What Are Fake Eyelashes Made of & Why Should You Care?

Let’s dive into the basics of fake eyelashes. 

Fake eyelashes come in four types: silk lashes, human hair lashes, mink lashes, and synthetic lashes. Then there are also lash application options: single lashes, clusters, and strips. 

Single Lashes

Single lash extensions come in individual strands that you can add to sparse areas or all over to increase the illusion of fullness. One major aspect about lash singles is that they can easily transition from a day to a night look, depending on how dramatic you want to fill them. 

But if you want to have the fullness of fake lashes without the application, a growth serum is the perfect option.  

Clusters

While nearly similar to singles, clusters have more strands per strip. They come in small bunches, so less time is needed for application than attaching single strands. They are great for accentuation, such as using them to highlight your specific eye shape, and the best news is that they don’t peel up from the corners of your lids as full lashes can. 

Strip Lashes

Strip lashes are most likely what you think of when you picture fake eyelashes. They cover the eyelids and vary in length and fullness. The major benefit of strip lashes is that you only need to apply one full strip rather than multiple tiny lashes. 

However, the application process is still notoriously tricky. But if you follow a few simple steps and a bit of practice, the process will go more smoothly. 

(Image source: GIPHY)

Types of Fake Lashes 

(Image source: Adobe)

So what are the different materials you can get your eyelashes in? Choosing the right material can make all the difference. With a variety of lash styles available on the market, let’s discuss the options. 

Silk Eyelashes

Silk eyelashes are a natural alternative to the synthesized options as they are made from a fabric called, you guessed it...silk! Because they’re so lightweight, these lashes can hold a curl effortlessly. 

Human Hair Eyelashes

These lashes are as close as you can get to your own real ones because they’re also made from human hair. Tons of lash enthusiasts prefer human hair because they’re cruelty-free and budget-friendly. 

You can easily find human hair lashes in stores and online. 

Faux Mink Eyelashes

Often marketed as “faux mink lashes,” faux mink lashes are a great alternative to lashes made from mink tail fur. Mink lashes are the most natural-looking option because they are fine-crafted to offer a wispy lash that blends with the lash line in an effortless but dramatic way. Generally, many choose this option when they want a dramatic lash look as they appear thicker than other lash forms due to the shorter tapering effect. 

One thing to consider is that they may be made from synthetic material, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). If you choose to go this route, we suggest that you first research if the product is cruelty-free.

Synthetic Eyelashes

Like faux mink lashes, synthetic lashes are made from PBT, so they are pre-molded to curl. Because they’re synthetic, they may weigh the eyes down and may only last for up to twenty uses, with proper care. 

While they may be less comfortable to wear than other options, synthetic eyelashes are budget-friendly if you only plan to wear them for a special event.