In our current day and age, there are near limitless beauty treatments we can undergo to help us become our best selves. Many of these treatments are either permanent or semi-permanent, meaning that they last for a prolonged period of time. While this is great for many people in certain situations, there are also times that we just want a temporary alteration to our everyday look—or that is at least very much the case for me.

I have seen friends get lash lifts, tints, extensions, fills, and almost every other lash procedure under the sun. The truth is, they look absolutely stunning every time. They looked stunning before the treatments too, but something about eyelashes that go for miles really helps amplify your best features. 

While my friends were ranting and raving about these fantastic and trendy processes, I could not help but feel like I wasn’t quite ready to take the plunge.

For years I have been a tried and true fake lash fiend. I just love the customization and flexibility they always afford me, which are things that could be lacking somewhat in longer-term options for lash enhancement. I can decide that night if I want to have an elegant lash moment, a dramatic and stunning look, or if I just want to go au naturel. By “au naturel,” I generally still mean with mascara and my lashes thoroughly curled, but nobody’s perfect.

I was overjoyed to find that I can achieve very similar results to these lash enhancement treatments with my reliable fake lashes. While other people may not enjoy having to take their lashes off at the end of the night rather than simply going to sleep and waking up with them still being perfect, it has never bothered me. 

Ever since I discovered the level of personalization possible with fake eyelashes, I’ve been a believer.

There are a lot of different kinds of customization possible when it comes to fake eyelashes. There are different lengths, both of the strip overall and of the lashes themselves. 

There are different curl patterns and angles, depending on how dramatic you want your lashes to appear. There are different colors if you want to dress up for Halloween or just make a real and beautiful splash during your next night out. Finally, there is one of the most important options of all: what your fake lash is made of.

There are four commonly found materials for a strip of fake lashes to be fashioned out of, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here, I will cover these three main lash types and what each one could offer you.

Synthetic Lashes

Synthetic lashes are easily the most common kind of false lash on the market. These lashes are synthetic because they are often crafted out of plastic fibers. They can be found nearly anywhere, from a drug store to a more expensive option. 

Lashes made from synthetic materials are not necessarily as comfortable as many of the other lash options on this list, but they are generally much more cost-effective. However, you may end up paying more in the long run as synthetic lashes should be disposed of after one wear. 

Synthetic lashes are often thicker than lashes made with real human hair and do not appear as authentic or realistic.

Lashes Made With Human Hair

Human hair lashes are made of— you guessed it— human hair. These strips are enjoyed by many as the next step up from synthetic lashes. They are generally more comfortable than their synthetic counterparts because they are significantly softer. 

Of course, they are all natural, as they came from real eyelashes. 

Mink Lashes

Mink lashes can be a controversial fake eyelash option, but they remain almost as popular as ever. 

These lashes indeed tend to have a beautiful, wispy, feathery quality because they are made from mink fur. Minks are a small kind of weasel whose fur is highly sought after to make coats, lashes, and other accessories. While it is possible for mink fur to be obtained without harming the animal, these practices are very rarely ethical.

These issues have made people more likely to look for other alternatives that can give similarly beautiful results, and luckily a great dupe has been found in…

Silk Lashes

Silk lashes are the alternative of choice for many who do not want to wear mink or enable that industry further. They can be a more expensive option as silk is such a fine, luscious material, but that is also what makes it such a delightful material to fashion a lash out of. 

Silk lashes are renowned for being wonderfully comfortable, having the ability to keep a curl incredibly well, and having a lovely shine.

Now that we have established what the most popular kinds of fake lashes out there are, it’s time to determine which could be the right fit for you and your lifestyle. Beyond just the material of your lash, there are also a few different combinations to consider. There are individual false lashes, lash clusters, and lash strips that cover your entire lash line.

If you are looking for a more cost-effective option or just want to make a one-time statement, a synthetic lash might be the right choice for you. Meanwhile, if you want a more authentic option that will blend in seamlessly with your real lashes, ones crafted with human hair are worth looking into.

Then there are the more expensive options. If you do not have any moral qualms about mink fur, then those lashes might be good for you. If you enjoy the comfort of mink lashes but do not use animal products, silk might be right up your alley.

As I touched on earlier, I personally cannot get enough of fake eyelashes because they give me a freedom that no other lash enhancement can. The results of lash lifts and lash extensions are undoubtedly stunning, but there is something liberating about taking off a strip of lashes at the end of a night out or just a long day. 

I like the feeling of completion and fulfillment I get after removing fake lashes and seeing my natural lashes underneath. It feels like a bookend to my day and perfectly represents the transition from being out and about to just being able to completely relax. 

There can be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to perfecting the art of applying fake lashes, but once you have the skill, it is one you have forever. It’s kind of like riding a really beautiful, precise bike that you ride with tweezers.

I Can Change My Look Whenever I Want

The fact that I can also change up my look at the drop of a hat is also a huge advantage for me. You can still apply certain kinds of eyeliners, mascaras, and eyeshadows to lash extensions and lash lifts, it is true, but it just isn’t the same for me. The fact that I can choose at the moment what kind of lash I want is a sense of control that I really enjoy.

It almost feels like I can determine the kind of time I want to have right before I have it. If I am going into work and have an important meeting, maybe I want a slightly understated lash that just accentuates my natural features and gives me exactly the confidence boost I need. 

If I want to have a fun night out with my friends, it might be time to break out a dramatic strip of lashes that lets me express my personality and have a night to remember.

You Have Pricing Options

Then, there is also the matter of price. Depending on the kind of fake eyelashes you get, they can certainly be pricey. 

The fact that you only have a limited number of wears from each lash strip and you will have to constantly buy more adds up. The exact sum will depend on the material of the fake lashes as well as where you get them. The amount that cost is multiplied then depends on how often you wear false lashes, therefore meaning you will have to buy more.

All of this is to say that there is a significant range when it comes to fake eyelash costs. That said, eyelash extensions, lifts, fills, and tints can all add up in terms of price as well. 

At the end of the day, it is just about considering your specific lash needs and how they can line up with your budget. When you consider all of these factors, you are sure to land on a lash option for you that is both beautiful and practical.

When it comes to fake lashes, there are a plethora of options. As long as you do your research on different materials, lengths, and other details, you are sure to find something that is just right for you.

Sources:

Mink | Britannica

How To Apply False Eyelashes: Expert Fake Eyelash Application Tips | Cosmopolitan

False Eyelashes Guide: Everything To Know About False Lashes | Allure