A pair of falsies is sure to instantly perk up lifeless lashes, giving look-at-me peepers that don’t disappoint. After all, there are occasions for which mascara just doesn’t cut it. From ultra-fluttery to voluminous and full, false eyelashes are a beauty bag staple that’s guaranteed to take your makeup game to the next level.
Whether you’ve got a hot date, are getting ready for a prom or having a night out with the girls, you’ll be putting your best face forward with our pick of the best false eyelashes on the market. Below, you’ll discover false eyelashes for red-carpet glam, a barely-there look and everything in-between.
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Our top tips for applying false eyelashes
We’d recommend that you apply your false eyelashes before any other makeup. The only exception to that rule is eyeliner. Applying a feline flick before your fix your lashes will help to hide the lash band for a more natural effect. You can always re-apply eyeliner if things get a little messy. In fact, eyeliner applied in any gaps along the lash line will neaten the overall look and a touch of mascara will mesh your lashes and falsies together.
What is the best way to apply false eyelashes?
There’s no single way to apply false eyelashes. If you ask any makeup artist for top application tips, they’ll tell you it all comes down to practise – and patience. We find it easiest to stand in front of a mirror with our head fully tilted back, but do whatever you find comfortable.
Carefully take the false eyelashes from the packaging and lightly place them along your lash line to see if they fit. If they’re too long, use a pair of small scissors to trim them to size.
Once your happy with the fit, apply a thin layer of glue along the eyelash band and wait for 30 seconds until it becomes tacky. This makes it easier to stick the band to your lash line.
Hold the false eyelash at the centre of the lash band and carefully place it on top of your lashes, as close to the lash line as you can get.
Gently, but firmly, pull the falsies down until they sit flush to your lash line. We advise that you pay particular attention to the inner corner of your eye; it is in this area that they can often come unstuck.
Do I need to buy false eyelash glue?
Most false eyelash sets will come with a small tube of glue, but be sure to check the packaging to be sure. If you are going to invest in some false eyelash glue, then our favourite is the Duo Eyelash Adhesive. Fully waterproof, non-irritating and super-strong, your false eyelashes are sure to stay in place all day with this adhesive.
1. Ardell Demi Wispies: Best false eyelashes
Price when reviewed:£5.49 | Buy now from Beauty Bay
Ardell’s cult-classic Demi Wispies are our go-to lash for subtle glam. Earning a coveted place in many a makeup artist’s beauty arsenal, the Demi Wispies are hand-knotted and feathered for a pretty, fluttery finish. Ideal for round or hooded eyes, the volume-boosting lashes have a mixed length with flared outer corners that instantly define and lift. For added va-va-voom, we’d pair these lashes with winged eyeliner for a feline effect.
But how do they wear? They’re ideal if you need a long-lasting lash – we found them surprisingly lightweight and super-comfortable. Plus, they can be reused up to 10 times, if cared for properly. Overall, the Ardell Demi Wispies are a stunning pair of false eyelashes at an attractive price. They’re available in a faux mink-style, too.
Key specs – Material: natural hairs; Lash glue included: no.
2. Eylure Luxe Collection Lashes in Trinket: Best false eyelashes for a natural look
Price when reviewed:£9.95 | Buy now from Boots
Not a false eyelash girl? We’re sure Eylure’s Luxe Collection Lashes in Trinket are enough to convert you. Fluffy, soft and oh-so natural, with this mink-effect style you can cheat your way to long, wispy lashes. Thanks to their softly tapered, criss-crossed design, they seamlessly blend with your own lashes for that perfect doe-eyed look.
And unlike many false eyelash brands, the Luxe Collection ditches natural hair in favour of a cruelty-free, vegan alternative. These silk-effect synthetic fibres are ultra-fine, incredibly lightweight and give an ultra-glossy finish. Overall, we think the Trinket lash accentuates all eye shapes beautifully and is perfect for adding a little oomph to what nature supplied.
Key specs – Material: synthetic; Lash glue included: yes.
3. Lilly Lashes Miami 3D Mink: Best false eyelashes for drama
Price when reviewed:£30 | Buy now from Beauty Bay
For a full-impact and flirty look that demands attention, there’s no beating Huda Beauty’s triple-stacked Miami 3D Mink lashes. But be warned: these volume-boosting, super-lengthening lashes aren’t for the faint-hearted; they’re the go-to lash of the Kardashian clan for a reason. For an insta-worthy finish, we’d wear these show-stopping falsies with a strong smokey eye and glossy nude lip.They’re lightweight and comfortable, with a subtle lash band that sits seamlessly along the lash line.
Yes – the Miami 32 Mink lashes are expensive, but considering you can reuse them up to 30 times, they offer good value for money. They’re also available in a faux-mink style.
Key specs – Material: Mink hair; Lash glue included: no.
4. Velour Lashes Whispie me away: Best luxury false eyelashes
Price when reviewed:£23 | Buy now from Beauty Bay
The Velour Whispie Me Away false eyelashes were reportedly the finishing touch to Meghan Markle’s radiant wedding makeup. And a pair fit for a princess is good enough for us. Adding subtle volume and length, the false eyelashes have a criss-crossed design with a flared outer corner to give an elongating effect.
Velour use 100% cruelty-free mink hair for beautifully soft and fluffy lashes that look like you’re naturally blessed. The hairs are sourced from free-range zoos during shedding season, sterilised and applied by hand onto a flexible cotton band. The Whispie Me Away false eyelashes are expensive, but they’re built to last – you can wear them over 25 times.
Key specs - Material: mink hair; Lash glue included: no.
5. Fleur De Force by Eylure Couture Fleur: Best individual false eyelashes
Price when reviewed:£6.95 | Buy now from Boots
Want to elevate your look but don’t want to commit to a full-strip lash? With individual eyelashes you can create a custom look that’s perfect for all occasions. Amp up the volume for a night out, or channel a pretty, barely-there look during the day – with the Eylure Individual False Eyelash Ultra set, both looks are possible. Easily our favourite individual eyelash set, you’ll get knot-free, tapered clusters in a short, medium and long length.
If you find strip lashes too fiddly to apply, then these are perfect: simply apply a small blob of glue at the tip and use some tweezers to place the clusters along your lash line. For natural-looking fullness, use the short length in the inner corner, the mid-length at the centre, and the longer clusters at the outer edge for a flared finish. The set comes with adhesive and remover.
Key specs - Material: natural hair; Lash glue included: yes.