5 Best Magnetic Lashes to Effortlessly Add Drama

Our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab evaluated every magnetic eyelash and magnetic eyeliner recommended above with Michael S. Brown, Ph.D.

In our test, we cross-checked the magnetic liner's ingredients against the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classification and the current Proposition 65 (Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 - Prop 65) list. We also utilized the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) database to verify the safety of several ingredients.

Our recommendations do not include any magnetic eyelash and eyeliner kits that:

• Lack an ingredient list on its packaging, according to the FDA Declaration of Ingredients
• Have incorrectly spelled or shortened ingredients
• Contain triethanolamine, a potential skin and eye irritant
• Contain carbon black in its nano form
  

✔️ Styles: Eye shapes vary and your falsies should suit you.

• For hooded lids, wispy lashes look best. Its fine, feathery qualities create subtle volume and make the eye appear larger, says René.
• Smaller eyes can try cluster lashes, which let you build up and customize whichever shape you'd prefer — cat eye or otherwise.
• Large eyes can handle many lash types: Thicker lashes add volume, while a small lash adds subtle definition. "When I'm working with clients that have large, round eyes, I try to enhance their shape by reaching for lashes that bring drama but in a subtle way," René adds. "I really like using 3D lashes because they enhance volume and length, but they don't overpower the eye."

✔️ Size and weight: Fuller styles are trickier to apply since they weigh down lashes more. Beginner lash wearers may strike more luck by starting out with wispy lashes that are lighter to handle. Even individual lashes, though a bit intimidating, let you take on smaller sections at a time. Use a spoolie to blend with your natural lashes and even an imperfect application can look pretty seamless. Pro tip: René recommends taking the lash out of its packaging and molding the band. "Take the two ends and press them together, creating a circle," she says. "In doing this, it helps to mold the band to better fit the shape of your eye."

Yes, overall, magnetic lashes are safe to use around the eyes, according to New York City-based optometrist Susan Resnick, O.D., F.A.A.O.

She explains that magnetic eyelashes are even better than using traditional false eyelashes because you don’t need to apply glue close to the eye area. "This reduces the possibility of glue accidentally seeping into the eyes as well as having allergic or infectious reactions due to glue build-up," Dr. Resnick says. "Removal of the [magnetic] lashes is much gentler and reduces the likelihood of pulling out or splitting the natural lashes."

Magnetic eyeliner contains iron oxides, which are tiny, pigmented minerals commonly found in cosmetics, that are FDA-approved for use around the eyes, according to Andrea Thau, M.D., a past president of the American Optometric Association. "There does not appear to be any risk with the small amount of electromagnetic frequency emitted by the magnets." To be extra safe:

✔️ Read the directions on the package. Whether or not you're a pro at applying false eyelashes, each kit is unique and has its own set of instructions.

✔️ Don't share your eyelashes with friends. Make sure you keep them clean so you don't give yourself an eye infection. "As with all cosmetics uses near the eyes, cleanliness is important to prevent bacteria and other foreign substances from flaking or seeping into the eyes," Dr. Resnick says. "By following the manufacturer's recommendation for proper removal, cleaning and storage, as well as timely replacement, eye infections are preventable."

✔️ Remove them before you go to bed. "Lashes should not be worn overnight as they can accidentally loosen and cause a corneal abrasion," Dr. Resnick says. "There is more risk of infection if the eye area is not cleaned on a daily basis (as is true for all cosmetics)."

There are some potential hazards associated with magnetic eyelashes, including allergic reaction, irritation, eyelid fatigue, lashes falling out and corneal abrasion, says Dr. Thau. The important thing to remember when wearing eyelashes or applying any eye makeup is to practice good hygiene habits, including washing your hands frequently, avoiding rubbing your eyes as much as possible and not sharing makeup.

If you are sensitive to certain metals, Dr. Thau recommends a patch test to check for any negative reactions before using the product near your eyes. "I would also recommend patients with sensitive eyes avoid wearing false eyelashes every day," she advises. "Take breaks every few days so lashes and the area around your eyes can breathe and rest."

Dr. Thau also notes that magnetic eyelashes are unsafe for MRI and must be removed before entering the MRI zone. "The scan uses a magnetic field and could cause injury or complications if magnetic lashes are present," she says. "Patients should remember to mention it to the technologist or remove them before an MRI."

"First, curl your natural lashes and apply a layer of mascara so that the falsies will hold better," says René. "If you apply them on a bare lash it will likely slide off." Makeup artist Lydia Arroyo finds it's easiest to set the lash down in the middle, then adjust the outer corner and save the inner corner for last.

Wizemann has her own method of magnetic lash application: "I found the easiest way to put them on was to hold the top [of the] lashes with my fingers and snap the bottom on with tweezers," she says. "But if you're not comfortable using tweezers, you can buy little lash applicator tools with rounded edges on them."

GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann oversaw the ingredient review for every magnetic lash recommendation in this article. During her over 10-year tenure at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab, she regularly tests makeup products in the Lab, including some of the magnetic lashes in this article.

We collaborated with Wizemann and interviewed industry experts to put together a comprehensive list of our picks. Our staff road tested the remaining magnetic lashes on both herself and her peers.

We also consulted outside experts, including celebrity makeup artists, ophthalmologists and environmental experts:

• Michael S. Brown, Ph.D, is the founder of BWE, an environmental and sustainability management consulting firm.
• Andrea Thau, M.D., is the former president of the American Optometric Association.
• Susan Resnick, O.D., F.A.A.O., is a New York City-based optometrist.
• Lydia Arroyo is a professional makeup artist.
• Maya René is a celebrity makeup artist.