Whether you’re a new lash artist or a seasoned pro looking for an upgrade, providing your clients with an amazing lash experience starts with the perfect lighting system.
You need a clear view to apply lash extensions accurately with perfect isolation. But you also don’t want a bulky design that’s unsightly and can’t be properly positioned.
In my lash salons, I’ve tested several models of the two most popular lights for eyelash extensions: Glamcor and Ring Light. In the end, I decided to equip my studios with the Glamcor light (more on that later).
In a rush? Here are my top picks:
Glamcor
This premium eyelash extension light is my personal favorite. I have equipped my lash studios with this model.
Ring Light
A perfect light for taking photos and videos of your eyelash extension prowess. I use it regularly for social media content.
What Are the Best Lights for Eyelash Extensions?
1. Best Overall: Glamcor Elite
MY PICK
Asako’s Take
The Glamcor light is my #1 recommendation for every lash artist who values exceptional lighting and a sleek design. I have equipped all my lash studios with the Glamcor light and our artists love it!
Best For:
Stylish?
Lightweight?
Cast Shadows?
Lash Studios
Very!
Yes!
No!
The Glamcor Elite X light is a professional-grade, adjustable LED light that comes with a carrying case, power adapter, and instructions. The lamp is sleek, modern, and very stylish – it looks great in any lash studio!
What’s so special about this light?
I would say the most distinctive feature of the Glamcor light is the two staggered arms which can be bent across a client’s bed to achieve the perfect lighting angle.
In terms of lighting, the Glamcor features HD Daylight lighting with 5,600K and 5 brightness settings. To change the brightness, you simply have to touch the sensor on the side of the lamp. Each time you touch the sensor, you’re switching to the next brightness level. However, this also means that there’s not a smooth transition between levels like with a ring light.
I like the fact that it’s lightweight and portable which is ideal if you’re a mobile lash tech. Also, the tripod legs are very thin and won’t take up too much space next to your lash bed. That way, you can maximize the space of your salon and avoid risking clients tripping over them.
The stand doesn’t take up much space when stored away since it’s collapsible. Finally, it’s pretty much plug-and-play – no assembly required!
Key Features:
- 5,600K HD Daylight LEDs.
- 2 flexible arms.
- 5 brightness settings.
- 336 LEDs. Previous models only had 120 LEDs.
Pros and Cons:
What’s to like?
- The two staggered arms are ideal to find the lighting angle you need.
- Modern and very stylish design.
- Lightweight which makes it portable and easily maneuverable.
- Easy to set up and take down.
What’s not to like?
- More expensive than competitors.
- Not dimmable – you have to choose between 5 brightness settings.
Alternatives:
If you want to up your lash game even further and upgrade your Glamcor Elite X light, you can choose from two very attractive models: the Revolution X and the Ultra X.
The Revolution X is basically an upgraded version of the original Glamcor Elite X light. They both have the same lighting capabilities. However, the Revolution X has one arm that is longer than the other. This is extremely useful for lash artists that use larger beds as you can use the long arm to reach the other side of the bed.
The Ultra X is the top-of-the-line Glamcor and is mostly used by makeup artists because it features bi-color. This means you can change the color temperature from cold to warm. Makeup artists love this model because colors tend to show up differently under different color temperatures.
Final Verdict:
I have purchased both the Elite X and Revolution X for my lash studios. If you’re looking for a high-quality, professional-grade lamp that will help you take your lash game to the next level, I highly recommend the Glamcor!
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room…
Yes, Glamcor is definitely on the expensive side. It can be a steep purchase when you’re first starting out. However, I truly believe that it’s worth the investment – especially if you plan on doing lashes for a long time.
However, I personally haven’t found the investment in the Ultra X model to be worth it. My pictures look great under the Elite X and Revolution X lights, so I don’t think the bi-color feature is worth the extra money.
Best Value: Neewer Ring Light
Asako’s Take
The Ring light is a great budget-friendly option that provides good vision for lash extensions. I love my ring light when taking photos for my blog and social media channels.
Best For:
Stylish?
Lightweight?
Cast Shadows?
Lash Photos
Yes!
No!
No!
The Neewer Ring Light is an LED light that comes with a phone holder and a tripod. The phone holder is extremely useful because you can take pictures or videos of your work without having to hold the phone yourself or use another device to hold it.
Moreover, because the phone is centered in the ring lamp, it eliminates any dark shadows that can be cast on your work.
I personally find the picture and video quality of my phone to be just as good as my more expensive camera, so I actually don’t use my DSLR camera anymore when taking lash extension photos for social media. Plus, the camera is quite bulky and awkward when you’re trying to take close-up photos.
