Before you head out to get your lashes done, there are several things you need to know. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the types of lashes available and how they look, feel, and wear on your eyes. 

No two sets of eyes are the same, so what might look fantastic on your BFF may not look so great on you. But there’s no need to sweat it! We’ve got you covered with all the lash facts you need.

Lash Material Types

It’s no secret that people worldwide have been enhancing their natural beauty to accentuate their looks. Faux lashes have been popular since 1911, when a Canadian inventor named Anna Taylor patented artificial lashes. Her lash invention was said to have been made from human hair. 

Her invention was a crescent-shaped strip lash that could be adhered to the upper lash line with glue. A few years later, in 1915, false eyelashes were applied in a NY hair salon owned by the hairdresser Karl Nessler. 

Since then, the world of beauty has evolved with many more cosmetic inventions, like magnetic lashes. One thing has remained the same, though. Strip lashes and fake lashes adhered with glue (aka lash extensions) are still popular today. 

False lashes are available in several types of materials. If you are thinking about getting fake lashes, read on. 

Mink Eyelashes

Mink lashes come from—you guessed it—genuine mink fur. While most lashes today are not real mink fur, some still are. These mink lashes provide a natural, light, everyday look. The lashes are very thin, so they don’t weigh your natural lashes down.

Mink lashes mimic natural lashes because of their density. These lashes are often used in volume lash sets because many of them can be clustered together and easily applied without much weight.

Genuine mink is permed to give the strands curl, so these lashes need to be curled frequently at home. Mink lashes cost more than other types of lashes because of the quality of the fur, making them popular among some celebrities.

Buyer beware; if you have animal allergies, these might not be for you.

Faux Mink Lashes

Faux mink lashes are synthetic lashes that are designed to look and feel like genuine mink. These lashes, similar to real mink, are also natural-looking with a fine density. They are usually made with PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate). PBT is a polyester used to make many other products like toothbrushes and swimwear.

Faux mink is the perfect option for those who like the look and feel of the mink but don’t want to wear real fur. These lashes are also much less expensive than genuine mink. 

Silk Lashes

This lash type has a short taper, which means each lash is thicker throughout the body for longer. 

Silk lashes give you a more dense appearance at the base of the lash. The semi-gloss finish and thick body of silk lashes make them look super glam. 

Something to bear in mind is that while some silk lashes will actually be made from genuine silk, others will be made from synthetic silk. If you’re purchasing silk lashes, decide on your preference and make sure you’re getting the right ones. 

Sable Lashes

Another lash type is the sable lash, made from the fur of the sable animal. Sable lashes are similar to mink because they are very thin and natural-looking, but they are more delicate. 

These lashes are great for those who want wispy natural lash styles. Sable lashes won’t weigh down your natural lashes, either.

Synthetic Lashes

If you want a bold, glam look, then go with a synthetic lash. These are the cheapest of all lash types because they do not consist of any real fur. These lashes are made of PBT, which is heated and molded into the lash shape and sewn onto a lash band.  

Synthetic lashes are thicker than other types of lashes, which allows them to hold their curl well. They are the most common type of lash. Artificial lashes can be used once with glue and then discarded.

Lash Application Types

There are three different ways that you can apply faux lashes. Two methods are easily done at home, and one, you’ll need to have applied in a salon. There are two application methods: glue and magnets. Some lash types are easier to apply than others. Let’s take a deeper look.

Strip Lashes

Strip lashes are almost always made of synthetic PBT. These synthetic lashes are meant to be used once and then thrown away, and they are the least expensive of all lash types. Strip lashes are applied with a thin application of lash glue. The glue is applied to the lash band, and the lash band is then placed on your upper lash line. 

Since lash glue is often toxic, you must be very careful when applying these lashes. Sometimes the glue may adhere to your natural lashes or become too sticky to handle. It can get frustrating if you are not familiar with the application process. 

Lash Extensions

Lash extensions consist of tiny hair-like fibers made from mink, faux mink, sable, silk, or synthetic materials. A licensed cosmetologist, esthetician, or lash expert must apply this type of lash in a salon. 

The lash fibers are glued with professional lash glue one by one onto your natural lashes. This process takes several hours to complete. Even though the lash glue is a professional grade, it does still often consist of toxic ingredients. 

It is crucial that the person applying these lashes be certified to do so. If the professional is not careful, bacteria can spread to the client’s eyes, leading to irritation or infection.

Lash extensions last about three weeks before a retouch is needed. Retouches refill the lashes in places where the lashes have naturally been shed from wear and the natural shedding process.

Magnetic Lashes

Magnetic lashes are considered the safest type of lashes available today. These lashes are made of mink or synthetic vegan materials. Magnetic lashes can be applied at home by almost anyone in just a matter of minutes. 

Magnetic lashes are applied with a magnetic eyeliner. The magnetic liner is drawn onto the upper lash line, and then the magnetic lashes are placed directly over the liner. No toxic glues are needed! The two are magnetically attracted and provide all-day comfortable wear.

Magnetic lashes can be worn all day and are reusable. As long as the magnetic lashes are properly cleaned and stored, you can reuse them again and again. We’re obsessed!

Summing It Up

When it comes to lashes, you’ve got options. Lash extensions are available in many materials and can be customized to fit your lash style. They do involve toxic glues, so make sure you see a professional if you choose to go this route. 

Magnetic lashes are considered the safest false lash application type on the market today. The magnetic liner consists of FDA-approved iron oxide, which provides a super-strong yet comfortable all-day hold.

Glamnetic magnetic lashes come in many volumes, densities, lengths, and styles. Which set will you choose? You can customize your look by visiting our lash guide or taking our lash quiz.

Sources:

Who Made Those False Eyelashes? | NY Times

How to Apply Strip Eyelashes in 3 Steps | How Stuff Works

How to Apply False Eyelashes: Step-by-Step Guide With Photos | Allure

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