The Life-Changing Magic Of Magnetic Eyelashes

In the quest to emphasize our eyelashes, the nontoxic world doesn't offer many options. Extensions are out of the question—they typically use animal hairs (e.g., they're not cruelty-free) and the long-term adhesive is definitely not natural. Lash tints and lifts are a solid choice if you want to forgo eyelash curling and mascara while creating less plastic planetary waste, but it's an expensive commitment from both a time and resource standpoint. Falsies are fun, but again, the adhesive used to make the eyelashes stick to your face for hours at a time is chock-full of ingredients that probably shouldn't be anywhere near the delicate mucus membrane of the eyes.

Magnetic lashes just might be the answer to your lash extension-ial questions (sorry, couldn't resist). Like regular falsies, they arrive in a box with two sets of lashes, one for each eye. The main difference is that they come with an additional underlayer of lashes (not to be mistaken for bottom lashes) that attach magnetically to the top layer. Essentially, one long layer of eyelashes sits atop the lash line while two or three smaller batches of lashes sandwich it from underneath, using tiny magnets, to give the illusion of fuller lashes. 

Getting them on was definitely the most difficult part of the process. Once they were well-placed and secure, I was pleasantly surprised that both brands stayed put and didn't move. Each took some getting used to—if you've ever worn false eyelashes, you understand how they can alter your field of vision and add a feeling of heaviness to the eyelid. The same goes for magnetic eyelashes, and they're heavier than falsies. As such I felt absolutely ridiculous leaving the house with them on. I might as well have been walking around with lipstick on my teeth or an enormous knot in my hair, because the lashes felt so wrong, like they were on sideways or somehow falling off. But every time I checked my camera, the situation was fine. In fact, it was barely noticeable. I sent my husband a selfie, and he didn't remark, which meant they passed for normal.