Fake Eyelashes Vs Mascara: The Battle of the Lashes

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When it comes to enhancing our eyes, Fake Eyelashes Vs Mascara are two popular options. While both can help to create a fuller, more dramatic look, they each come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

So, which one should you choose?

In this article, we will explore the key differences between fake eyelashes and mascara to help you make an informed decision. From the application process and cost comparisons to the long-term effects on your natural lashes and eye health considerations, we’ll cover all the factors that matter in the battle of the lashes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy way to enhance your eyes or a more dramatic, long-lasting look, read on to discover which option is right for you.

Fake Eyelashes

Fake Eyelashes

What Are They?

Okay, so fake eyelashes are artificial, mostly synthetic lashes that are attached to your natural eyelashes. These are usually used to make your eyes look bigger and more feminine. The fake lashes contribute to the volume and length of the lashes thus accentuating the shape of your eye.

These are usually put on by using eyelash-attaching glue. Otherwise, for more convenience, you can also opt for pre-glued or magnetic eyelashes that come without the hassle of putting on and removing glue!

Why Are They So Popular?

With the new era ruled by social media reels and trends, fake eyelashes are becoming more and more popular. Previously fake lashes were popular in the acting and performance community. Today it has trickled out to even the mundane society all thanks to the reach of the products and customers.

Fake lashes are popular because they have become a beauty symbol. It is popular because it makes the lashes look thicker, longer, and voluminous eyelashes. It not only gives a feminine quality to the face but also gives it a completely different appearance.

They are also popular because they are mostly waterproof and stay for a long time compared to other methods of voluminous eyelashes!

Fake Eyelashes Vs Mascara

Different Types Of Fake Lashes

Pre-Glued Lashes

Compared to conventional strip lashes, pre-glued lashes are easier to wear and take off. All you need to do is select your choice of lashes. Cut and trim them to your size and stick them over your natural lashes without needing to apply any glue by yourself.

Now, although they are easier to use, in most cases they can be used only once.

Magnetic Lashes

This is quite a modern method of using faux lashes and there are two ways to do it. First is the technique that involves you sandwiching your natural Eyelashes between two strips of magnetic lashes. Here you place one strip above your natural lashes line and the other below the natural line.

These two strips will clip and cling together to sandwich your natural lashes and as a result, give a voluminous and thick-looking strip of lashes. The second way involves you running magnetic eyeliner along the natural lash line. Then you can attach the magnetic eyelashes to it.

The trick is that the magnetic eyeliner has iron properties that attract and hold onto the magnetic eyelashes. Though they might sound like great options, using magnetic eyelashes daily, especially the sandwich ones, can stress the hair follicle of the natural lashes and may damage them. Whatever you do, they should be used sparingly.

Short Individual Lashes

These lashes are there to provide you with that extra little effect on your natural eyelashes. The drama component in these lashes is lower compared to entire strip ones. As their name suggests they are short and pretty and individual in their appearance. 

And only when you place it with your natural ones, are they effective and enhancing!

Strip Lashes

These are the most widely used faux lashes. They come in strips that are placed over your natural lash line with a removable adhesive and they are reusable. All you need to do is apply the eyelash glue over your eyelid along the lash line and place the strip lashes over it.

Give it a few minutes, the glue will harden and thus keep the lashes in place.

Mascara

Mascara

What Is It?

Mascara is nothing but a black liquid that is used to darken your eyelashes. Post-application of mascara your eyelashes are expected to look thicker and longer, giving an appearance of larger eyes which is accentuated by further eye makeup.

Basic components of mascara include some sort of black pigmentation from carbon black or iron oxide that gives the black color, a sort of polymer that makes up the film that will coat your lashes, and a preservative making it in most cases waterproof and some good wax or oil that helps keep the coat thick and hard to get rid off easily.

Why Are They So Influential?

If you have lighter lashes but you like thicker and darker-looking eyelashes, then most people would go for mascara. The reason is that it is easier to put on and get rid of. Usually, it comes in tubes.

So all you do is use the bristle mascara wand and gently run it over your eyelashes from root to tip till you are satisfied with the results!

Different Types Of Mascara

Different Types Of Mascara

Waterproof Mascara 

These types of mascara are usually manufactured in a way that once you apply it, they remain intact. You can splash water on your face, but your lashes covered in mascara are meant to remain like that till you remove them when and how you want. These are sweatproof, tearproof, and smudge resistant as well.

