Erin Jahns
There are two things you should know about me: I grew up competitively dancing, and therefore, I learned how to apply a strip lash at age 12. So I’m now somewhat of a self-taught MUA who loves a good set of falsies. But what makes a good lash, you might ask?
“Shoppers should look for lashes that enhance their natural eye shape while feeling weightless and comfortable,” says celebrity makeup artist (and lash whisperer) Ash K Holm. “A clear, flexible band is key—it helps the lash melt into the lash line for a seamless, undetectable finish.”
While mascara is good for the everyday makeup routine, sometimes you need something with a little more oomph to kick your look up a notch. The best false eyelashes are like a push-up bra for your natural flutters—an assist to your natural features. Though, we know through years of trial and error that not all are created equal. (That goes for both lashes and bras, TBH.)
Finding the right fit is hard, so we did the work for you—testing dozens of lashes and getting expert recommendations from revered celebrity makeup artists to narrow it down to the handful of styles that are worth spending on. Keep scrolling for the best false eyelashes on the market today.
The Best False Eyelashes, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Lilly Lashes Sheer Band False Eyelashes
- Best for Mature Eyes: MAC 33 Lash False Lashes
- Best for Beginners: Kiss ImPress Press-On Falsies
- Best Drugstore: Ardell Demi Wispies
- Best Magnetic: Glamnetic Venus Magnetic Lashes
Best Overall: Lilly Lashes Sheer Band Playful False Eyelashes
Pros: Realistic-looking, invisible band, comfortable wear
Cons: On the expensive side
Type: Faux mink | Style: Round, fluttery, half lash | Reusable: Yes, up to 20 wears
If you're looking for a brand of eyelashes favored by celebrities, we'd like to introduce you to Lilly Lashes. We’ve spotted styles from this brand on stars from former First Lady Michelle Obama as well as other A-list names such as Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and so on. The selection is glamorous while still being suitable for everyday wear thanks to its half-lash band, which melts seamlessly into the lash line.
Editor review: “I’ve tried many falsies in my day, but it’s hard to beat anything from Lilly Lashes in terms of quality and appearance. Each faux-mink lash is über-soft, expertly made, and disappears into my lash line thanks to its sheer band. Whenever my friends want recs for good fake lashes, I can think of no better brand to drop a link to than Lilly Lashes.” — Alyssa Brascia, associate beauty editor
Customer review: "I’ve always had a hard time finding lashes that fit my eye, I would always have to cut full strip lashes down to half the size to fit my lashes. I was excited yet hesitant to purchase the lashes because of the consistent hassle I would run into with a full strip lash. These are the perfect lash for me, they compliment my eye shape so well and it makes me more confident to do more creative eye looks!."
Best for Mature Eyes: MAC 33 Lash False Lashes
Pros: Handmade, lots of styles to choose from, comfortable on the eye
Cons: Glue sold separately
Type: Synthetic | Style: Round, clusters on band | Reusable: Yes
We'll just say this: MAC is the OG beauty brand when it comes to pretty much everything. MAC will always be one of the absolute best in the arena on the false-lash front, and while there are plenty of new and exciting brands we love, the brand's signature cool factor and diversity in terms of styles, lengths, and colors will be loved forever and ever. This particular pair is lightweight and the clusters are carefully spaced to offer a natural look without causing discomfort or looking too “glam.”
Customer review: "I am middle aged and have never worn false lashes. Decided to try them just for fun. The sales associate picked these out for me. They are so comfortable that the first time I wore them, I forgot I had them on. Really makes my eyes pop and helps me feel more feminine. I would definitely recommend these."
Best for Beginners: Kiss ImPress Press-On Falsies
Pros: Easy to apply, self-adhering
Cons: Can be difficult to remove
Type: Synthetic | Style: Individual clusters | Reusable: Yes, two to three wears per cluster
Strip lashes may seem daunting if you’re a lash newbie, and honestly, we can’t blame you. Even the pros find themselves reaching for these individual clusters, which are meant to be applied to the underside of your top lashes to provide a seamless appearance—no noticeable lash bands or annoying lifting here. Holm is a fan, gravitating toward these self-adhesive lashes for herself when she’s getting ready in a hurry or trying to build the intensity of her lash look, layering them on top of one another.
