I am pretty much the target marketing audience for stores like Sephora; show me a trendy product that promises the perfect pink pout; delivers a sunkissed, supermodel glow; or plumps my woefully stubby lash line, and I will purchase it.
Until I had my son, that is. All that extra cash I used to spend on questionable beauty trends now goes toward diapers. (So. Many. Diapers.) But occasionally, I’ll come across a beauty trend so intriguing, I just have to try it anyway.
[pullquote align=”center”]Nothing helps me unleash my inner Liz Taylor like a good pair of fake lashes.[/pullquote]
Enter magnetic lashes.
I have to admit, nothing helps me unleash my inner Liz Taylor like a good pair of fake lashes, so I was immediately smitten by the idea of magnetic lashes (they had me hooked at “glue free”). Think you’re ready to splurge on this beauty trend? Read on to find out if magnetic lashes live up to the hype.
What are magnetic lashes?
Do glue-free fake lashes sound too good to be true? Well, hold on to your hats, ladies, because magnetic lashes are exactly what they sound like: fake lashes that attach to your lash line using teeny-tiny magnets.
Plus, magnetic lashes come in a variety of styles, so whether you’re using full strip lashes for a glam effect or simply using accent lashes to complement your real lashes, you can probably find a look for you.
Why use magnetic lashes?
So why bother with magnetic lashes?
Well, for one thing, they’re eco-friendly. Yes, really. As long as you take care of them, magnetic lashes will last indefinitely with minimal care, unlike fake lashes that use glue, which will need to be gently cleaned after each use if you want to wear them again.
You might not think twice about tossing a pair of fake lashes in the trash at the end of the night, but over time, those wispy little lashes can really add up to a lot of trash that ends up in landfills.
And if you’re trying to build up a nest egg, think of all the cash you’ll save by purchasing a couple different sets of magnetic lashes (a work-appropriate pair of accent lashes for day and a pair of come-hither bombshell lashes for night) instead of hitting up the drugstore every time you need a new pair of lashes.
Finally, magnetic lashes may be a better option than fake lashes that use glue if you have super sensitive skin or allergies, since no abrasive glue is needed. Some medications that promise to lengthen lashes can actually change your eye pigmentation permanently (yikes!), so magnetic lashes can be a low-risk alternative without damaging your baby blues.
How do you apply magnetic lashes?
Just like applying any type of strip lashes, there’s a bit of a learning curve when applying magnetic lashes. But unlike applying other fake lashes, the stakes are pretty low. If you mess up, all you have to do is pull the magnetic strips apart and reposition your lashes. No risk of gluing your finger to your eyeball with these bad boys!
The directions for most magnetic lashes are simple enough. A set comes with a top and bottom lash for each eye. To apply magnetic lashes, take the top lash and line it up with your natural lash line, gently pressing it into place. With your eye open, take the bottom lash (which will usually be marked by a dot or other indicator) and line it up underneath the top magnetic lash along your lash line. When both lashes are lined up, the magnets will lock together.
Voila! Luscious, fake lashes.
My Honest Review of Magnetic Eyelashes
I have to be completely honest: Initially I found magnetic lashes very difficult to apply. I purchased a cheapie set from the drugstore to try, and it was impossible to keep the top lash in place as I adjusted the bottom lash.
I contacted Ardell, one of the biggest names in fake lashes (and incidentally, makers of the magnetic lashes I chose to try), to see if they had any tips to make applying the lashes easier.
Jasmyn, a helpful customer service rep, told me to apply one coat of good mascara to my natural lashes prior to putting on the magnetic lashes. The mascara bulks up your lash line, giving the magnetic top lash something to stick to, so they don’t wiggle around as much while you’re positioning the bottom lash.
In addition, I found that I didn’t need a whole lash strip to get the glam effect I was going for. Using Jasmyn’s advice, I cut each lash in half and used them at the outside corner of my eye.
My lashes were still noticeably fuller, and the magnetic lashes were much easier to apply when there was only one magnet to lock in place, as opposed to three. Thanks, Jasmyn!
Best (And Worst) Magnetic Lashes: Splurge, Steal, Skip
Wondering which magnetic lashes are worth purchasing? I got you, girl. Here are my splurge, steal, and skip picks for magnetic lashes.
Splurge: One Two Cosmetics Magnetic Lashes
Magnetic lashes from One Two Cosmetics aren’t cheap, starting at around $70 (which, tbh, is why I didn’t try them out—Mama has to buy diapers!). But they do have the best reviews online (compared to other brands) and have pretty much set the standard for magnetic lashes.
One Two Cosmetics lashes come in both half and full lash sets in one size, and according to the FAQ section of their website, they should fit any eye shape because they’re applied to the outer edge of the eye only. In addition, they’re made of synthetic fibers, so they’re vegan and cruelty free.
If you’re ready to splurge on a set of magnetic lashes, you can order One Two Cosmetics lashes through their website or on Amazon.
Steal: Ardell Magnetic Lashes
Ardell has been helping give natural lashes a boost since 1971 with a wide range of beloved, affordable, fake lashes. For around $15, you can purchase Ardell’s magnetic lashes in almost any makeup or drugstore. (I got mine at Target!) Ardell’s magnetic lashes come in two styles, the Double 110 for a more natural-looking lash line, or the Double Wispies, for extra length and volume.
You’ll read mixed reviews about Ardell’s magnetic lashes online. For my own research, I tried the Double 110 magnetic lashes out at home. As I mentioned, it took a minute to figure out how the heck to put the magnetic lashes on. But once I got them locked in place, I have to admit, I liked the results—especially compared to the last time I got false lashes and ended up looking like a Kim Kardashian/Dolly Parton hybrid (two of my personal style icons, but those lashes were OUT OF CONTROL).
Skip: Almost any brand of magnetic lashes on Amazon (or purchase with extremely low expectations)
I don’t mean to be down on Amazon, really. I love Amazon. Aside from One Two Cosmetics and Ardell magnetic lashes (both of which can be purchased on Amazon), though, the reviews of most magnetic lashes sold through the online retailer are not great. On the other hand, most of Amazon’s magnetic lash brands are way less expensive than One Two Cosmetics or even Ardell magnetic lashes. If you’re looking to save big, go ahead and take a gamble on magnetic lashes purchased through Amazon, but buyer (and lash line) beware.
Protect your natural lashes from magnetic eyelashes.
Although magnetic lashes are pretty safe to use, there are few things you should do to care for your magnetic lashes and your eye health.
As with anything that goes near your eyes, magnetic eyelashes should always be applied with clean, dry hands to prevent bacteria from getting in your eye and causing an infection. In addition, after using magnetic lashes, you can gently wipe them down with a damp cotton ball to remove any mascara/eye makeup residue before wearing again.
Even the cheapie magnetic lashes come with a little storage case, so after using magnetic lashes, make sure to return them to the case to keep them from getting crumpled in a drawer or lost.
Final question: Are magnetic lashes really worth it?
To be totally honest, magnetic lashes get mixed reviews. Some beauty buffs absolutely love the look of magnetic lashes, while others aren’t impressed.
Personally, I think magnetic lashes are a lot of fun…after the initial trial and error (lots of error) of learning to put them on correctly. Would I spend $70 on a pair of magnetic lashes? Probably not.
But would I wear them for a fun night out or to trick my kid into thinking I’m the Janice the Muppet? Absolutely!