist.

Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in December, 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list.

Edited by Ally Hirschlag