Editor review: “I was first introduced to Kiss’s self-stick under-lash falsies around a year ago and quickly fell in love. As someone who doesn’t particularly favor a full strip lash and who loathes a visible lash band, I love practically everything about these lashes (besides how hard they are to remove at the end of the day). The under-lash application makes these look like extensions, the clusters never bug my eyes (I wore them to a festival, and they lasted all day with zero irritation), and the price point is perfect.” — Brascia
Customer review: “Best clusters I've ever used! I even reuse the same ones sometimes, I love them. I've been doing my own lashes since I found these.”
Best Drugstore: Ardell Demi Wispies
Pros: Affordable, pro-approved, easy to apply and remove
Cons: Not very durable
Type: Synthetic | Style: Cat eye, wispy | Reusable: Yes, up to seven wears
Ardell's iconic Wispies are some of the most-used false eyelashes among pro makeup artists when they're prepping a celebrity client for a shoot or red carpet. They're super affordable, and although there are tons of options that are sure to strike every kind of fancy, we'll always be besotted with its line of Wispies. We keep both the regular and the Demi length, which is a touch shorter, on hand for all of our faux-lash needs. (Plus, you really can't beat five pairs of eyelashes for just $13.)
Editor review: “When I first started using fake eyelashes (ahem, back in 2012 when I was piling on the dance-competition makeup), I started with these pairs of lashes. Since then, they’ve been a comfort pick—not just for the nostalgia they evoke, but for their user-friendly design, flexible band, and versatile style. Not over the top yet still voluminous enough to be noticeable, these lashes bring the perfect amount of drama and remain a constant in my own kit to this day.” — Brascia
Customer review: "These lashes are perfect! I use them for everyday looks. They're not too long or too dramatic, but they just give my lashes that perfect fuller effect without actually looking like fake lashes. They last a while if you take care of them. I buy the multipack and it lasts me a whole month. I wear each pair for about a week."
Best Magnetic: Glamnetic Venus Magnetic Lashes
Pros: Durable (can be worn up to 60 times), no-mess magnetic liner is easier to use than glue, lots of styles to choose from, vegan-friendly
Cons: Magnetic liner sold separately, pricey
Type: Synthetic | Style: Short cat eye | Reusable: Yes, up to 60 wears
Glamnetic has quickly become the brand when it comes to magnetic lashes, and really, they're the ultimate, foolproof option for anyone who doesn't want to bother with the sometimes frustrating gluing process. (The brand also has the best assortment of styles we've maybe ever seen.) The lashes are made from a high-quality synthetic fiber and comfortable-to-wear bands surreptitiously feature six lightweight magnets for maximum staying power and hold. What's more, if they're well taken care of, your lashes can be worn up to 60 times without needing to be replaced.
Customer review: "Great shape and length. I could wear these all day for work and all night out. I have gone through two sets, and the quality has been awesome."
Best Lash Extensions: Lashify Control Kit
Pros: Easy removal, long-lasting, customizable clusters, full kit
Cons: Most expensive pick, requires practice, time-consuming application
Type: Gossamer | Style: Customizable | Reusable: Yes, if cared for
More often than not, our favorite celebrities are wearing these layerable, very real-looking gossamer lashes from Lashify when they're walking the red carpet. The kits might be a bit more expensive than the average set of strips you can find at your drugstore, but the ultimate effect is so damn believable and eye-catching. They're highly customizable, and each kit comes stocked with everything you could possibly need for professional-level application: a control wand, three sets of lashes, a bonding agent, a glass finishing coat, and a storage case.
