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- Makeup
- Eyes
- Lashes
Those false lashes aren’t going anywhere.
By
and
Alyssa Kaplan
Alyssa Kaplan
Alyssa is an associate editor covering makeup, skincare, fragrance, haircare, and more. She consistently surveys the market and spends hours testing products to find tailored recommendations for Byrdie readers. Though she loves all things beauty-related, she has a particular affinity for makeup and finds immense joy in discovering high-performing, confidence-boosting products.
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Updated on September 26, 2024 03:13PM
In This Article
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In This Article
- Our Top Picks
- Reviews
- What to Look For
- How We Tested
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Meet Our Experts
- Why Trust Byrdie
TL;DR
Our top pick is Lilly Lashes Clear Brush-On Lash Adhesive due to its easy application, strong grip, and clear drying color. It is comfortable on the eyes and has the ideal consistency for an eyelash glue—just tacky enough. Another standout option is D'Lashes D'Adhesive Eyeliner Pen, a great two-in-one product that seals your lashes while tackling eyeliner's job.
Applying a pair of false lashes can serve as the cherry on top of your makeup look or even as an instant confidence boost. Whether you prefer a natural look or want a dramatic, fanned-out flutter, you’ll need something to anchor them down—eyelash glue. While it might not be the most glamorous or exciting product category, finding a perfect one that works for you can make a world of difference. What makes a great lash glue? According to celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa, easy application, workable consistency, and a strong hold.
To meet your eyelash needs, we conducted hours of research to find the best and most popular eyelash glues before selecting almost two dozen totest at home and in our NYC lab. We evaluated each one based on ease of use, hold, and comfort, andwe’re sharing which ones are Byrdie-approved.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best Budget:
Best Multipurpose:
What We Like
Small brush allows for precise application
Consistency isn’t runny, thick, or goopy
Provides excellent grip and hold
What to Consider
Dries down quickly, little time to readjust lashes
Applicator: Brush | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Color: White
This clear-drying lash glue easily takes our top spot. The small brush allows you to precisely apply the glue onto thin lash bands or on hard-to-reach areas of your lash line—like the very inner and outer corners of your eye—and the consistency is easy to work with as it’s not liquidy or clumpy. The best part is that the glue starts off white, so you can see where you place it. It then turns slightly blue before drying down clear, so it doesn’t interfere with your makeup look.That said, we found the glue to dry down pretty quickly, so double-check your precision before placing your lashes.
Lilly Lashes Brush-on Lash Adhesive Tester
Lee, tester: "The Lilly Lashes adhesive comes with a very simple applicator, which allows for a lot of control and is great for beginners. The glue itself has good consistency and is not too goopy or runny. It comes out of the tube white and turns a sort of fluorescent blue once added to the lash, making it easy to see how much you've put on and avoid adding too much. I didn't experience any irritation on my skin and can barely feel it once I apply the false lashes to my lids."
What We Like
Good price point and found at most drugstores
Easy-to-use brush applicator
Quick-drying formula
What to Consider
Can get messy if too much is applied
Applicator: Brush | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Color: Clear
Considering that eyelash glue isn’t the sexiest makeup product, finding a solid option you can quickly grab at the drugstore for an affordable price can sound ideal—but only if it performs well. This one is great because it has a thin brush applicator that makes applying it easy, has a stronghold formula, and dries quickly.During testing, we found that while the formula was easy to apply and kept our lashes in place, it’s easy to go overboard and apply too much, which can cause a mess on the eyelids and a bit of discomfort. If this often happens to you, we recommend wiping any excess product off the brush before applying.
Duo Brush-on Lash Adhesive Tester
Andres, tester: "This product dries faster than I expected, so it’s important to get the lash into place as quickly as possible. The first time, I applied too much and could feel some sticky residue along my lash line. The false lashes do feel quite secure once they’re on, and they stay that way all day."
What We Like
Doesn't budge
Comfortable once applied
Brush tip is easy to work with
What to Consider
Takes a bit longer than ideal to dry
Applicator: Brush | Cruelty-Free: No | Color: Black, clear
Applying false eyelashes is a feat in itself, so it’s frustrating when they slip and slide around or peel up at the corners. That’s why finding a glue with a secure stronghold is essential, bringing us to this standout. In addition to coming in black and clear, this lash glue has a user-friendly brush applicator, feels comfortable once applied, and keeps the lashes exactly where you place them. The formula is easy to work with, although our tester noted that it took quite a while to dry down to get to a tacky state. If you’re in a hurry, we recommend applying the glue to your lash band and then gently blowing on it to speed up the drying process and lock down your lashes.
Velour Eyelash Glue Tester
Grace, tester: "The Velour lash glue holds pretty well, though it does take some time to get tacky enough to apply the falsies to my eyes. I like that it dries perfectly clear and there’s no clumping or irritation."