This ring light is definitely heavier than the Glamcor and takes more space. If you’re a mobile eyelash artist that needs to travel light, then this is definitely not the best option for you.
The intensity can be adjusted by turning a button which allows you to dim the light between 1% to 100%. The head can also be positioned at a 90° angle to avoid any cast shadows.
Key Features:
- Comes with 2 color filters (White and Orange). You can switch the temperature from 3200K to 5600K.
- 18-inch diameter LED ring light which allows for full coverage of your client’s eyelashes (and more!)
- Dimmable from 1% to 100%
- An aluminum stand that extends to a maximum height of 61 inches.
Pros and Cons:
What’s to like?
- The phone holder is just awesome. I use it all the time to take pictures of my client’s eyelashes and it just makes life so much easier.
- The 18-inch diameter is perfect for lash artists as it provides full coverage of the lashes without any cast shadows. You can see the baby lashes very easily.
- Inexpensive when compared to other options.
What’s not to like?
- The ring light is quite heavy and bulky. Not ideal for mobile lash artists.
- The tripod takes up a lot of space next to the lash bed. Not recommended if you’re operating in a small room.
Alternatives:
The Neewer 18-inch RGB Ring Light is an upgrade over the standard 18-inch ring light. For a little extra money, you get an RGB color temperature-changing feature which is great if you want to take pictures with different color effects.
Also, you get a flexible gooseneck which allows you to position the head in any direction. This is especially useful if you want to take pictures from different angles.
Final Verdict:
I first purchased the ring light when I started lashing and I still use it to this day at home for my social media content. It’s an excellent budget-friendly option that provides excellent lighting for all the pictures and videos that I want to publish.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option that won’t break the bank, then I would recommend the Neewer Ring Light.
How They Stack Up
Neewer Ring Light
Glamcor Elite X
Preview
Brightness Level
Dimmable
5 Levels
Temperature
3200K or 5600K
5600K
Flexible
Portable
Style
Average
High
Phone Holder
Price
$$
$$$
Neewer Ring Light
Preview
Brightness Level
Dimmable
Temperature
3200K or 5600K
Flexible
Portable
Style
Average
Phone Holder
Price
$$
Glamcor Elite X
Preview
Brightness Level
5 Levels
Temperature
5600K
Flexible
Portable
Style
High
Phone Holder
Price
$$$
Eyelash Extension Light Buying Guide
These are what I think are the most important characteristics to consider when buying your lamp for lashes:
- Color: I prefer a white color as I find I can see my work more clearly that way. As a matter of fact, I don’t see how any other color would make sense.
- Intensity: You want something bright enough to see the eyelashes clearly. Ideally, you should have a progressive dimer, but levels work fine too.
- Size: First, think about the coverage you need to see your client’s face. You don’t want a tiny light that casts shadows. Also, the size of the tripod is often overlooked. You need to be able to place it comfortably next to your lash bed without interfering with your (or your client’s) movements.
- Price: This one is a given, but making sure the cost fits your budget is important. Having said that, I see good equipment as an investment in my business and I don’t to spend more for the best here.
- Weight: Make sure to use a light model if you plan to go to your clients’ homes.
FAQs
Which light is better for lash extensions?
For eyelash extensions application, choose Glamcor. For pictures and videos, choose Ring Light.
What are the different types of lash lights?
There are two main types of lash lights: ring lights and panel lights. Ring lights are great for providing full coverage of the lashes and don’t cast any shadows. On the flip side, panel lights are more esthetically pleasing, lightweight, and less bulky.
What is the best color temperature for an eyelash light?
The best color temperature for lash lights is between 3000K and 4500K. This range of colors will help you to see allows to see the client’s lashes very clearly without any cast shadows.
What is the best intensity for a lash light?
900 to 1300 lumens is ideal for lash artists. You’ll be able to see all the eyelashes and the detail of your work without being blinded by the light.
What is the best size for a ring light when doing eyelash extensions?
18 inches is the recommended size for full coverage of the eye area while working. With a smaller diameter, you might have some cast shadows while a bigger one is unnecessary.
The Bottom Line
I remember when I first started lashing, I had no idea what kind of light to use. After reading many reviews, I ended up purchasing a ring light and still use it today when taking pictures for my clients.
I later tried the Glamcor light and never looked back. That’s why I now only buy this brand for my lashing business.
If you want the best of the best when lashing, go with Glamcor. You won’t regret it.
I know I sound like a die heart fan… but hey. They’re just that good.
I hope this guide helped you to understand the different types of lash lights and how to choose the one you need. If you have any questions, please ask me in the comments below!
– Asako 🙂
Additional Readings on DivineLashes.ca: If you’re loading up on equipment for your studio, check out my reviews of the best lash beds, which lash pillow you should pick and my favorite lash glue for professionals.