Editor review: “The lashes stick really easily, which made application a breeze. I did have one lash that got tangled, so I removed it and replaced it with a different one. I used three short lashes and two longer lashes and thought the end result was perfect.” — Katie Behron, former Who What Wear beauty editor
Customer review: “I bought these to wear to a wedding and was surprised how easy they were to put on and how long they stayed on, even applying them after my first time. I strongly recommend these to anyone who is considering eyelash extensions but doesn’t want to commit.”
Best Drugstore Lash Extensions: Kiss Falscara Special Edition Starter Kit
Pros: Great quality for the price, versatile wear, gentle on natural lashes
Cons: Kiss’s bond remover is essential, yet sold separately
Type: Synthetic | Style: Clusters | Reusable: Yes, if cared for
Lash extensions are an expensive habit to get yourself into, and while Lashify offers a comparatively less expensive option, it can still feel like a splurge. If you want to experiment with long-term falsies that don’t break the bank, try this set of DIY bonded lashes from Kiss. Each cluster can be applied underneath the lash to hide any trace of the lash band, and the included bond will keep your lashes in place from 24 hours to 14 days, depending on however long you choose to wear them (and if you finish with a swipe of the sealing bond). However, if you’re looking for a bit more style variety in your lash pack, you should opt for the Falscara Studio instead.
Expert recommendation: “Under-lash falsies like Falscara Studio are great when I want a clean, lifted effect that mimics lash extensions—perfect for red carpet, weddings, or press but they’re also amazing to use any time because the beauty is in the customization you can make it work for any look from day to night.” — Holm
Customer review: “The Kiss Falscara Lash Extensions Kit is a game-changer for anyone looking to achieve salon-quality lashes from the comfort of home. This kit makes lash extensions accessible, offering a simple yet effective way to enhance your look with minimal effort.”
Best for Hooded Eyes: Velour Effortless Understated Lashes
Pros: Reusable, made from ethically sourced materials, natural-looking
Cons: Has a black lash band
Type: Synthetic silk | Style: Round | Reusable: Yes, up to 25 uses
There's a lot to love about Velour Lashes. For one, the brand uses a super-innovative lash fiber that makes for an incredibly natural-looking result, and its lashes are ethically sourced and cruelty-free. If you care for them correctly, one set will last for up to 25 applications. For hooded eyes, look for lash styles (like this one!) that have shorter fibers on the inner corner and gradually get longer as they work their way to the outer corner.
Customer review: "Great for girlies that wear glasses! I love falsies but they always rub against my lenses and these are so gorgeous and are the perfect length! I sometimes even forget I'm wearing them. They look so natural and are incredibly comfortable to wear!"
Best Clusters: FlutterHabit Sweetheart Underlash Clusters
Pros: Great value for the price, easy to apply, customizable fit
Cons: Not reusable, glue not included
Type: Faux mink | Style: Round, curly | Reusable: No
Much like the Lashify and Kiss Falscara sets, these clusters from FlutterHabit are made to go the distance—offering up to 10 days of wear, six sets of lashes in one pack (a score for the price, if you ask me) and water-resistant synthetic fibers that allows you to wash your face without fear of losing lashes. The individual clusters make it easy to get a natural, customizable look while the under-lash application hides any trace of its thin band.
Editor review: “I love these lashes because they’re user-friendly and instantly make me look like I’ve put more effort into my look than I have. I wish the glue was included in the lash set, but I can’t deny how good the price of this set is for how much you get.” — Brascia
Customer review: “One of my favorite products. I have been using FlutterHabit lashes for 3 years. Once you get the hang of applying them it is super easy! They last up to two weeks if you apply them correctly and look like they’re salon quality!
What Should I Look For in False Eyelashes?
Carolina Gonzalez, celebrity makeup artist: "Look for hair quality with a feathery and tapered end. Then, I would look for different styles and a variety of lengths."
Holm: "I always look for seamlessness, comfort, and customization. I need lashes that look amazing in HD but also disappear into the makeup for a natural finish. A clear band is a must, and I love when lashes can be layered or adjusted to fit different eye shapes."
