Whether you want to try DIY lash extensions at home or a professional lash artist servicing clients, choosing the best lash glue is critical for a successful application. It can be tricky to find the best one with all of the options on the market.

I started lashing clients more than 10 years ago which means I’ve tried out a LOT of lash adhesives during my career.

This article is a definitive guide on buying the best eyelash extension glues for you. I will share with you what works (and what doesn’t).

Before we get down to the list, let’s go through the most essential information regarding lash glues so that you can make an educated selection about which one is best for you.

Here are my quick picks. Feel free to skip to my best eyelash extension glue list, otherwise, let’s dig into the topic.

What Are Eyelash Extension Glues & How Do They Work?

Eyelash extension glues are specialized adhesives that are used to apply fake lashes to your natural lash line. The eyelash glue essentially acts as a cement that bonds the two surfaces together.

Based on their specific formulation and ingredients, eyelash extension glues will have specific characteristics:

• Drying time: This is the amount of time it takes for the glue to become tacky enough to attach the extension, but not so tacky that it pulls on your natural lashes when you try to apply it.
• Hold time: This is the amount of time the glue will keep the lash securely in place once it’s been applied.
• Viscosity: This is the thickness of the glue. A lower viscosity means that the glue is thinner and will dry faster, while a higher viscosity means that the eyelash glue is thicker and will take longer to dry.
• Humidity: This is the amount of moisture in the air. High humidity means that a cyanoacrylate-based eyelash glue will dry faster, while low humidity means that it will dry slower.
• Temperature: This is the temperature of the room you’re working in. Higher temperatures will cause a cyanoacrylate-based eyelash extension glue to dry faster, while lower temperatures will cause it to dry slower.

Now that we know the basics of lash glues, let’s move on to what type of glue is best for you.

Types of Eyelash Extensions Glue

The most important factor to consider when choosing a lash adhesive is the type of false lashes you will be applying to your eyes. Will it be:

1. False lashes or strip lashes?
2. DIY individual lash extensions?
3. Professional lash extensions?

Table Summary: Strip Lash Glue vs Individual Lash Glue vs Professional Lash Glue

I have summarized the most important differences between these 3 types of lash extension adhesives in the summary table below.

	Strip Lash Glue	Individual Lash Glue	Professional Lash Glue
Used for what?	Strip lashes or individual lashes	Individual lashes	Individual lashes
Application Type?	DIY	DIY	Professional
Applied where?	Skin	Natural lash	Natural Lash
Lasts how long?	24-48 hours	2-4 weeks	6-8 weeks
How to remove?	Makeup remover	Glue remover	Professional remover

1. False Lashes or Strip Lashes Glue

Strip eyelash extension glue is applied directly to the skin and is safe to use that way.

It dries to a flexible hold so that it can conform to the curve of your eyelid and hold the lashes in place all day.

It generally lasts around 24 hours and is very easily removed. Simply use a makeup remover to break down the bond and gently peel the lashes off.

One thing to note is that strip lash extension adhesive can be used for individual lashes, but not vice versa.

2. Individual Lash Glue (DIY)

This adhesive has a much stronger hold than strip eyelash extension glue.

It is applied directly to the natural lash hair and should never touch the skin. It bonds natural lashes to one extension.

This type of eyelash extension glue is not meant to be removed daily. It can last anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

You can not remove it with a simple makeup remover or by peeling it off. You will need to use a specially formulated lash extension remover to break down the bond.

You should NEVER use individual lash extension glue for strip or false lashes. It will bond to your skin and you will have an incredibly hard time removing it without damaging your skin and natural lashes.

3. Professional Lash Glue

This adhesive is only to be used by licensed professionals. Improper use can be extremely harmful to the eye.

It is a cyanoacrylate-based glue that bonds one extension to one natural eyelash at a time. The typical ingredient list is 80-95% of cyanoacrylate (eg. ethyl, methyl, butyl, ethoxyethyl, or octyl cyanoacrylate) and 20-5% of other compounds such as a thickening agent, a coloring agent, and a stabilizing agent.

