There are three common ways to wear false lashes at home: DIY lash clusters, strip lashes and magnetic lashes. They can all look great. The difference is how much time you want to spend, whether you want to use glue, and how long you want the look to last. Here is how they compare, so you can buy the right one first.
Full disclosure: Pilamie sells all three types, without glue. The comparison applies to any brand.
The quick comparison
| Lash clusters | Strip lashes | Magnetic lashes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How they attach | Small clusters bonded under your natural lashes | One band glued along your lash line | A top and bottom piece close around your natural lashes with tiny magnets |
| Glue | Cluster bond (sold separately) | Strip lash glue (sold separately) | None |
| Look | Closest to lash extensions, very customizable | Full, defined, from natural to dramatic | Defined, clean line |
| Typical wear | Often a few days per application | One day, removed at night | One day, removed before sleeping |
| Skill | Most practice, especially the first time | Moderate, mainly trimming and placement | Easiest once you get the applicator angle |
| Reuse | Often a few times with careful cleaning | Several wears with gentle removal | Many wears, stored in the case |
| Our price | From $12.99 for 280 clusters | $16.99 for 5 pairs, $19.99 for 10 pairs | $19.99 for 1 pair with applicator |
Choose lash clusters if you want an extensions look
Clusters sit under your natural lashes, so the band is hidden and the result looks the most like salon lash extensions. You choose the length and volume for each part of the eye, from a soft natural line to a full cat eye. They take the most practice, but a set can often last a few days, which makes them good value if you wear lashes often.
- Start with the 280 piece tray. The 30D + 40D mix is forgiving for a first set.
- Already confident? The 640 piece set has four volumes in one box.
- Not sure how many you need? Read how many lash clusters do you need.
Choose strip lashes if you want a quick, dramatic look for one day
Strip lashes are one piece per eye: measure, trim, glue, place. They are the fastest way to a full, fluffy look for a night out, photos or an event, and you take them off the same night. Clear band styles blend into the lash line more easily than black bands.
- Fluffy strip lashes, 10 pairs: full volume with spares for every event.
- Cat eye lashes, 5 pairs: longer at the outer corner for a lifted look.
- Foxy winged lashes, 5 pairs: a clear band and a winged outer corner.
Choose magnetic lashes if you do not want glue
Magnetic lashes skip adhesive completely. Each lash has a top and a bottom piece with tiny magnets. You load both into the clip applicator, bring it to your lash line and close it gently so the pieces meet around your natural lashes. To remove, slide the pieces apart. There is no glue to dry or clean off, which suits quick everyday wear and anyone who would rather not use lash adhesive.
- Magnetic lashes with applicator: five styles from natural to fuller, with a storage case.
- Keep the magnets away from your eyes themselves, do not wear them on irritated eyes, and take them off before sleeping.
Still deciding? Answer three questions
- Do you want to avoid glue? Yes: magnetic lashes.
- Do you want the look to last more than a day? Yes: lash clusters.
- Do you mostly wear lashes for nights out and photos? Yes: strip lashes.
Many people end up with two: clusters or magnetic lashes for everyday, and strip lashes for big nights. Whichever you choose, curl your natural lashes first. A heated eyelash curler helps false lashes blend with straight natural lashes, and a lighted makeup mirror makes placement easier.
Quick answers
Which false lashes look the most natural?
Low volume lash clusters, such as 30D or 40D in shorter lengths, usually look the most natural because the band is hidden under your own lashes. Clear band strip lashes are the next closest.
Which is easiest for beginners?
Magnetic lashes need no glue, and strip lashes are one piece per eye. Clusters take the most practice, but our beginner guide walks you through your first set.
Is glue included?
No. Our lashes are sold without adhesive. Clusters need a cluster bond, strip lashes need strip lash glue, and magnetic lashes need none.
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