What We Like
Combines two steps in one
Dries quickly
Felt tip makes application easy
What to Consider
Not the strongest hold
Applicator: Felt tip brush | Cruelty-Free: No | Color: Black, brown
Being able to cut down time when applying false lashes is incredible, and this liner and lash glue in one can help you to do just that. You simply apply the eyeliner as you would with any other liquid eyeliner, and then apply your falsies on top—the liner formula has a stickiness to it that grips the lashes.It's not too tacky, which is a good thing for comfort, but could pose a challenge if you struggle to keep your falsies from lifting.
D'Lashes D'Adhesive Eyeliner Pen Tester
Amy, tester: "This eyeliner adhesive is used like a regular eyeliner, and it comes in black or brown. The adhesive isn't as sticky as lash glues I’ve used, but it holds the false lashes in place and dries fairly quickly. It's very convenient not having to carry around an extra product."
What We Like
Brush is easy to work with
Glue has a strong hold
A little bit goes a long way
What to Consider
You have to be careful not to apply too much
Applicator: Brush | Cruelty-Free: No | Color: White, Black
It’s no secret that applying false lashes can be a bit tricky, so finding a lash glue with an easy-to-use applicator makes all the difference. The long and dense brush gives you solid control, and we were quickly able to cover the lash band in a single swipe. The formula dried quickly and kept our falsies in place. It's important to note the glue was stronger than we expected (which means your lashes aren't going anywhere), and therefore we could feel the excess on our skin. Our tester explained that she probably applied a bit too much and likely wouldn’t have had this issue had she applied just a little bit of the glue.
Sephora Collection Brush-tip Lash Adhesive Tester
Nasya, tester: "Sephora’s lash adhesive has a great applicator tip that makes the application mess-free. I wish that the color of the glue was white instead of black, because I can see some marks when I don’t apply the lash perfectly or accidentally use too much of the product."
What to Look for in a Lash Glue
- Application Method: The application method of an eyelash glue can make all the difference in the outcome of how well your falsies are applied. "When buying an eyelash glue," Figueroa says, "remember to choose one that works best for your skill level." Brush-on formulas are pretty straightforward, whereas squeeze tubes can be a bit tricker. In any case, Figueroa promises you'll master falsies application with a little practice and patience. And as of fairly recently, there are eyelash glues that double as eyeliner, like the D'Lashes Adhesive Felt Tip Eyeliner Pen. If you’re looking to shorten your makeup routine, we recommend trying this one, as it knocks out two steps in one.
- Color: Eyelash glues typically come in clear, black, or white. While it applies white, white adhesives will often dry to a clear finish in a few minutes. At times, it may take longer, depending on the amount of glue you’ve used. Black is typically what makeup artists gravitate to as it applies virtually undetectable on naturally darker eyelashes. Clear formulas are great for ensuring the glue isn’t visible, but they can be tricky for beginners. If you’re not sure which one you prefer, check out the Sephora Collection Brush-Tip Lash Adhesive—it comes in both black and white.
- Ingredients: While most adhesives call on acrylic copolymers for that sticky, tacky effect, some lean a bit cleaner than others. For those with sensitive skin or eyes, a formula without latex, formaldehyde, or synthetic fragrance might be best. If you’re looking for a latex-free option, we recommend the Lilly Lashes Clear Brush-On Eyelash Glue.
How We Tested Eyelash Glue
We believe in using products we recommend just like you would—which is why we make it a priority to test products in real-life settings and in our NY-based lab.
- Eyelash Glues Tested: 23
- Testing Period: Over a month
- Methodology: Eyelash glues were tested over the course of a month, both in our NY labs and at home in our everyday lives. We consulted with a makeup artist to provide insight into what to look for and the best application processes.
- Factors Considered: Ease of application, hold, comfort, ease of removal, wear, value, and overall results.
FAQ
How do you apply false eyelashes with eyelash glue?
“The best way to apply eyelash glue is by placing the glue on the band of the lashes and letting it get tacky before applying,” says Figueroa. When applying lashes, get as close as possible to the top of your lash line, then flip the lashes upwards and blend with mascara to create a lash curl effect.
How do I remove eyelash glue?
To remove eyelash glue, saturate a cotton swab with makeup remover and glide it across the lash band. The lash should then slide off with ease, but if not, try saturating a cotton pad with makeup remover and gently pressing it onto your eye to coat the lash and lash band. If you’re really struggling, try using a cleansing balm formula to help loosen up the glue.
Meet Our Experts
We consulted with a makeup artist to learn more about what to look for in an eyelash glue and to evaluate the products we tested.
- Nydia Figueroais a celebrity makeup artist, beauty expert, and educator whose work has been featured in The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and NYFW.
Why Trust Byrdie
Alyssa Kaplan is an associate commerce editor. She is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty. She spoke to an expert to get more in-depth insights on the best false lash glues out there.
According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough eyelash glues from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us atcontact@byrdie.com,and we will evaluate the product ASAP.v