The average drying time for fast-drying adhesives is 1-2 seconds and the retention period is 6-8 weeks with proper care.

This type of extension glue should be removed by a professional with a special solvent. If you try to remove it yourself, you could end up damaging your lashes.

How to Choose the Best Lash Glue

When choosing an eyelash glue, there are 6 main factors you need to consider:

1. Drying time: You should choose a glue with a drying time that works for you (it’s always indicated on the label). For example, a fast drying time of 1-2 seconds might be too fast if you’re not used to applying extensions. In such cases, the bond would be weak and you would end up with lashes that are not properly affixed, thus poor retention. A 3-5 seconds drying time might be ideal if you’re getting started.
2. Humidity and temperature: The higher the humidity and temperature, the faster your glue will dry. If you live in a humid climate, choose a glue with a longer drying-time. For example, if you would normally need a 1-2 second drying-time adhesive, then opt for a 3-4 second one.
3. Allergies: This is a big one. If you have sensitive skin or eyes, make sure to choose a glue that is hypoallergenic. These adhesives will typically have a weaker bond and thus worse retention of extensions, but you benefit from decreasing your risk of getting an allergic reaction.
4. Ingredients: Almost all lash glues you can find on the market are made of three components: 1) Cyanoacrylate (bonding agent), 2) coloring pigment and 3) additives. The percentage of cyanoacrylate is probably the most important factor to consider, as it directly correlates with retention and drying time, but also with adverse reactions.
5. Color: The two most popular colors are black and clear. Black eyelash glue is a great choice if you have black natural lashes and it can also help to camouflage any faux pas you make during the application. Clear lash glue is not as frequently used but can be a good choice if you have pale natural lashes and want a stronger bond since they typically have a higher concentration of cyanoacrylate.
6. Hold: The hold is what determines how long the adhesive holds the extensions in place. If you plan to keep your lashes for just a few days, choose a light-hold glue. On the other hand, if you would like to keep them for weeks, then choose a strong-hold glue.

How to Apply the Glue Properly

Applying eyelash extension glue is not as difficult as you might think. Here are the general steps to take when using lash glue with strip lashes or individual lashes.

Step 1: Start With Clean Lashes

For the glue to properly bond, you need a squeaky clean lash line. To do so, wash your face and eyes thoroughly with an oil-free makeup remover. Your lashes should be free of any makeup or oils.

Step 2: Check the Temperature

The eyelash extension glue will perform best when applied at a temperature of 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. If the glue is too cold, it will not bond properly. If the glue is too hot, it will dry too quickly.

Step 3: Do a Patch Test

A patch test is very helpful to determine if you’re allergic to the adhesive. It’s best to apply a small amount of glue to the inside of your wrist. If you have a reaction, you will see it within a few minutes. It’s much better to have it there as opposed to the eye area.

Step 4: Apply the Glue to Your Lashes

For strip lashes, use the provided applicator to apply the glue to the lash band. You don’t need a lot for it to be effective. Make sure not to rush the application. You should wait until the adhesive becomes tacky. At that point, the strip lashes are ready for application. I’ve seen some people recommend applying the adhesive directly to the skin of your eyelid, but I find this method incredibly messy.

For individual lash extensions, use a pair of tweezers and grab a single extension from the middle. Then, gently dip the tip of the extension into the glue. You don’t need to dip the entire extension since only the tip bonds with the natural eyelash.

Step 5: Apply the Lashes

For strip lashes, use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to carefully position the band to your eyelid. You should remember that these types of false lashes are not supported by your natural lashes – it’s the skin of your eyelids that does the heavy lifting.

For individual lashes, use a pair of tweezers to apply one extension to one natural eyelash. This process is repeated until you’ve completed your set. Needless to say, the DIY route is quite perilous in my opinion.

8 Best Lash Glues Based on Consumer Ratings, Reports, and Personal Experience

Best Overall: Emeda Lash Glue

Looking for an eyelash glue with super hold? Try Emeda Lash Glue. This water-resistant glue has a strong hold that can last up to several weeks. The Emeda adhesive is also latex-free and formaldehyde-free which makes it a great choice if you have allergies or sensitivities.

