Material: synthetic fibers | Reusable: no
Best Half Lash: Tatti Lashes Side Chick
Why it’s worth it: Dresher calls the Side Chick set from Tatti Lashes her “favorite half lash on the market” for its easy application. This set is made to apply along the outer corners of your lashes to create a sultry cat eye effect (no liquid liner required). Considering that you can access the brand’s 60%-off discount when you grab 20 sets of lashes, we (and Dresher!) recommend buying in bulk.
Material: synthetic fibers | Reusable: yes, up to 20 uses
Best Budget: Kiss The New Natural in Nude Blazer
Why it’s worth it: When you want high-quality glam lashes on a budget, Kiss’s lineup of lashes has you covered, but we’re especially smitten with the brand’s Nude Blazer set in The New Natural collection (so much so that this set won an Allure Best of Beauty Award). This lash set includes four pairs of featherweight lash bands that look subtly stunning. “It’s wispy yet effective, and the flexible lash band is so comfortable,” says Dresher.
Material: synthetic fibers | Reusable: yes, up to 10 uses
Frequently Asked Questions
What are false lashes made of?
When false lashes hit the scene at the end of the 19th century, they were mainly made of human hair and mink fur. But today, as manufacturers embrace cruelty-free beauty practices, the vast majority of fake eyelashes are made of synthetic materials that feel nearly identical to the real deal (silk, human hair, and mink fur).
It’s always best to read the product label/ingredients or request more information from the brand if you want to confirm the composition of false lashes or have known allergies to synthetic materials.
Are false lashes safe to use?
The short answer is yes. False lashes are safe (and fun) when you’re mindful about cleaning, application, frequency of use, and your skin’s allergies and sensitivities. “They are safe provided the assembly of the hair does not fall into the eyes, and the adhesive used does not cause an allergic reaction to the eyelids,” cosmetic chemist Ginger King explains. Check the ingredients of the lash adhesive or magnetic liner before applying it to your lid, and exercise caution when using applicator tools, like tweezers, near your eye.
Many false lashes can be worn multiple times, but clean them before reusing them—especially if you added mascara the first time around. “If you’ve applied a little mascara to your lashes while you had your false lashes on, I like to use a clean spoolie dipped in micellar water and slowly comb the lashes out. Micellar water will help break down the mascara, ensuring every last bit of it is removed from your falsies,” says New York City-based makeup artist Meghan Nguy.
How do you apply false lashes?
If applying false lashes is daunting, you’re not alone—even if falsies have evolved since their gluey, gloppy origins. Joanna Simkin, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist, took us through the falsie application steps, summarized below.
