How to Choose False Eyelashes

Co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: October 23, 2021 References

You’re in the beauty aisle, browsing for the perfect pair of false lashes, but there are so many options to choose from! There’s no need to worry! There are a variety of different lash styles and products to suit your needs. Once you figure out your eye shape, it’s easy to find lashes with the best shape and length to complement your features.

1

Individual Lashes

Choose individual lashes for a less dramatic look. Unlike strip lashes, individual lashes are packaged in small sections, and only have about 30-60 strands of hair in them. Use these lashes to touch up and fill in your natural lash line as needed, instead of creating a more dramatic look.^{[1]
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2

Strip Lashes

Pick out strip lashes for a more dramatic look. Strip lashes go on top of your natural lashes, giving your natural lash line a big boost. As the name suggests, these lashes look like round, curved strips of lashes, instead of individual clumps.^{[2]
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- Strip lashes come in different band colors—this is the section that the physical lashes are attached to. Pick out a nude or transparent band if you’d like your lashes to seem natural, or choose a black band for a dynamic look.

3

Color

Select lashes that match your natural lash color. This way, your false lashes will look seamless, and won’t clash with your natural lashes.^{[3]
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4

Glue

Choose glue for one-time lashes. Clear or transparent eyelash glues are a safe, sturdy bet to hold your lashes in place. Or, you can emphasize your lashes even more with a darker glue. If you’re a seasoned veteran, save a little money and get your lash glue in a tube. If you’re still learning the ropes, invest in brush-on adhesives, which are a bit less messy.^{[4]
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5

Magnets

Opt for magnets if you’d like to reuse your lashes in the future. Magnetic lashes are a bit more pricey, but you can wear them multiple times. You can also find these lashes in a variety of different shapes and fun styles.^{[5]
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- Some inexpensive magnetic lashes are $30 or less, while luxury lashes are priced closer to $100.

6

Almond Eyes

Opt for full lashes if you have almond eyes. Almond eyes work with a lot of different lash styles. Take advantage of this flexibility with voluminous, full lashes that are evenly spread out along your eyelid.^{[6]
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- If you aren’t a fan of full lashes, feel free to experiment with different styles. Winged, fluttery lashes also look great with almond eyes!^{[7]
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7

Monolids

Complement monolids with multi-layered lashes. Natural monolid lashes aren’t naturally curly or curved. With this in mind, choose fluttery lashes with multiple layers, which will really emphasize your eyes.^{[8]
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8

Round Eyes

Choose curly lashes if you have round eyes. Your main focus is finding lashes that highlight your eye’s natural curve. Look for lashes that have “curly” on the label—these will complement your eyes nicely. As a general rule of thumb, stay away from more voluminous lashes, which tend to flatten and shrink your eyes.^{[9]
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9

Close-set or Upturned Eyes

Pick cat-eye lashes if you have close-set or upturned eyes. Cat-eye lashes help emphasize the outer corners of your eyes. The term “cat-eye” is lingo for fake lashes that are thicker and more emphasized on the edges, and much thinner toward the center.^{[10]
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Research source} Both close-set and upturned eyes look great with lashes that flare out toward the outer corners.^{[11]
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- If you have close-set eyes, don’t go for lashes that are especially long in the middle—these aren’t super flattering for your eye shape, and can actually make your eyes look smaller.

10

Downturned Eyes

Complement downturned eyes with winged lashes. Work on lifting your outer corners to mimic a cat eye. You can do this with criss-crossed, winged lashes, which help achieve this effect.^{[12]
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- You could use individual lashes instead of strip lashes along your outer corners to make a lifting effect.

11

Protruding Eyes

Select feathery lashes to complement protruding eyes. Don’t let your lashes take away from your natural eye shape. Instead, pick out a set of dramatic, feathery lashes that showcase your beautiful features without stealing the spotlight.^{[13]
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- Curly lashes are another great way to complement this eye type.^{[14]
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12

Deep-set Eyes

Show off deep-set eyes with long lashes. Focus on striking a balance between your eyes and brow bone. Your brow bone tends to swallow up your natural lashes. To counteract this, pick out a long, dramatic pair of lashes that really make a statement.^{[15]
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- Lashes that are longer in the center are also flattering for deep-set eyes.^{[16]
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13

Hooded Eyes

Pick out long, fluttery lashes if you have hooded eyes. Choose lashes that make your eyes look bigger instead of small. Shop for a pair of lashes that are especially long in the center of your lash line, right above your pupil—this helps your eyes look way more open.^{[17]
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