False eyelashes are a staple of modern cosmetics. They come in an amazing array of styles and lengths with something for everybody. You can wear them daily or just for special occasions. The decision is up to you as is the effect you create.
One major concern is the eyelash glue used to attach false eyelashes. It can be messy, irritating, and hard to get off at the end of the day. So, if you’re looking for an alternative, why not try something like magnetic lashes, magnetic eyeliner, mascara, skin-safe silicone, self-adhesive lashes, or a permanent solution?
We’re going to cover all the best substitutes for eyelash glue as well as how to make your own in a pinch. We’ll also discuss the products you should never use as a substitute for your eyelash glue.
What Are the Best Substitutes for Eyelash Glue?
Whether you’ve run out of, or you just can’t tolerate your product, you may be in search of a substitute for your eyelash glue. There are several excellent alternatives that you may have never suspected.
Magnetic Eyelashes
The number one alternative to using eyelash glue is using magnetic lashes. They typically come in pairs and, as their name would suggest, have little magnets on them to make them stick together.
To put them on, you will need to place one magnetic lash on the top of your natural lashes and the second on the bottom, sandwiching your natural lashes in the middle. If you’ve done it correctly, they will simply click together and be attached.
Magnetic eyelashes are a great option because they have no mess involved and are extremely easy to apply. They can even be adjusted as needed or removed quickly without the need for glue.
Magnetic Eyeliner
Magnetic eyeliner will work in combination with a magnetic eyelash. You’ll apply it just like your everyday eyeliner. Next, you’ll place a magnetic lash against it and the two should attach.
This makes applying magnetic eyelashes even easier, especially if you have trouble getting them to stick together. Because of the magnets, they will click together easily without a lot of adjusting.
Mascara
A trickier option, mascara is an effective substitute for eyelash glue. This method takes time and patience to perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work out for you the first time you try it.
You’ll need to apply your mascara directly to your lashes like you normally would. Within just a few seconds of the application, you will have to have the fake eyelash applied to your mascara-covered lashes.
Using your fingers to apply the lashes will ensure a firmer hold. If the false lashes seem a little flimsy, you may need to apply some more mascara.
Self-Adhesive Lashes
An excellent alternative to false eyelashes, self-adhesive eyelashes come ready to go. All you have to do is put them, making them extremely easy to use. You don’t have to worry about finding an adhesive because they come with a glue strip already attached straight out of the package.
If you don’t have a lot of time or you just don’t want to deal with eyelash glue, this is the alternative for you. Simply apply the lashes like you would regular fake eyelashes and you’re ready to go.
Skin-Safe Silicone
If you have a latex allergy, then you need to avoid eyelash glue. You can use a very light layer of whatever skin-safe silicone you have on hand.
Permanent Solution
If you’re ready to make a larger financial investment in your eyelashes, permanent lashes are an option. They will remove the need to ever use eyelash glue. For this, you will have to go to a professional eyelash artist.
When you go, make sure you inform your artist of all of your allergies. This will help them choose the best adhesive for you.
How Do You Make Your Own Glue?
Making your own glue is a very controversial topic. Many people are on both sides of the debate. Whereas eyelash glue is specially formulated and tested to be used around your eye, which is very delicate, what you make at home has neither of these benefits.
That being said, should you choose to make your own eyelash glue, you will need to be extra careful when applying it, making sure none of it gets into your eyes. Additionally, you should not expect it to perform as well as one of the brands that you can purchase in a store.
Homemade products have no preservatives, either. This means that what you make today will not keep for very long. You will need to make this glue fresh every time that you make it or you could give yourself an eye infection from using the old product.
Products Needed
To make your own glue, you will need only a few products. These include the following:
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 drop of honey (raw or organic)*
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1 drop of non-toxic white glue
* If you do not have any honey you can substitute it with light or dark corn syrup.
Steps
Once you have collected all of the ingredients, the steps for making homemade eyelash glue are really simple. Mix all the ingredients in a mixing cup until they are blended into a paste. If you are using granular sugar, make sure it is thoroughly melted and blended as the crystals can scratch your eye.
Products You Should Not Use
There are several household products that you should not use when trying to find a substitute for your eyelash glue. Some of these are dangerous and others simply just don’t work.
Super Glue
Super glue is a very dangerous substitute for eyelash glue and should be avoided at all costs. While it’s very easy to remove from your skin with some acetone, you can’t do the same for your eyelashes. What can commonly happen when using super glue is that the top and bottom lashes become glued together, effectively gluing the eye shut.
When using super glue, you also run the risk of it entering your eye. Immediately rinse the eye out to remove as much of the glue as possible. It will be irritated and there may be some glue that dries directly to your eye, but it is important to not try to remove the glue yourself. It will work itself out of your eye on its own within a few hours.
If you don’t allow the glue to run its course, you may cause a corneal abrasion. This will require treatment with an antibiotic. However, it will not be permanently damaged with most injuries healing in one to two days.
Elmer’s Glue
Elmer’s glue is craft glue and is not intended nor safe for use around the eyes. First, the glue will be too strong for use on your lashes. When removing the false lashes, you will run the risk of losing your real lashes. Secondly, it will irritate your skin and eyes over time.
Honey
Honey is not a good or safe substitute for eyelash glue. First and foremost, it does not dry. This will leave you walking around with a goopy mess on your eyes and your lashes won’t even stay in place.
Your eyes will look sticky, and the honey may irritate them. Additionally, your fake lashes will feel sticky. Overall, this is not the way to go to achieve a first-rate look with your falsies.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste can irritate your eye and can potentially lead to an infection if you accidentally get it in your eye. Depending on what type of toothpaste you use, the ingredients can even cause permanent damage to your eyes.
Hairspray
Hairspray is bad for your false eyelashes. It can clog them up, which causes them to become weighed down to the point that they droop. Eventually, they break.
There is also a risk to your eyes. If you are spraying directly on your lashes, there is the potential to accidentally spray your eyes, causing immense pain and irritation. This risk is still present even if you keep your eyes closed during the process.
Best Alternatives if You Are Allergic to Eyelash Glue?
If you’re allergic to eyelash glue, there are several hypoallergenic alternatives. The number one option that you could choose is magnetic eyelashes. These require no adhesive at all so there is no chance of developing another allergy and they are extremely easy to use.
Mascara is another great alternative. However, be prepared for some long practice sessions to get this tricky technique under your belt.
Using skin-safe silicone is a great adhesive alternative to eyelash glue.
Summary
If you’ve run out of or just need a change from your eyelash glue, there are plenty of safe options for effective and safe substitutes. Choosing any one of these will have you ready to go in no time.
If you’re really in a bind, you can make your own but beware that it’s not proven safe for human use or proven to be effective at maintaining your glorious lashes. No matter what, make sure you avoid using products like honey, toothpaste, hairspray, Elmer’s glue, and super glue to keep your eyes safe from harm.
