A magnetic lash is a false eyelash held in place by small magnets rather than lash glue. Two main designs use either a second lash strip or magnetic eyeliner to create the connection.
Magnetic Lashes at a Glance
| Type | How it attaches | What you use |
|---|---|---|
| Two-strip magnetic lashes | Magnets connect above and below your natural lashes | Two lash strips |
| Magnetic eyeliner lashes | Magnets attach to magnetic particles in the eyeliner | Magnetic eyeliner and one lash strip |
| Magnetic lash anchors | Small magnetic pieces connect to magnets on the main lash strip | One lash strip and magnetic anchors |
How Do Magnetic Eyeliner Lashes Work?
Magnetic eyeliner lashes use a false lash strip with tiny magnets and an eyeliner containing magnetic pigments, commonly iron oxide.
You apply the eyeliner along the upper lash line and let it dry according to the product instructions. The magnets in the lash band then attract the magnetic particles in the eyeliner, holding the strip against the lash line. Because the eyeliner provides the attachment surface, you do not need traditional lash adhesive.
The eyeliner usually needs to be thick enough for the magnets to make contact. KISS instructs users to apply the liner along the lash line, wait for it to dry, and then place the lash over it.
Why Does Magnetic Eyeliner Look Like Normal Eyeliner?
Magnetic eyeliner looks like regular cosmetic eyeliner because it uses a similar pigment and base. The magnetic component is added to help the product attract the magnets in the lash band. Iron oxide is also used as a pigment in many cosmetics, although formulas differ by brand.
How Do Two-Strip Magnetic Lashes Work?
Two-strip magnetic lashes use matching magnets to hold your natural lashes between an upper and lower strip.
One strip sits above your natural lashes, while the second strip sits underneath them. The magnets pull the strips together and hold them around your natural lashes. This design does not use magnetic eyeliner. It relies on the connection between the two lash strips.
Are Magnetic Lashes Attached to Your Natural Eyelashes?
Magnetic lashes are not usually attached to your natural eyelashes in the same way as glue-on lashes. Magnetic eyeliner lashes attach to the eyeliner on your eyelid. Two-strip lashes hold around your natural lashes when the upper and lower strips connect.
The lash band can still tug on natural lashes if it is too heavy, positioned incorrectly or removed roughly. Magnetic lashes are not permanent, so remove them gently instead of pulling them away quickly.
How to Apply Magnetic Lashes
Magnetic Eyeliner Lashes
- Clean and dry your eyelids.
- Apply magnetic eyeliner along the upper lash line.
- Wait for the liner to dry or become tacky, following the product instructions.
- Trim the lash strip if it is wider than your eye.
- Place the lash magnets directly over the eyeliner.
- Press the lash band gently into position.
Two-Strip Magnetic Lashes
- Position the upper strip above your natural lashes.
- Hold the lower strip beneath your natural lashes.
- Allow the magnets to connect.
- Adjust both strips until they sit comfortably along the lash line.
A poorly aligned lash may feel bulky, pinch the eyelid or lift at the corners. Trim the lash carefully. Some products need magnets to remain near the ends of the strip for the connection to work properly.
How Are Magnetic Lashes Removed?
Magnetic eyeliner lashes usually detach when you gently lift the lash strip away from the eyeliner. Remove the remaining eyeliner with an eye-makeup remover that is suitable for the product.
For two-strip magnetic lashes, separate the strips gently instead of pulling them straight away from the eye. Hold the strips near the outer corner and ease them apart to reduce tugging on your natural lashes.
Clean the lash band after use if the manufacturer recommends it. Dried eyeliner, mascara and oils can weaken the magnetic connection and make the lashes harder to apply next time.
Are Magnetic Lashes Safer Than Glue-On Lashes?
Magnetic lashes can avoid some problems linked to lash adhesive, including glue residue and sensitivity to adhesive ingredients. They can still cause problems because both the liner and lash strips are eye-area cosmetics.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies false eyelashes and eyelash adhesives as cosmetic products. It warns that eye cosmetics can cause irritation, allergic reactions, contamination and infection when misused.
Use magnetic lashes more safely by following these precautions:
- Wash your hands before applying them.
- Do not apply them over an eye infection or inflamed eyelid.
- Do not share magnetic lashes or eyeliner.
- Keep the lash strips and applicators clean.
- Keep eyeliner out of the waterline and away from the eye itself.
- Stop using the product if it causes burning, swelling, redness or persistent irritation.
- Follow contact-lens instructions. Apply cosmetics after inserting lenses and remove lenses before taking off makeup.
What Is the Main Advantage of Magnetic Lashes?
The main advantage of magnetic lashes is reusable attachment without traditional lash glue. Magnetic eyeliner lashes can also be repositioned before the liner fully sets.
The main limitations are that magnetic lashes may feel heavier than some glue-on strips, magnetic eyeliner may irritate sensitive skin, and the lash can detach if the liner is too thin, oily or applied incorrectly.