Top-8 Best Lash Glues in 2022 (Ranked & Reviewed)

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.

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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 lash, 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

Stip 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 adhesive 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 or your skin.

How to Choose the Best Lash Glue

When choosing an eyelash glue, there are 7 main factors you need to consider:

1. Drying time: The curing time is always indicated on the label. Make sure to choose a glue with a drying time that works for you. For example, a fast drying time of 1-2 seconds might be way too fast and you could end up with lashes that are not properly bonded. A drying time of 3-5 seconds might be ideal.
2. Humidity and temperature: These two factors can affect the drying time of your glue. If you live in a humid climate, make sure to choose a glue that has a low humidity formula. If you’re working in a hot environment, make sure to choose a glue that can withstand high temperatures.
3. Allergies: This is a big one. If you have sensitive skin or eyes, make sure to choose a glue that is specifically designed for sensitive eyes and/or skin. You might also want to consider hypoallergenic glue.
4. Ingredients: Make sure to check the ingredients list to see if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
5. Color: The three main colors of lash extension glue are black and clear. Black eyelash glue can be ideal if you have dark lashes because it will help to camouflage any mistakes. Clear lash glue can be a good choice if you want to avoid any residue.
6. Waterproof: Waterproof eyelash adhesive can be a good choice if you live in a humid climate or if you want your lashes to last through sweaty workouts.
7. Hold: The hold will determine how long your lashes will last. If you want your lashes to last for a few days, you can choose a light-hold glue. If you want your lashes to last for days or even weeks, you can 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 a few tips to help you apply the glue properly:

Step 1: Start With Clean Lashes

Before you apply the glue, make sure your lashes are clean. Remove any makeup or oil from your lashes with an oil-free makeup remover.

Step 2: Check the Temperature

The ideal temperature for eyelash extension glue is 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

Before you apply the glue to your lashes, do a patch test on the inside of your wrist. This will help you to see if you’re allergic to glue.

Step 4: Apply the Glue to Your Lashes

For strip lashes, use the provided applicator to apply the glue to the lash band. You can also apply the adhesive directly to the skin of your eyelid.

For individual lash extensions, use a pair of tweezers to gently dip the tip of the lash into the glue.

Step 5: Apply the Lashes

For strip lashes, use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to apply the lash strip to your lash line. For individual lashes, use a pair of tweezers to apply the lash to your natural lash one by one.

Pros and Cons of Each Type of Glue

Water-based:

Water-based glue is the safest type of glue because it’s made with natural ingredients. It’s also the easiest type of glue to remove. However, water-based glue is not as strong as other types of glue and it might not last as long.

Latex-based:

Latex-based glue is a strong type of glue that can last for days or even weeks. However, it’s not as safe as water-based glue because it can cause irritation and allergies, especially if you have sensitive skin or eyes.

Acrylic-based:

Acrylic-based glue is the strongest type of glue and it can last for days or even weeks. However, it’s not as safe as water-based glue because it can cause irritation and allergies.

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 glue has a strong hold that can last up to several weeks. The glue is also water-resistant and it dries clear. The Emeda adhesive is also latex-free, making it a good choice for people with allergies.

You can choose between clear or black glue. The black option gives a mascara-like finish which can help give the illusion of fuller lashes.

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.

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 features a drying time of 3-4 seconds, low fumes, retention of up to 4 weeks, low viscosity, and medium flexibility.

Overall, this is a great glue for beginners who want to try individual lashes. The low drying time means that you have to work quickly, but it also helps to avoid mistakes. The low fumes are also a bonus, as they can be irritating to the eyes and lungs.

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.

It is a professional-grade glue 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: Borboleta Go-To Adhesive

Borboleta’s Go-To Adhesive is one of the best professional eyelash extension glue on the market. This glue has a strong hold that can last up to eight weeks. It is also water-resistant.

It comes in three viscosities to tailor to your specific needs: medium thin, medium, and medium-thick

Borboleta’s Go-To Adhesive is also latex-free and formaldehyde-free, making it a good choice for people with allergies.

It has a solid reputation with lash artists raving about its quality and performance in the reviews.

Keep in mind that this glue is not for beginners. It has a fast drying time of one to two seconds.

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 Borboleta Go-To Adhesive. It has a strong hold that can last up to eight weeks with minimal fumes and is easy to work with for lash artists.

If you’re into DIY lash extensions, I have had really good experiences with the Emeda Lash Glue. It is probably the closest you can get to a professional adhesive safely 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 is one of the most popular ones for good reasons.

Choosing Your Lash Glue – Key Takeaways

At the end of the day, it’s important to select a lash glue that is right for the type of lashes you want to apply, as well as your sensitivities and preferences.

If you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with hypoallergenic glue with a slow drying time. This will give you plenty of time to apply your lashes without making mistakes.

I hope you enjoyed this roundup of the best eyelash extension glues. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below!

Also, please share with me your favorite products! I’m always looking to improve my lash game :).

– Asako