There are 3 types of individual eyelash extensions: synthetic, silk or mink. Most lash salons use synthetic lashes made from polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), a thermoplastic product.

In this guide, I’ll cover the differences between these different materials and explain why Divine Lashes only retails and exclusively uses synthetic lashes.

Synthetic Lashes

Synthetic lashes (sometimes but more rarely called acrylic lashes) are made from a very soft and flexible plastic known as Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT).

Some brands and manufacturer will refer to their synthetic lashes as “faux silk” or “faux mink”.

These are still synthetic extensions made from BPT as opposed to “real silk” and real mink” lashes (more on that in a second).

The mink or silk attribute is mostly used to describe the taper and the finish of the extensions.

Faux mink lashes will have a longer taper (usually around 2/3). This means the body of the extension is thinner. They also generally have a more matte or satin finish.

On the other hand, faux silk lashes have a shorter taper (usually around 1/3) with a thicker extension body. They’ll generally be more shiny than mink lashes.

Real Silk Lashes

silkworm on a leaf.

Real silk lashes are made from the cocoons of silkworms. They are naturally very soft and won’t hold their curl very well.

I’ve even seen some companies market their extensions as “100% silk” when they were in fact synthetic.

It’s quite dishonest…

Having said that, the vast majority of lash salons today, including Divine Lashes, don’t offer real silk lashes because the cons far outweigh the pros.

Pros of real silk lashes:

  • Very comfortable and soft.
  • More natural-looking than synthetic ones.

Cons of real silk lashes:

  • More expensive than faux silk lashes.
  • Don’t hold their curl.
  • They get damaged easily.
  • Not cruelty-free
  • You can have an allergic reaction to them
  • Requires a lot of aftercare from clients.

Real Mink Lashes

mink hiding in rocks.

Real mink lashes are made from actual mink fur – a small mammal part of the weasel family. They are the lightest extension type available on the market.

Just like it was the case for silk lashes, mink lashes are often mislabeled.

Some lash companies will advertise “100% mink” when in fact most of them are actually made of PBT as well.

Real mink lashes are incredibly rare and almost never used by lash artists nowadays, and for good reasons.

And that’s because real mink shares the same disadvantage than real silk does (FYI: Divine Lashes has been against fur lashes from the start.).

Pros of Real Mink Eyelash Extensions:

  • The lightest extension type available.
  • Ideal for thin or weak natural lashes.
  • Very natural-looking and comfortable.

Cons of Real Mink Eyelash Extensions

  • Promotes animal cruelty.
  • Very expensive (a full set can cost up to $500).
  • They have an allergy risk (real mink extensions aren’t for you if you’re allergic to pet fur).
  • Must stay dry for 36 hours after application. This is a much longer timeframe than synthetic lashes.
  • They lose their curl over time.
  • Requires pristine aftercare.

Other Real Hair Options

Other than silk and mink, it’s possible to find eyelash extensions made from fox, coyote, and sable fur.

These animals are sadly often mistreated and live in very poor conditions in fur farms. They are bred solely to harvest their fur.

The use of real fur for lash extensions is an outdated concept because it is cruel and unnecessary.

How to Choose

You should avoid real fur extensions and instead opt for faux silk or faux mink lashes made from high-quality synthetic fibers.

Not only are these options more ethical, they’re also a lot more affordable, durable, hold their curl better, hypoallergenic, and so on.

So how would you choose between the two?

Here’s a table comparing them.

FeatureFaux Mink ExtensionsFaux Silk Extensions
MaterialMade from synthetic Polybutylene Terephthalate (BPT).Made from synthetic Polybutylene Terephthalate (BPT).
TaperLonger taper (usually around 2/3). This means the body of the extension is thinner.Shorter taper (usually around 1/3). This means the body of the extension is thicker.
FinishMatt or satin coating.Shiny coating.
ThicknessLightweight and thinner in diameter.Heavier and thicker in diameter.
AftercareAvoid moisture for 4 hours after applicationAvoid moisture for 4 hours after application
Allergy riskHypoallergenic.Hypoallergenic.
DurabilityHolds the curl.Holds the curl.
Overall LookGives a very natural-looking appearance that is similar to a natural eyelash.Gives a more dramatic, dark and bold look.
Faux mink vs faux silk lashes

Faux mink is the most popular type of extension because it offers a very natural look and feel for clients.

If you’re a new lash artist, I recommend our soft and matte extensions like our Matte | 0.05 mm | Lash Tray or our Matte | 0.06 mm | Lash Tray.

Why We Care

We believe in providing products that not only enhance the beauty of our clients but also ensure the respect of all beings.

If you’re still unsure of which lash type to choose from, feel free to contact us!

~ Asako 🙂

Want to visit? Book an appointment with our Toronto, Montreal or Laval salons.
Ready to master lash artistry? Take a look at our courses.
Need lash supplies? Visit our shop.

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5 Comments

  1. This is a very informative post. I personally feel that long beautiful eyelashes highlight the beauty of the eyes and one appears extremely beautiful. I have not been blessed with such long lashes and so I use cruelty free magnetic lashes that are easy to use and put on. The awesome thing about these lashes is that these are absolutely cruelty free while also being safe to use.

  2. I can believe I can find this page for my career. Everything what i really want to know. Thank you so much for your thoroughly knowledge providing.

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