How do I apply false eyelashes with eyelash glue?

“The best way to apply eyelash glue is by placing the glue on the band of the lashes and letting it get tacky before applying,” says Figueroa. When applying lashes, get as close as possible to the top of your lash line, then flip the lashes upwards and blend with mascara to create a lash curl effect .

How do I remove them?

To remove eyelash glue, saturate a Q-tip with makeup remover and glide it across the lash band. The lash should then slide off with ease, but if not, try saturating a cotton pad with makeup remover and gently pressing it onto your eye to coat the lash and lash band.

The 13 Best Eyelash Glues of 2022

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Commerce Photo Composite — Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

If you want next-level glam, false lashes are the name of the game. Whether you prefer a more natural look or want sky-high, fanned-out flutter, you need something to anchor them down. And that's where eyelash glue comes in.

According to beauty expert Lynnette Cole, the choice of adhesive is ultimately a matter of preference. "Lash glues are either white, clear, or black," she tells Byrdie. "White helps the person see where it's been applied; black matches the faux lash line and can blend into black eyeliner."

Meet the Expert

Lynnette Cole is a makeup expert, licensed esthetician, former Miss USA, and the Global Education Director at PÜR Beauty.

While most adhesives call on acrylic copolymers for that sticky, tacky effect, some lean a bit cleaner than others. For those with sensitive skin or eyes, a formula without latex, formaldehyde, or synthetic fragrance might be best.

"When buying an eyelash glue," celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa says, "remember to choose one that works best for your skill level." Brush-on formulas are pretty straightforward, whereas squeeze tubes can be a bit tricker. In any case, Figueroa promises you'll master falsies application with a little practice and patience.

Meet the Expert

Nydia Figueroa is a celebrity makeup artist with upwards of 15 years of industry experience. She has been featured on The Dr. Oz Show and in various publications, including Nylon and Allure.

Scroll down for the best eyelash glues you can buy today.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Lilly Lashes Clear Brush-On Lash Adhesive at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Ardell Lash Adhesive at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Brush:

Tarte Tarteist Pro Lash Adhesive at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best On-the-Go:

Kiss Felt Tip Lash Glue Liner at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Waterproof:

PÜR Pro Eyelash Glue at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Strong-Hold:

Emeda Super Strong Hold Lashes Glue at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Black:

Velour Lashes Black Lash Adhesive at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Clear:

Lash Star Visionary Lash Adhesive at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best for Individual Lashes:

LashView Individual Lash Glue at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
Why Trust Byrdie

4.5

Lilly Lashes Clear Brush-On Lash Adhesive

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Latex-free
Non-irritating
Dries clear

What We Don't Like

Not waterproof

Who else recommends it? Harper's Bazaar also picked the Lilly Lashes Clear Brush-On Lash Adhesive.

What do buyers say? 1,200+ Sephora reviewers rated it 4.5 stars or above.

Lilly Lashes makes an all-around excellent eyelash glue. The brush-on formula is super easy to use, even for beginners, and promises to hold your lashes in place for hours on end. Formulated without latex, formaldehyde, or parabens, it's unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, irritate sensitive skin, or mess with your contact lenses.

Just brush it onto the band using the precision tip, wait about 30 seconds for it to get tacky, then attach it to your lash line. It'll be dry almost immediately, and you can finish with a few swipes of your favorite mascara.

Size: 0.2 ounces | Application: Brush | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walgreens

What We Like

Dries clear
Waterproof
Latex-free

What We Don't Like

Contains synthetic fragrance

Kiss Strip Adhesive is a great option for babes on a budget. Thanks to the handy precision brush, this lash glue is super easy to apply without making a mess, and it dries completely clear. We also like that the waterproof formula doesn't contain latex or formaldehyde.

Size: 0.17 ounces | Application: Brush | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Two colors available
MUA-recommended
Latex-free

What We Don't Like

Contains synthetic fragrance

"Duo Adhesive has been a staple in the makeup industry for decades," Figueroa tells Byrdie. This tried-and-true glue is free of latex and formaldehyde. It sets quickly and comes in the option of clear or dark to accommodate all skin tones, lash colors, and makeup looks.

Size: 0.25 ounces | Application: Squeeze tube; toothpick if needed | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Dermstore

What We Like

Dries quickly
Latex-free
Two colors available

What We Don't Like

Small amount
Not waterproof

Sometimes, it's more about the brush than the formula. Boasting a thin wand with a finely tipped brush, this lash adhesive makes it easy to get an even layer on the band. What's more, it takes just 20 seconds to become tacky and dries notably fast.

Size: 0.12 ounces | Application: Brush | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

4.3

Kiss Glue Liner False Eyelash Glue & Eyeliner

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Portable
User-friendly
Two colors available

What We Don’t Like

Runs out quickly

Our Tested and Trusted List of the Best Drugstore Eyeliners

Looking for something to toss in your makeup bag or pack on a trip? This felt-tipped lash glue is your best bet. It's shaped like a pen and goes on like liquid eyeliner, making it easy to apply anytime, anywhere, without making a mess.

Size: 0.3 ounces | Application: Felt-tipped liner | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

User-friendly
Dries clear
Latex-free

What We Don’t Like

Contains synthetic fragrance
Small amount

PÜR Eyelash Glue is easy to swipe on using the skinny brush wand. "It's quick to dry, dries clear, and has a strong hold," says Cole. This waterproof adhesive is free of latex and formaldehyde, but just a heads up, it contains potentially irritating synthetic fragrance.

