If you took a poll of the one makeup item women couldn’t live without, there’s a good chance that mascara would top the list. Great lashes instantly wake up your entire face and make you look done. Another way to get the look? With eyelash extensions. And while you can spend a pretty penny for a professional set of lashes, there are plenty of options you can apply at home to get the same result.
“I’ve been a fan of falsies for a really long time,” says Yasmin Maya, Founder and CEO of Birdy Lashes. “In my first YouTube video, I am actually applying lashes for the first time since I had just had an incident that burned my lashes off. Ever since, falsies have been a staple for me. They are easy to apply from the comfort of your home, and to me, a good pair not only completes your look but elevates it.”
A major perk of eyelash extensions is you can find one for every mood and occasion. “One of the main advantages is that you can always switch up the style of lashes you are using,” Maya says. “You can go for a wispy cat eye effect or go for more of a dolly-eye look or even stick to something on the natural side. There are more options than ever now, including the type of material you prefer for your lashes, as well as a wide variety of lengths and volume to choose from.”
When shopping for the best eyelash extensions, there are a few things to keep an eye out for. “You should always be on the lookout for quality materials, like faux mink, and lashes that you can reuse multiple times,” Maya says. “That’s a big benefit as better quality lashes will hold up better as you reuse them and this will also save you money, versus one-time use falsies.”
How to apply false lashes
Falsies sometimes have a reputation for being tricky to use, but they’re much easier to apply than they look. “The best way to apply falsies is to use an eyeliner adhesive,” Maya says. “An adhesive that doubles as eyeliner will make the process easier to apply the lashes. Most of them are available in both clear and black.” Try Kiss Felt Tip Glue Liner Lash Adhesive ($7; ulta.com).
Before starting the application process, Maya recommends holding the falsies up against your lash line to fit and customize to your eye shape. Depending on the length of the strip, you may need to cut off a bit at the end of each lash. “Having lashes that fit well, with no excess, is key to a great application,” she says. Then, apply a coat of mascara on your lashes to help grip the falsies and blend the look.
“Next, you’ll use the eyeliner adhesive and line your eyes as close to your natural lash line as possible. Depending on your preference, you can line your eyes as thin or thick as you’d like,” Maya says. “Pop the falsies right on top of the liner adhesive, starting from the middle then moving on to the sides.” Finally, her pro tip: Use tweezers or your fingers to lightly pinch the falsies against your natural lashes to blend them in.”
On that note, if you are applying individual false lashes, you’ll want to have tweezers handy. Similarly to lash strips, you will start by applying a coat of mascara. However, instead of a liner lash adhesive, you are going to use a traditional lash glue. Apply a small dollop of glue to the back of your hand and let it sit for 30 seconds or until it becomes tacky to the touch.
Then, working with one at a time, tap the base of the faux lash into the glue and place it along your lash line, starting at the outside corner and working inward. Once dry, use your fingers to pinch and blend the extensions with your real lashes.
The Best Eyelash Extensions You Can Apply At Home
Whether you’re looking for falsies that bring on the drama or individual lashes that will pass as your own, these are the best eyelash extensions for at home application.
Birdy Lashes XXX Lashes ($12; birdylashes.com)
“I may be a little biased but I really do love my own Birdy Lashes,” Maya says. “I wanted to focus on creating amazing quality faux mink falsies. One of my favorite lash styles is XXX, which sometimes I’ll cut in half and apply to the outer corner of my eyes for an elevated yet simple daytime look.” And although they give lashes a significant increase in volume, they are surprisingly lightweight.
Huda Beauty Classic False Lashes Giselle #1 ($18; sephora.com)
If anyone knows lashes, it’s Huda Kattan, who launched her smash hit line with a pair of falsies. Known as some of the best eyelash extensions out there, each cruelty-free set works for all eye shapes and can be worn up to 15 times. She offers a range of styles, from natural to all out drama. The Giselle #1 is a natural looking option with mixed length fibers that blend beautiful into your natural lashes.
Lilly Lashes Faux Mink Miami Lashes ($28; ulta.com)
True to its name, these are worthy of a night out in Miami. The dramatic, round lash style is delightfully wispy and voluminous without being too costume-y. Vegan, handmade, and easy to apply, they can be worn up to 25 times.
Lashify Amplify Faux Minx Gossamer Lashes ($20; lashify.com)
Similar to a pair of professional lash extensions, these come in clusters, which allows you to really personalize the look you are going for, and are designed to tuck up under the lashes for a seamless finish. Made from a synthetic silk fiber that mimics minx, they come in five lengths, from extra short to extra long, have the perfect level of curl, and are available neutral colors like black and ash blonde, plus fun shades like teal and vibrant violet.
Younique Moodstruck Magnetic Lash ($35; youniqueproducts.com)
These lashes are literally magnetic! Ten mini magnets hold them in place when used with the Moodstruck Magnetic Liner, ensuring they won’t budge for up to 10 hours, even through heat and humidity. The vegan lashes are trimmable and moldable so you can customize them for your perfect fit.
Love Seen Iris ($22; loveseen.com)
After fashion darling Jenna Lyons left J.Crew, many were wondering what was next for her. Turns out, it was co-founding this line of eyelash extensions that are designed for regular, real-life wear. This bestselling set features a shorter band for narrower eye shapes, follows the natural pattern of hair growth (aka shorter inner corner hairs), and offers major curl.
V Luxe by I-ENVY 30D Cluster Extension Long ($10; amazon.com)
These individual lash clusters are super easy to apply, thanks to the thin, flat strip that sits flush against your lash line. The fluffier fishtail shape offers exceptional volume and extension-like length, and you can customize them based on your eye shape.
Eyelure Wild & Wispy False Lashes, Savage ($6; ulta.com)
Looking for an intense lash look? These eyelash extensions make a statement. The Savage is, in fact, wild and wispy with a super-fanned out style for bold length and a crisscrossed design for added depth. Handmade and reusable for up to five wears at 18 hours, they also come with a vegan, latex-free lash glue.
Kiss Lash Couture Luxtensions False Eyelashes ($8; ulta.com)
Light and flexible, these eyelash extensions are the ultimate affordable strip lash. The slim lash band makes them easy to apply (and wear) while the ultra-curled style provides a beautiful eye-widening effect. (Keep in mind the lash glue is sold separately.)
Ardell Faux Mink Lash #811 ($7; ulta.com)
Get your glamour on with these deluxe strip lashes that deliver medium volume and length for maximum wearability. The soft faux mink hair fibers have finely tapered ends and a gentle flared wing for a subtle cat eye effect.
Doe Lashes Morning Dew ($13; urbanoutfitters.com)
Eyelash extensions get the Kbeauty treatment with this handcrafted silk set that’s designed for all-day comfort. Made from cruelty-free, 100% sustainable synthetic silk fiber from South Korea, the lightweight cotton band means you can barely feel they’re there. A cinch to apply, they can be worn up to 15 times.
Lilac St. Feather Lashes ($7; lilacst.com)
As the name implies this set of clusters provides a feathered lash effect. The unique design features two defined clusters on each strip, which slightly overlap each other and have staggered lengths for a super-fluttery finish. Plus, they feel weightless on the eyes.
Lash Star Visionary Lashes 007 ($28; neimanmarcus.com)
A worthy splurge, these synthetic mink eyelash extensions feel as beautiful as they look. Soft and light, the layers create a 3D effect for a convincing look. The cotton band makes them comfy, despite their full volume. Meant to be worn again and again with proper care, they’re reusable up to 20 to 30 times.
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