False lashes have had a bad rap.
While they hit the beauty mainstream courtesy of Twiggy in the 1960s, the move towards more minimal makeup has left full-length, va va voluminous designs by the wayside. If they are used, it tends to be a few tactically placed individual ones to enhance the corners of the lash line.
It’s curious to think that false lashes have been around for over a hundred years with their mention in early iterations of glossy mags way back in 1879. The lash strip was invented back in the 20th century and closely resembles the self-adhesive varieties that still dominate the market.
Popularised over time by icons from Marilyn Monroe to Vanessa Redgrave, Barbra Streisand to Joan Collins, and Madonna to Lady Gaga, the product has seen some subtle innovation over the years. But their recent relegation to the bottom of our makeup bags can be attributed to an ever-pressing problem: the challenge of application.
With practice, the art of layering on the glue and affixing the lashes perfectly in place becomes easier but for the impatient or those among us who save falsies for those rarer special occasions, it can be a messy and time-consuming process where you end up with them stuck to your fingers, dressing table or just about anywhere but the lash line. Enter the magnetic lash.
Without stick, mess or fuss, a magnetic liner ensures that the falsies stay in place with no adhesive required. They’re known for having staying power, locking in place while also feeling much more comfortable. They’re reusable too for fluttery lashes whenever you need them.
But how do they work?
Quite simply, you apply the included liner that has been infused with ultra-fine magnetic particles onto your lids and then press the magnet-adorned falsies in place. Look out for felt or precise tips for the liner, depending on your preference or skill set. You want a pigmented product that will, at the flick of the hand, impart a smooth pigment.
There are magnetic lashes for a dramatic eye look as well as more minimal designs, so there’s no need for lash extensions or lifts.
Shop the best below
Kiss Magnetic Eyeliner/Eyelash Kit 07 - Charm
Kiss is a leader in the lash space and this is the double strength kit from the brand that prioritises lasting power. As such, there are five magnets along the strip of the lashes to stay firmly put for up to 16 hours on your lid line.
The accompanying liner is a kind to skin formula that has been infused with biotin in order to nourish and condition your natural hair.
Buy now £17.99, lookfantastic
INSMART 6 Pairs Magnetic Lashes
If you like to switch up your eye look on every occasion, this six-pack of lashes gives real variety in the volume and length of your falsies. Included too in the set are two of the magic magnet-infused liners as well as tweezers to assist in the application process.
The shortest in the pack is 11mm, while it ranges up to 15mm. Each lash is adorned with five magnets across the strip to ensure that once placed, these will stand the test of time,
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Velour Magnetic Kit
Velour was founded with the idea that applying lashes should be an effortless process and these magnetic falsies from the label are on hand no matter your skill set. The kit is made from premium ingredients and is vegan and cruelty-free.
Within the set, you will find the brand’s own Lash & Go Eyeliner, a pigmented formula that acts as the lash glue (just without the stickiness). After it has dried on your lids, affix the magnetic liner and you’re ready to paint the town red.
Buy now £33.02, Sephora
Ardell Magnetic Lash Natural Accents 001 False Eyelashes
No adhesive is required for dramatic long lashes thanks to this magnetic variety from Ardell. Affixing these falsies is a simple case of popping them in place over the liner thanks to near-invisible magnets at each end that connect to the lash line.
They are still a touch fiddly to begin with but once you have found the knack, it’s smooth sailing. Made from human hair, the 001 accents make for a natural-looking finish to your eye makeup look.
Buy now £12.00, lookfantastic
Walacr Magnetic Eyelashes
There are four pairs of lashes to give real bang for your buck when you’re looking to add a touch of drama to your makeup look. The quality lashes are lauded for their versatility in style, the ease of affixing and removing and their ability to not budge throughout the duration of the evening.
Buy now £5.99, Amazon
Lola's Lashes Jade Hybrid Eyelash Kit
Lola’s Lashes simplifies achieving the falsies effect with its easy-to-apply, reusable magnetic lashes. This kit stars the fluttery Jade design alongside a black magnetic liner that combines the simplicity of a liquid liner with the benefits of holding the false lashes in place. There is also the added bonus of a touch-up pen to fix any mishaps.
The collection is free from toxic chemicals, which is not always the case with lash glue and is vegan and cruelty-free. The lashes lock in place in a matter of minutes with over 30 uses before you need to purchase a new set.
Buy now £17.50, lookfantastic
Eylure False Lashes ProMagnetic Liner Kit - 3/4 Length No. 007
Eylure is one of the leaders in the false lash space and has also ventured into the world of magnetism with the Fluttery Light No.007. The Bond girl-worthy kit comes complete with black eyeliner that has been infused with patent-pending technology in order for the accent lashes that follow to slot into place.
They will last up to 15 uses and are secure to amp up your existing lashes. The liner is heavily pigmented and imparts a lot of formula in one flick of the wrist so aim for a less is more approach and build it up gradually.
Buy now £16.00, lookfantastic
Magnetic Lashes - Bella
This was the first brand that we were introduced to in the magnetic lash space, so it will always have a soft spot in our hearts. Magnetise has eight styles of lashes to suit your preferences as well as your eye shape, adorning a dramatic accent thanks to two well-placed magnets on the middle and outer corner of the eye.
Forget toxic adhesives, the mess-free approach is just as easy to apply as it is to remove once it’s time to hit the hay. They should last for a couple of uses with two sets included in the pack.
Buy now £11.98, Amazon