Size: 0.1 ounces | Application: Brush | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

24-hour hold
Waterproof

What We Don't Like

Somewhat thick

If you've got places to go and don't want to worry about your falsies falling off, Emeda is your new best friend. Not only is this strong-hold glue waterproof, but it promises to stay in place for 24 hours—or your money back. We also appreciate the finely pointed precision brush.

Size: 0.17 ounces | Application: Brush | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

User-friendly
Dries quickly

What We Don’t Like

Contains latex

For those who prefer black glue, we highly recommend Velour Lash Adhesive. The pen-like brush tip allows for easy-peasy, mess-free application in an even layer, and the quick-dry formula sets within seconds. This glue does contain latex, though, so steer clear if you have an allergy.

Size: 0.35 ounces | Application: Brush | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On QVC View On Lashstarbeauty.com

What We Like

Dries clear
Easy to remove

What We Don’t Like

Not waterproof

Lash Star Visionary flaunts a smooth formula and an ultra-fine brush tip for precision application. If your hand isn't as steady as you'd like it to be, don't worry because this undetectable eyelash adhesive dries completely clear. We also appreciate that it sets quickly and is easy to remove with an oil-based cleanser.

Size: 0.2 ounces | Application: Brush | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Dries quickly
Waterproof
Lasts up to three weeks

What We Don’t Like

Potentially irritating
Not beginner-friendly

If you're attempting DIY individual lashes, go with LashView. This waterproof, odorless adhesive promises to set clump-free within seconds and stay in place for up to three weeks. Just shake up the bottle, squeeze a little onto a tray, dip the base of your lash cluster into the glue, and carefully press it onto your lash line.

Size: 0.34 ounces | Application: Dip | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Latex-free
Formaldehyde-free
Dries clear

What We Don’t Like

Not waterproof

If your eyes water easily or you have particularly sensitive skin, we suggest BeautyGarde. This lash adhesive doesn't contain any latex, formaldehyde, gluten, or synthetic fragrance. While it's not waterproof, the clear-drying formula promises a secure, long-lasting hold.

Size: 0.24 ounces | Application: Squeeze tube; toothpick if needed | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

https://thrivecausemetics.com/products/infinity-eyelash-adhesive

View On Thrivecausemetics.com

What We Like

Waterproof
Non-irritating
MUA-recommended

What We Don’t Like

Doesn't stick as well on oily skin

Latex allergy? Go with Thrive Causemetics. "This lash glue contains absolutely no [additional] chemicals and is ideal for sensitive skin," says Figueroa. It's also waterproof, vegan, cruelty-free, and promises an impressive 24-hour hold.

Size: 0.17 ounces | Application: Brush | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Good for individual/cluster lashes
Waterproof
48-hour hold

What We Don’t Like

Ingredients aren't listed

Calailis Eyelash Adhesive is designed with a mascara-style wand instead of a brush. This makes it easier to apply a thin, even layer to individual and cluster lashes without the need for dipping. Not only that, but the waterproof formula gets tacky within seconds, dries quickly, and lasts for up to 48 hours.

Size: 0.18 ounces | Application: Wand | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

The best eyelash glue overall is Lilly Lashes Brush-On Adhesive, a latex-free formula that goes on evenly with a precision brush and dries clear almost immediately. If you're looking for something a little more affordable, go with Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive, a makeup artist-approved waterproof glue with an ultra-fine applicator brush.

What to Look for in an Eyelash Glue

Application

Depending on your preference, different types of packaging could make or break your application. There’s the traditional squeeze bottle with the small nozzle at the end, which is great for beginners and intermediates alike. It’s simple to hold and distribute adhesive. There’s also a brush-on version, which is ideal for beginners as it’s incredibly user-friendly and allows for less mess.

Color

Eyelash glues typically come in two shades—white or black. While it applies white, white adhesives will dry to a clear finish in a few minutes. At times, it may take longer depending on the amount of glue you’ve used. Black is typically what makeup artists gravitate to as it applies black and is virtually undetectable on naturally darker eyelashes.

Formula

One thing you should look out for before grabbing any random eyelash glue is what you're allergic to. Some formulas with latex, formaldehyde, and acylates, can cause allergic reactions, so it’s important to read the ingredient list carefully. If you tend to be extremely sensitive, an all-natural eyelash glue may be the right fit for you.

FAQ

How do I apply false eyelashes with eyelash glue?

“The best way to apply eyelash glue is by placing the glue on the band of the lashes and letting it get tacky before applying,” says Figueroa. When applying lashes, get as close as possible to the top of your lash line, then flip the lashes upwards and blend with mascara to create a lash curl effect.
How do I remove them?

To remove eyelash glue, saturate a Q-tip with makeup remover and glide it across the lash band. The lash should then slide off with ease, but if not, try saturating a cotton pad with makeup remover and gently pressing it onto your eye to coat the lash and lash band.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a commerce beauty writer. She interviewed a celebrity makeup artist for this story, compiling their product suggestions and insight into formulas and application techniques. Theresa has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she covers makeup, skincare, and fitness products. You can find more of her bylines on The Spruce and MyDomaine.

These 14 Drugstore False Eyelashes Look Unbelievably Real

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

The 7 Best False Eyelash Glues. Harper's Bazaar. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/g34671155/best-eyelash-glue/
Pastor-Nieto, MA., Gatica-Ortega, ME. Ubiquity, Hazardous Effects, and Risk Assessment of Fragrances in Consumer Products. Curr Treat Options Allergy 8, 21–41 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40521-020-00275-7
Mayo Clinic Staff. Latex allergy. Mayo Clinic. 16 Oct 2020. Web.