The 5 Best Lash Glues of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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The Lilly Lashes Clear Eyelash Glue checked all the boxes
People / Jhett Thompson
After years of searching — with many failed attempts — you’ve finally found the most perfect, fluffy false lashes, and you can’t wait to wear them. So, what’s the problem? Your flawless falsies require glue that’ll keep them in place for more than 30 seconds. Easier said than done. Lash glue can be a pain to figure out, so that’s why our PEOPLE Tested lab put the top formulas to the test. The result: five lash glues that grip better than all of the rest.
Whether you’re a makeup novice or a pro, on a budget, or are ready to splurge, we’ve found a lash glue for you. We tested different lash glues and looked for key factors — such as how messy the application process was and how well the glue held onto the lashes — to determine which were the best in the market.
Ready to rock some falsies? Read on for the best lash glues that not only met but exceeded our expectations.
Best Overall: Lilly Lashes Clear Brush-On Lash Adhesive
Pros
Its simple and precise applicator is easy to use and limits mess
The formula dries clear and quickly grips the lash line
It's safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Cons
Honestly, there's nothing we disliked about this lash glue!
Lash glues can be quite finicky, and similarly to finding the right pair of lashes, pairing them with the right glue can be just as much of a needle in a haystack. Here to help you call off your search is the top-rated Lilly Lashes Clear Eyelash Glue, the same brand that we confirmed as the very best to invest in when it comes to falsies. It’s a staple in some of our favorite makeup artists’ kits, and we echo that sentiment. Straight out of the gate, we were impressed by the simple and precise applicator that allows you to control exactly how much product you want to use so that you don’t wind up with a mess.
After applying the glue straight to her lash strip, we noted how quickly it turned tacky, which is ideal for proper placement. Because much like a microwave or treadmill minute, waiting for lash glue to dry to its perfect consistency could not be more frustrating. It quickly gripped to our lash line with ease, and most importantly, the formula goes from white to clear, so it’s very forgiving.
This formula didn’t irritate our eyes at all, even with sensitive skin, nor did it have any harsh or chemical smell like some lash glues can. In fact, it’s ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested. Because it dries so quickly, it may be harder for novices to figure out the exact amount of playtime needed to get the lash placement right, but once you do find that sweet spot, the application process becomes a breeze. And others that already have experience with lash glue will appreciate this quick-drying formula.
Size: 0.16 oz. | Color: Clear | Applicator: Brush
Related: The 7 Best Tweezers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Budget: Duo Brush-On Lash Adhesive
Pros
Its long-lasting formula is easy to apply and keeps lashes secure
We liked that there are different shades and formulas based on preference
The formula is enriched with vitamins A,C, and E
Cons
Its larger applicator brush collects too much product, making it less precise and more clumpy
This bargain drugstore lash glue is everywhere for a reason — it really works! It also proves that price doesn’t always equal efficacy. There are several different versions, including formulas for strip lashes, individual lashes, and tinted options. We reviewed the clear formula for strip lashes that comes with an applicator brush. Similar to our favorite lash-boosting serums, it has good-for-you ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E.
During testing, we found it was easy to apply the glue to the lashes, but it would be helpful if the brush was smaller; we had an issue with some of the glue getting on the eyelid rather than the lash line because the brush had a little too much product on it. All in all, we would have preferred a thinner applicator in order to target the lash line, but once the glue dried, our lashes felt secure and it ended up lasting longer than some other glues we tested.
Size: 0.18 oz. | Color: Clear | Applicator: Brush
Best Lightweight: PÜR Pro Eyelash Glue
Pros
We appreciated that the glue was lightweight yet strong
It dried down into a truly transparent formula
A little goes a long way, which preserves your product in the long run
Cons
It may not have the durability to hold heavier lashes
We found that it wasn’t 100 percent waterproof
If you’re applying false lashes, you are probably going to an event where you not only want your lashes to stay on, but you also don’t want to deal with them falling off. Enter: this waterproof formula. We appreciated how lightweight this glue was — it was barely detectable after applying. We also noted that not much was needed, so the tube will last you a long time. It held our lashes on well, but we did notice that because it was so lightweight, it may not hold a thicker or heavier pair of lashes as well as other options. While more waterproof than others, we found it wasn't entirely waterproof in our testing.
Size: 0.18 oz. | Color: Clear | Applicator: Brush
Best for Beginners: Sephora Collection Brush-tip Lash Adhesive
Pros
Its tacky formula comes with an easy-to-use applicator
This one takes longer to dry compared to others we tested, which gives you have more time to properly place your lashes
Its black tint blends perfectly with eyeliner or eyeshadow makeup looks
Cons
It felt like it was tugging at our skin at times
Smoky eye lovers, this is the lash glue for you. Sometimes clear and white formulas can dull an intricate eye look, but this inky black version only adds to the drama and blends seamlessly with glam shadow. We found that the applicator brush made it easy to apply and resulted in a mess-free application. It’s a good choice for beginners because the formula is nice and tacky, plus it gives you a little extra time to play with where you want to stick your lashes before it dries completely.
One thing to note is that after it dried, it did feel like it tugged at the skin at points, but it was not a deal-breaker. Even though some may prefer a clear or white version — which it does come in — we liked this formula's effectiveness and would recommend it to others, thanks to its ease of use and how nicely the formula dries.
