The 6 Best False Eyelashes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our Testing Process

To start, we did a deep dive into the bestselling false eyelashes across top beauty brands. After reviewing the ratings, we rounded up the 19 most popular falsies on the market and put them to the test. Our 10 testers analyzed the fake eyelashes on a scale of 1 to 5 for four important categories: ease of application, weight, wear, and look. Once the testers provided their feedback, we were able to cross off the not-so-great falsies and ultimately narrow down the list to the six best false eyelashes.

What to Keep in Mind

Style

“The first thing to pay attention to while buying fake eyelashes is the look you are trying to achieve,” says Katya Bychkova, beauty expert and founder of the Style Sprinter blog. “Are you all about natural-looking falsies, or are you going for a dramatic look?” Once you figure that out, you can decide between three lash styles: strip lashes (like Colourpop Falsies Faux Mink Lashes), individual flares (like Lashify Control Kit), or corner/half lashes (like Lilly Lashes Butterfl’Eyes 3D Faux Mink Half Lashes). These three styles all work to create different beauty looks. 

Usually, strip lashes are best for high-drama glam results since they often feature bold lashes with crisscross patterns for extended length. On the other hand, individual flare lashes are great for natural, everyday beauty looks. These lashes come individually (hence their name), so you can apply as many or as few as you’d like. Finally, corner or half lashes were made to lift the outer corners of the eyes.

Reusability

Most false eyelashes can be reused multiple times. In fact, some lashes are actually made to be re-worn, including the Colourpop Falsies Faux Mink Lashes, Lilly Lashes Butterfl’Eyes 3D Faux Mink Half Lashes, and the lashes in the Lashify Control Kit. To properly reuse falsies, be sure to clean them after each use. To clean them, wet a Q-tip or cotton round with face wash or false lash cleaner. From there, gently wipe away any leftover glue from the lash. Once the lashes are clean, let them dry. You’ll be able to use them 15 to 20 times if cared for in this way.

Glue

Finding the right eyelash glue for your falsies is equally as important as finding good lashes. To find the best glue for you, be sure to check the ingredient list to ensure you’re not allergic to anything. (Some lash adhesives are made with latex, which can irritate eyes and eyelids.) Once you’ve checked out the ingredients, determine what color glue you want. Do you want it to be clear or black? This usually goes hand-in-hand with what kind of makeup look you’re going for (bold or natural). From there, be sure you’re applying a thin line of glue along the falsies’ lash line. Some lashes, like Lashify Control Kit, come with adhesives, too.

Your Questions, Answered

How do you apply false lashes?

Just like every home needs a solid foundation, every pair of lashes needs the same. According to Bychkova, the best way to apply fake eyelashes is by first measuring the length of the band compared to your lid. “Often, you might need to cut the lash to fit your eye size,” she explains. “Use small manicure scissors and always cut starting from the outer corner of the lash (i.e., from the side where the lashes are the longest).” (We will note that you won’t have to cut the Lilly Lashes Butterfl’Eyes 3D Faux Mink Half Lashes since they’re half the size of typical falsies.) 

Once you’ve done that, prep your skin for the falsies. “If you're not wearing eyeshadow, put some loose setting powder on to ensure your lids are not too oily, as it might impact how a lash glue sticks to your skin,” Bychkova says. When your lids are ready for the lashes, use a dedicated lash applicator (like the Tweezerman Lash Assist False Lash Applicator) or tweezers to grab the falsies. From there, apply a thin coat of lash glue to the false lash and wait 15 seconds before putting the lash on your eyelid. (This will ensure the glue gets tacky.) Finally, secure the false lash along your lash line, and you’re done! 

How do you remove false lashes?

In terms of removing false eyelashes, the best way to do so is slowly and carefully, so you don’t pull out natural lashes. “I remove false lashes by gently peeling them off, starting from the outside corner,” says celebrity makeup artist Andrew Velázquez. “If there happens to be glue residue, I apply an oil-based eye makeup remover to rub off the rest.”

Additionally, if you are wearing lashes with strong glue, ​​Bychkova recommends soaking lashes in a makeup remover first. To do so, wet a cotton round in an oil-based makeup remover (like Chanel Gentle Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover) and leave it on your lid for about 15 to 30 seconds. “During this time, the product will break down some glue, making it easier to remove your falsies,” she says. “Don't just pull your false eyelashes! By doing so, you are risking pulling out your lashes.”

How do you clean false lashes?

There are a few ways to clean false lashes. “First, clean the glue out of the lashes by washing them with a foam face wash,” says Sima Mosbacher, a lash expert and founder of Urban Doll. “If you’re removing a stronger glue, I would suggest using an oil solution. You can also use a dish soap.” 

Aside from face wash and dish soap, Bychkova notes that there are also dedicated false lash cleansers. She recommends using Velour Lash Clean, which you can use for both lash extensions and falsies. Just apply these solutions to the lash lines and gently rub off the glue.

Can you reuse false lashes?

Yes, you can reuse most false lashes. (Three picks on this list are actually made to be worn multiple times: Colourpop Falsies Faux Mink Lashes in Bae, Lilly Lashes Butterfl’Eyes 3D Faux Mink Half Lashes, and the lashes in the Lashify Control Kit). Bychkova notes that if you take good care of your falsies and don't damage them during the removal process, you could reuse them up to 20 times. Just ensure that you are properly cleaning them and using a strong glue that works with your lashes and eyelids.

How long do false lashes last?

According to Bychkova, the lifespan of your falsies depends on one simple thing: How well you care for them. “If you clean your false eyelashes properly after each wear and store them in a container that doesn't bend them, you could have a good 10 to 20 wears out of a single set,” she says.

Once applied, your falsies should be able to stay on for a full day (unless you have oily skin, says Mosbacher, then they may fall off quicker). That said, even though they can be reused and worn all day, they should always be removed before sleeping. “Although they are very commonly used, eyelash extensions and fake eyelashes can often create [eye] issues,” explains Christopher Zoumalan, M.D., a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. “It's either the eyelashes themselves or the adhesives used that create issues for some patients.” While he explains that many patients don’t have problems with falsies, he also adds that there is evidence that wearing false eyelashes for too long can cause problems such as eyelid and eye inflammation (like conjunctivitis) and other infections. To avoid this, be sure you’re taking off your falsies each night and adequately washing your face. 

What Is InStyle Picks?

Did you notice the InStyle Picks seal of approval at the top of this story? That means our team of testers has reviewed every product on this list using a unique methodology to ensure it's really worth your time, money, and attention. We may get samples for free to try, but we never promise positive (or any!) coverage in exchange. Put simply: InStyle picks are products we love, and we've put them to the test to be sure you will too.

Why Shop With Us

Lauren Harano has been contributing to InStyle since August 2022, where she covers all things beauty. She is knowledgeable about everything from skincare to makeup and has tested hundreds of products during her career. For this article, Lauren interviewed four beauty experts: celebrity makeup artist Andrew Velázquez; beauty expert and founder of the Style Sprinter blog Katya Bychkova; lash expert and founder of Urban Doll Sima Mosbacher; and board-certified oculoplastic surgeon and CEO and founder of Skinuva, Christopher Zoumalan, M.D. All three experts lent their expertise and shared their advice for safely applying and wearing false eyelashes. Additionally, Lauren compiled insights from our in-house testers, pored over product specifications, and rounded up our top picks for this story. Each pair of fake eyelashes on this list is easy to apply and amplifies the look of natural lashes.