8 False Eyelashes Good Enough to Replace Mascara

Long, wispy lashes just scream effortless beauty and can stand on their own without a drop of makeup. If you’re not quite into the lash-extension trend, false lashes are a great way to achieve the look for a fraction of the cost.

Not sure how to use false lashes? Celebrity makeup artist Dahlia Warner has us covered. “I recommend using tweezers and an orange stick—those soft little wooden cuticle sticks—for self-application. Start by gently removing the lashes with the tweezers from the inside edge so they don’t crimp or tear,” she says, suggesting “fitting” them on each eye before applying glue. “Next, trim to fit from the inside using little nail or sewing scissors.”

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Once you have them to size, “get in a cozy and close spot with your mirror and apply a few drops of glue to the back of your hand, and use the pointy end of the orange stick to apply a thin layer of glue to the lash band,” she says. An important step many of us forget: Let the glue sit and get a little tacky before applying onto your lash line. “Once tacky, anchor the first inner edge before laying the rest down. Secure the lash by gently pushing it down from middle out with the other side of the orange stick. Close your eyes and let them rest in to settle for a moment, then follow with a second thin coat of mascara to blend lashes.”

Whether you’re a falsie aficionado or are toying with the idea of trying out your first pair, these are the best in the business.

Huda Beauty Jacqueline Classic False Lashes ($19)
Created by Huda Kattan and Bollywood icon Jacqueline Fernandez, these sultry lashes are equal parts soft and dramatic—perfect for the big stage or a big night.

Ardell Magnetic Lash Wispies ($14)
These two-part magnetic lashes take the fuss work out of applying false lashes (read: no adhesive needed). Simply remove the upper magnetic lash and lay it on your lash line before placing the under magnetic lash beneath it to lock in place.

Tarte Tarteist Pro Cruelty-Free Lashes in Little Black Dress ($12)
If you’re looking to add believable length to your lashes without making them look more dense, look no further than this vegan, comfortable pair that you’ll forget you have on.

Lash Star Visionary Lash Flares ($30)
If you find most false lash strips to be *way* too long around your lids and individual lashes too difficult to apply, these lightweight mink clusters fit like a charm wherever they’re applied and add natural-looking thickness with zero weight.

KISS Lash Couture Triple Push Up in Teddy ($7)
For a high-impact center and no-joke lift, these lengthy lashes boast a stay-in-place curl for wide-awake eyes.

Ardell Lash Demi Wispies ($12 for 5)
The perfect marriage between length and volume, these lashes can absolutely replace your daily mascara—and save your lashes from scrubbing it all off. Plus, the price can’t be beat.