Size: 0.11 oz. | Color: Black | Applicator: Brush
Related: The 16 Best Mascaras of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Investment: D'Lashes D'Adhesive Felt Tip Eyeliner Pen
Pros
The product doubles as eyeliner to streamline your routine
Its precise felt tip made touch-ups easy
This one provided much cleaner application than traditional brush and glue formulas
Cons
It's not ideal for those bad at applying eyeliner
The formula is not as sticky as other options we tested
If you’ve perfected your feline flick, this multitasker is the lash glue and liner combo for you. Instead of applying it straight to the lash band, you draw on your eyeliner as you normally would, but with this formula, you can stick your lashes right on top. We love any multitasking product that helps us skip a step and get out the door quicker, which is why this product may soon become one of your favorite eyeliners.
We found that the glue wasn’t as sticky as expected but it held our lashes without an issue. However, it did take a few coats for it to be as sticky as we wanted, but once the lashes were on, they stayed in place. Its felt tip makes it super easy to add more and touch-up certain areas after lashes are applied, too. If you’ve tried doing that with traditional brush and glue formulas, you know that it can get messy quickly.
Size: 0.03 oz. | Color: Black | Applicator: Felt tip pen
Related: The 10 Best Eyelash Curlers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Things to Consider Before Buying Lash Glues
Formulation
In an effort to not get overwhelmed, know what your specific needs are and look for formulas that are going to give you those results. Ashunta Sheriff, celebrity makeup artist and founder of her eponymous brand, recommends taking into account your eyes and what formulation will work best for them. For example, how well the lash glue works “really depends on each person's eyes" — if they are runny or wet, they can lift — so waterproof glue or adhesives work better for longer wear.
Ingredients
Sheriff says she prefers latex-free lash glues, which would be her recommendation for those with allergies or sensitive skin. In an effort to not get overwhelmed, know what your specific needs are and look for formulas that are going to give you those results.
Price
Unlike some beauty products, there’s not too big of a range for lash glue. You can get decent formulas at the drugstore like Duo Brush-On Lash Adhesive for $7 (or $5 on sale), but if your specific needs call for a pricier option like D'Lashes D’Adhesive Felt Tip Eyeliner Pen for $20, it’s important to prepare. If you’re only planning to wear lashes once or twice, it may not make sense for you to shell out more money.
People / Jhett Thompson
How We Tested
We arrived barefaced at the PEOPLE Tested lab to review popular lash glues and false lashes. Before applying the adhesive or the lashes, we read the instructions based on each formula. After that, we watched a step-by-step video demonstration to help with each application. We rated each lash glue on a scale of 1 to 5 based on the attributes of wearability, hold, and comfort, and cited any observations, including any changes we would make to the product and whether we would recommend it to others. The products with the highest average ratings were deemed worthy of being added to your makeup kit.
Ease of Application: If the glue called for direct application to the lash, we observed how easily the glue glided onto the lash band and then noted how quickly the glue dried and set. After 10 minutes, we checked if the glue had dried completely or not and recorded how the glue looked and felt.
Hold: To test its staying power, we waited until the glue fully dried down and looked closely to see if there were any pieces of the lash band puckering, lifting up, or still remaining tacky or wet after a few minutes.
Comfort: Arguably one of the most important qualities to test was the comfort level of the glue and whether or not it clumped up or laid nicely on our lids and lashes. Though we tested on makeup-free skin, your lash glue should ideally not interrupt the eyeshadow and/or eyeliner that has already been applied.
Wear: Once all was said and done, we recorded whether or not we felt the glue pulling on our skin and lashes or causing any irritation (or, on the other hand, if it was a wholly pleasant experience).
Frequently Asked Questions
What glue is best for false lashes?
Everyone’s needs are going to be a little different when searching for the right lash glue formula, but ultimately the best glue is one that’s going to hold your lashes in place sans irritation. A favorite amongst most faux lash wearers is one with an applicator brush that allows you to control how much glue you’re applying. There are squeeze tube versions and felt tip formulas, too, that may take some getting used to but feel second-nature once you get the hang of it — it’s sort of like riding a bike.
How long does lash glue last?
Some formulas last longer than others and, of course, your application habits come into play, too, but most lash glues will last about six months. You have to be quite diligent in how you close the tube, though, because if it’s exposed to air, the glue will dry out faster. Another issue with leaving a tube open is that it can spill easily, so make sure to screw the cap on tight. If you notice your lash brush getting dirty from your eye makeup, that’s another sign to toss and replace it, since bacteria can get trapped inside the tube.
Can lash glue damage your eyes?
The short answer is yes, but only if you’re not being careful with how you apply it or if you’re using an unsafe, old, or tainted formula. Many of these lash glues are irritant-free, meaning they’re formulated without latex and other harmful ingredients. Experts say to avoid getting the glue in your eyes and to remove the lashes per the instructions to avoid damaging your natural eyelashes. If you have sensitive skin, it is always encouraged to patch test on your arm to ensure that there’s no adverse reaction before actual application. Out of these top formulas, none of our testers had issues, including contact wearers or those with sensitive skin. Additionally, Sheriff says it’s also important to give your own lashes a break every now and then. “I wear lashes a lot, but I also give my eyes a break and allow them to breathe so it’s all about balance, because glue will break lashes over time with overuse,” Sheriff says.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer who covers the beauty space. Her work has appeared in InStyle, Byrdie, Glamour, Mother.ly, Cosmopolitan, Well & Good, Allure, and many other outlets. For this piece, DeSantis spoke with celebrity makeup artist and brand founder Ashunta Sheriff about the do's and don'ts of eyelash glue on top of analyzing the insights given by our testers after trying out 11 popular products before narrowing it down to our winners.
Meet Our Expert
• Ashunta Sheriff is a celebrity makeup artist with over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry and the founder of her namesake cosmetics brand, Ashunta Sheriff Beauty. Her past clients have included Taraji P. Henson, La La Anthony, and Alicia Keys, to name a few.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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