When it comes to false lashes, you’re usually in one of two camps: those who only wear them on special occasions (or in some cases, never at all), and those who can’t get enough of them and wear them literally every. single. day.
Whichever you are, you can rest assured that I’ve tried so many pairs of false lashes, I’m fully qualified to recommend the absolute very best.
As a total lash addict who has been wearing them my entire life (and has some of the best tips for application newbies) I’ve found six of the best false eyelashes for every occasion, whether you’re off on a night out or just popping a pair on for the office.
How do I choose the right false lashes for my eye shape?
First things first: the key to getting your lashes to look flawless is finding the right ones for your eye shape and of course, deciding on the look you want to achieve. As someone with round hooded eyes, I always go for crossed lashes that are wispy with a fuller outer corner to elongate and lift my eye shape.
For anyone who wants to mimic a doe-eyed look (think Zooey Deschanel and Audrey Hepburn), go for a lash style that’s fuller in the center, or opt for one where the lashes sit in clusters across the band (these clusters will usually be different lengths, with volume concentrated in the center). This style of lash will help to achieve that wide-eyed, fluttery look thanks to the lifted appearance of the lashes.
Best false lashes for beginners
If you’re a total beginner with lashes and want to dip your toe in, or just want a finish that’s a little more subtle, individual lashes are a great place to start. As they come in individual clusters (usually grouped by different length and volume), they offer much more precision than strip lashes and allow you to take a personalised approach to your eye shape, giving you the ability to enhance the look of your natural lashes.
A corner lash (which is applied at the outer corner of the lashes) is another great option for beginners, occupying the middle-ground between individual lashes and a full strip lash. The 3/4 length allows you to add definition and volume to the outer corner of your eye for a feline, lifted effect.
With so many variations of patterns, lash hair types, lengths and volume intensity, a full strip lash can instantly transform your look, whether you’re looking for something natural or glam.
False lashes: choosing a band
Something to consider is the band of the lash. An invisible band looks more natural, has more flexibility to mould to your eye shape, and is better suited for those with smaller eyelids.
Thicker bands work well for ultra-glam eye looks, but they can be tricky to glue down and the density can cause irritation, making it feel like it’s poking into your skin.
The best thing to do is give both a go and see which you personally get on with most.
Your ultimate lash kit: the best lashes to shop now
Natural, dramatic, or somewhere in between – no matter your beauty M.O. there’s a lash that will suit your personal style…
Best for: everyday wear
I rarely stray from these lashes and I’ve been faithful to them for the best part of ten years. I constantly get asked if I’m wearing lash extensions when I wear them, thanks to the invisible band combined with the fluffy wispy shape which provides natural length and volume. They are the perfect in-between everyday lash, IMO.
Best for: a day-to-night lash look
Celebrity makeup artist Nikki Wolff (whose signature eye makeup is instantly recognisable) developed these lashes with lash extraordinaire Sweed, and they have become an everyday essential for lash beginners and pros alike.
With four different lengths of individual clusters to choose from, you can build up from barely-there to glamorous. These are also brilliant to fill in sparse gaps from lash extensions.
Best for: a little extra touch of volume
These accent corner lashes are perfect for those who don’t need a full lash but want to densify the outer corner with more volume. The wispy effect and crossed pattern will blend in seamlessly with your natural lashes.
Best for: evening glam
From YouTube famous makeup artist, beauty expert and entrepreneur Huda Kattan, these faux mink falsies provide full-on glam, volume and length; perfect for a night out. The crossed pattern enhances volume at the root of the lashes for maximum eyelash impact.
Best for: sensitive eyes
If your skin is sensitive to glues or magnetic liner, look no further than Wing It’s vegan, non-toxic lash adhesive that takes the form of a black liquid liner. It’s a real game-changer for beginners too; simply apply black liner as you normally would, wait 20 seconds then apply any strip lash for stay-all-day lashes. Genius!
Best for: holiday lashes
If you don’t have time to make it to your lash lady, or you’re saving cash for that summer holiday you’ve booked, try this lash-lengthening, falsie-extensions hybrid, that gives you salon-quality lash extensions at home. These false eyelashes stick on with the special Bond & Seal that keeps lashes on for up to ten days; perfect for those bare-faced holidays in the sun. The kit comes with easy-to-follow instructions (and they really do stay on) so it’s great for beginners and pros alike.
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