You can choose between clear or black glue. The black one has a more glamorous mascara-like finish while the clear one is more forgiving if you make a mistake.

This product is recommended for experienced lash wearers given its strong hold and fast-drying time. When removing it, you should take extra time and a special remover to avoid damaging your natural lashes.

Make sure you’re using this adhesive for strip lashes only. If you’re looking for glue for individual eyelash extensions, my recommendation is below.

Best for Strip Lashes: Ardell DUO Strip Eyelash Glue

DUO Strip from Ardell is a fan favorite and for good reason. This glue is affordable, easy to use, and works great with strip lashes.

The relatively slow drying time of 30 minutes gives you plenty of time to apply your lashes without having to worry about them drying too quickly and getting stuck together.

Duo Strip Lash Adhesive is also latex-free, hypoallergenic, and water-resistant. Keep in mind that this glue is not meant for use with individual lashes, as it is too weak and will not provide a good bond.

Best for Individual Lash Extensions: LashView Individual Lash Glue

This lash adhesive is excellent if you want to give DIY lashes a try. This generous 10 ml bottle will give you plenty of glue to practice with. LashView Individual Lash Glue has a drying time of 3-4 seconds, low fumes, retention of up to 4 weeks, low viscosity, and medium flexibility.

Best Drugstore: DUO Brush-On StripLash Adhesive

This DUO Brush-On adhesive is formulated for strip lashes or false lashes. It dries clear which is ideal for a seamless application.

The product comes with an application brush for easy and mess-free applications. This glue is also water-resistant and it can last up to several weeks. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable option available in drugstores.

Best for Beginners: Forabeli Pure Sensitive Eyelash Extension Glue

This hypoallergenic and sensitive eyelash extension glue from Forabeli is ideal for beginners. It has a slow drying time of 7-8 seconds which gives you plenty of time to apply your lashes without making mistakes. The glue is also very flexible which makes it more comfortable to wear.

It has a retention of up to 6 weeks and it is water-resistant. I like this one for beginning lash artists.

Best for Sensitive Eyes: Calailis Lash Glue

This lash glue from Calailis is ideal for people with sensitive skin or eyes. It has a low-fume formula and it is also latex-free. The glue has a drying time of 3-4 seconds and it is water-resistant. It can last up to 6 weeks.

Best on Amazon: KISS I-Envy

This lash glue from KISS is one of the best-selling options on Amazon. It has a strong hold of 48 hours and it dries clear. The glue is also water-resistant.

It comes with a precision tip applicator for easy and mess-free applications.

It is also incredibly affordable and one of the cheapest options on this list.

Best for Professional: Lash Collection Pro Plus Adhesive

The Pro Plus Glue from the Lash Collection is my all-time favorite. I’ve been using it for years now at my salon. I like that it has a relatively fast drying time of 2-3 seconds but is quite gentle at the same time. My clients rarely experience adverse reactions since I started using this glue.

The company offers other types of adhesives with different characteristics and drying-time, but this is the one I settled for.

Keep in mind that this glue is not for beginners and definitely not for a DIY application. It’s reserved for certified and experienced lash artists.

My Personal Lash Glue (#1 Pick)

When choosing an eyelash extension adhesive I’ve considered the following factors:

• Drying time
• Fumes
• Retention
• Comfort
• Ease to work with

I’ve also taken into account the reviews from other lash artists and my own clients.

Based on all of these factors, my personal pick for the best professional eyelash extension glue is the Pro Plus Glue from the Lash Collection. I love working with it because it has a strong hold, minimal fumes, and is very gentle for my sensitive clients.

If you’re into DIY lash extensions, I have had really good experiences with the Lash View Glue. It is probably the closest you can get to a professional adhesive in terms of strength without having to go to a lash salon.

If you are a beginner and just starting out with strip lashes, you can’t go wrong with the Ardell DUO Strip Eyelash Glue. It’s a fan favorite and I understand why.