How do I Choose the Best Artificial Eyelashes?

Artificial eyelashes can give your look that extra boost of glamor and drama, but not all lashes are created equal. Before selecting artificial eyelashes, you will need to stop and consider the effect you want. From the subtle to the theatrical, there are fake lashes for every look.

Choosing the best artificial eyelashes will depend on the desired effect. For a subtle, natural look, avoid overly thick lashes, instead favoring sparse lashes slightly longer than your own. To fill in thin lashes, though, a thick lash cut to an even length will suit best. A glamorous look might require thicker, longer lashes with a pronounced curl.

Rather than try to make false lashes blend in, you might decide to choose more theatrical artificial eyelashes. Very long lashes, in bright colors or dusted with glitter, can give you an exotic look. For an even more extreme effect, you can try metallic or feathered lashes. Lashes like these often are seen on catwalks and red carpets and special glamorous occasions.

Full strip lashes are the most common type of artificial eyelashes available. These strips are worn across the length of the eyelid, just over your natural eyelashes, and give lashes a fuller, longer look. Three-quarter length lashes are very effective as well, with a natural look that emphasizes the corner of the eye, but they can be harder to find than full strips.

Most women who use artificial eyelashes use them only on the upper eye. Lower lashes are available, but they are not widely used. Unless applied correctly, they tend to look especially false, but if done well, lower lashes appear completely natural while accenting the eyes.

Individual lashes are another option, and they offer the most natural look. They come in small clusters of just a few hairs and are most effective when used to fill in an already strong set of eyelashes. For those with thin or sparse lashes, though, they can be difficult to apply, and a full strip might suit better.

Regardless of the length, lashes come in a variety of designs, from a soft, subtle lash, to a more obvious and dramatic look. Care should be taken not to go too extreme with very obvious fake lashes. Overly long lashes are at the very least obvious, and they might look silly or comical. For a more natural look, they can be trimmed, making them just a bit longer than your natural lashes.