What Are the Different Types of False Eyelashes?
- Strip Lashes: “Strip lashes are ideal for high-impact looks—whether it’s editorial, stage, or a bold eye moment, they deliver drama quickly,” says Holm. Most traditional false lashes, like the Ardell Demi Wispies, are great examples of a standard strip lash.
- Half Lashes: Since full-length lash bands are often too long for most people’s eyes, half lashes are a great alternative. Lilly Lashes make editor-loved half lashes that accentuate the outer half of the eyes beautifully, blending in like a natural lash should.
- Self-Adhesive: Perhaps one of the newest trends to take over the falsies space is the self-adhering fake eyelash, including under-lash styles. “My preference is self-stick underneath falsies,” says Gonzalez. “If they are different lengths you can customize [them].”
- Clusters: Also known as individual lashes, clusters are smaller than half lashes and can be spaced apart from one another to create a natural-looking dispersion along the lash line or stacked on top of one another to boost volume. “Individual clusters are great for building volume where needed, especially for customizing the outer corners or filling in gaps,” explains Holm.
How to Apply False Eyelashes
It can seem daunting to execute a flawless application of false eyelashes, but these celebrity MUAs promise that practice makes perfect. “Self-stick is the easiest and most natural,” Gonzalez suggests to newbies. “With the self-stick, you just have to apply [it] to the root of the hair and [not] get it on the tightline. Then, you secure it with a tool to get precise at the base of the lash.” However, here’s the quick-and-dirty on how to apply the other popular kinds of lashes.
- Strip lashes: “With the strip lash, I apply the glue, then let the glue dry a little bit, then apply. Again, as close to the lash line as possible.” — Gonzalez
- Clusters: “As for clusters, I like to make sure they are at the root of the lash. In instances where the natural lash gets in the way, I will weave in the lashes with a tool.” — Gonzalez
- Under-lash: “Use a mirror angled below your chin so you can look down as you apply. Start from the outer corner of your eye and apply the bond in sections. That way, it doesn’t dry out on you. Place one wisp one right above the waterline underneath your lash so it sits comfortably.” — Holm
Pro Tip: “Start off by only applying three wisps in the outer corner to just get the hang of it. This makes it really simple, and it opens the outer corner of your eye by not bringing the wisps all the way in.” — Holm
How We Tested
In order to find the best false eyelashes on the market, we dove headfirst into researching which brands and specific styles had shoppers buzzing—and took note of their critiques, too. Because we’re hesitant to trust the internet before forming our own opinions (though, we will always take recommendations from our makeup-artist friends—thanks, Carolina and Ash!), we gathered up our top contenders and got to testing.
Each editor wore their lashes how they normally would, just maybe reading the instructions a little more carefully this time. We applied them for dinner parties, festivals, and workdays; tested them for days to weeks at a time if they were extension-adjacent; and made our decisions from there.
To make the fairest recommendations to our dear readers, we took skill level, age range, materials, and reusability into account when making our final decisions, which resulted in the nine pairs of flutters above—with picks from mature eye–friendly lashes and beginner picks to splurge-worthy sets and drugstore favorites galore.
Who's Who
- Ash K Holm is a Los Angeles–based celebrity makeup artist with a slew of high-profile clients including Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, and more.
- Carolina Gonzalez is a New York–based celebrity makeup artist with a strong celebrity client base that consists of Sabrina Carpenter, Gigi Hadid, Hailee Steinfeld, and more.
- Alyssa Brascia is an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear with 13 years of experience wearing and applying false eyelashes everywhere from the backstage of a theater to her friends’ bridal makeup trials.
- Erin Jahns is the beauty director at Who What Wear with a storied past of lash extension installments before switching over to regular mascara and a good false eyelash.
- Katie Behron is a former beauty editor at Who What Wear who used the Lashify Control Kit to achieve her lengthy lashes.
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