The 6 Best False Eyelashes, Tested and Reviewed

What to Keep in Mind

• Lash Styles: “The first thing to pay attention to while buying fake eyelashes is the look you are trying to achieve,” says Katya Bychkova, beauty expert and founder of the Style Sprinter blog. “Are you all about natural-looking falsies, or are you going for a dramatic look?” Once you figure that out, you can decide between three lash styles: Strip lashes, individual flares, or corner/half lashes. These three styles all work to create different beauty looks and varying degrees of drama. 
  
  Usually, strip lashes are best for high-drama glam results since they often feature bold lashes with crisscross patterns for extended length. On the other hand, individual flare lashes are great for natural, everyday beauty looks. These lashes come individually (hence their name), so you can apply as many or as few as you’d like. Finally, corner or half lashes were made to lift the outer corners of the eyes.
  
  
• Ability to Reuse: Most false eyelashes can be reused multiple times. In fact, some lashes are actually made to be re-worn, which is better for your wallet and for the world. To properly reuse falsies, be sure to clean them after each use — just wet a Q-tip or cotton round with face wash or false lash cleaner and gently wipe away any leftover glue. Once they're clean, let them dry. If you're consistent about washing them after every use, you'll be able to get 15 to 20 wears out of each set.
  
  
• Glue: Finding the right eyelash glue for your falsies is equally as important as finding good lashes. To find the best glue for you, be sure to check the ingredient list to ensure you’re not allergic to anything. (Some lash adhesives are made with latex, which can irritate eyes and eyelids.) Once you’ve checked out the ingredients, determine what color glue you want. Do you want it to be clear or black? This usually goes hand-in-hand with what kind of makeup look you’re going for (bold or natural). From there, be sure you’re applying a thin line of glue along the falsies’ lash line.

Your Questions, Answered

How do you apply false lashes?

According to Bychkova, the best way to apply fake eyelashes is by first measuring the length of the band compared to your lid. “Often, you might need to cut the lash to fit your eye size,” she explains. “Use small manicure scissors and always cut starting from the outer corner of the lash (i.e., from the side where the lashes are the longest).”  

Once you’ve done that, prep your skin for the falsies. “If you're not wearing eyeshadow, put some loose setting powder on to ensure your lids are not too oily, as it might impact how a lash glue sticks to your skin,” says Bychkova. When your lids are ready for the lashes, use a dedicated lash applicator (like the Tweezerman Lash Assist False Lash Applicator) or tweezers to grab the falsies and apply a thin coat of lash glue to the false lash then wait 15 seconds before putting the lash on your eyelid to ensure the glue gets tacky. Finally, secure the false lash along your lash line, and you’re done! 

How do you remove false lashes?

“I remove false lashes by gently peeling them off, starting from the outside corner,” says celebrity makeup artist Andrew Velázquez. “If there happens to be glue residue, I apply an oil-based eye makeup remover to rub off the rest — but whatever you do, do not pull your false eyelashes! By doing so, you're at risk of pulling out your real lashes.”

How do you clean false lashes?

There are a few ways to clean false lashes. “First, clean the glue out of the lashes by washing them with a foam face wash,” says Sima Mosbacher, a lash expert and founder of Urban Doll. “If you’re removing a stronger glue, I would suggest using an oil solution. You can also use a dish soap.” 

Aside from face wash and dish soap, Bychkova notes that there are also dedicated false lash cleansers, and recommends Velour Lash Clean to her clients because it's suitable for both extensions and falsies.

How long do false lashes last?

The overall lifespan of your falsies depends on one simple thing: How well you care for them. “If you clean your false eyelashes properly after each wear and store them in a container that doesn't bend them, you can expect a longer lifespan," says Bychkova.

In terms of daily wear-time, if you apply the false lashes in the morning, you can expect them to stay secure for one full day, unless you have very oily lids, in which case the corners may start to peel a bit faster," says Mosbacher.

“Although they are very commonly used, eyelash extensions and fake eyelashes can often create [eye] issues,” explains Dr. Christopher Zoumalan, a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. “It's either the eyelashes themselves or the adhesives used that create issues for some patients.”

Why Shop With Us

Lauren Harano has been contributing to InStyle since August 2022, where she covers all things beauty. She is knowledgeable about everything from skincare to makeup and has tested hundreds of products during her career. For this article, Lauren interviewed four beauty experts: Celebrity makeup artist Andrew Velázquez; beauty expert and founder of the Style Sprinter blog Katya Bychkova; lash expert and founder of Urban Doll Sima Mosbacher; and board-certified oculoplastic surgeon and CEO and founder of Skinuva, Dr. Christopher Zoumalan.