Lash Lengthening Mascara

This type of mascara is used to make your lashes look longer and give you a fuller finish. Typically they allow your lashes to be integrated with full-length potential and it is also designed to be clump free. Compared to other types, this mascara contributes only to the length and somewhat to the thickness of the lashes, but they do not put excessive weight on the lashes!

Oil-Based Mascara

Oil-based mascara is usually waterproof and much more smudge resistant when compared to its water-based counterpart. It is a great choice of mascara if you are looking for a long-lasting, lash-lengthening, and thickening liquid. 

But people who have issues with their eyes, or have sensitive eyes, should exercise caution in using it as oil-based mascara may contain ingredients that can aggravate your existing eye problems!

Curling Mascara

Curling mascara is used to give you lashes that are far more curled up than your usual natural lashes. This mascara makes your eyes look bigger as the lashes are curled up and away from your eyes. They even have a bounce texture after the application!

CriteriaFake EyelashesMascara
ApplicationApplied using adhesive glueApplied using a wand applicator
PurposeAdds length, volume, and thickness to lashesAdds color and volume to lashes
Time to ApplyCan take longer to apply, especially for beginnersGenerally quicker to apply
LongevityCan last for several days, but may require touch-upsGenerally lasts for a day or until removed
ComfortCan be uncomfortable or heavy on the eyelidsLightweight and comfortable to wear
RemovalMust be removed using makeup remover or oil-based cleanserEasily removed with water and a gentle cleanser
CostCan be more expensive than mascara, especially for higher quality lashesGenerally less expensive than fake lashes
RisksRisks include eye irritation, allergic reactions, and damage to natural lashes if not applied or removed properlyRisks include eye irritation, clumping, and smudging
It’s important to note that both fake eyelashes and mascara can enhance the appearance of lashes but may have different effects and require different application techniques. It’s also important to use products that are suitable for your skin type and to practice proper hygiene and safety when applying or removing these products.


Major Differences Between Fake Eyelashes Vs Mascara

Cost

The difference between mascara and false eyelashes is that when you buy mascara you just buy the mascara tube that comes with a bristle wand while in the case of false eyelashes, you would be required to purchase two items. The average cost of mascara may vary from 6 to 7 USD.

But in the case of eyelashes, you will have to buy the lashes as well as the Eyelash glue, or magnetic eyeliner as per your requirement. Only if you opt for pre-glued eyeliner then you can go without but then the issue is these lashes are a one-time use only. So indeed, if you want to choose false eyelashes, your cosmetic budget might go up.

Ease In Application 

This is another category where mascara may sound better than false eyelashes. You see the problem with false eyelashes is that they can be placed only after you use Eyelash glue or some other substance to hold them in place. Whereas mascara can easily be applied with the bristled brush.

So yes, mascara when compared to faux lashes is easy to apply and take off.

Maintenance 

This category is dubious for both mascara and fake eyelashes. The reason being if the mascara is not waterproof then it may end up smudging and making a mess on your face. It may also get clumped and be hard to be removed in many cases.

On the other hand, in the case of fake lashes, the glue is problematic, it may lead to the lashes falling off or chipping away at inconvenient times! 

Availability Of Options

Mascara and false eyelashes are quite easy enough to come across. Though in many areas mascara is readily available and fake eyelashes are not that popular.

Overall Look

Talking about overall looks is completely subjective. While fake eyelashes give you more volume compared to mascara, I prefer some neat mascara brushing which I think looks more natural as compared to added-on lashes!

Nevertheless, if you want to have extremely dense, colorful, and long eyelashes, then fake eyelashes may be for you.

So Which Is A Better Choice?

Again, this is a completely subjective choice. I mean as I said, mascara does not add on anything physically per se. It enhances and accentuates what you already have. So if you have lashes that you are satisfied with and want to add that finished touch then mascara is a great choice.

But if you have lighter and short lashes and you intend to go for an all-out look, then false eyelashes may be a better choice. Because unlike mascara they add something. They add to the lightness and make your lashes darker, thicker, and longer.

Also if you are on stage for some performance or in costume in those cases, with heavy makeup, false eyelashes pair well instead of mascara which just gives you a boost!

Final Words

In conclusion, the battle of the lashes between fake eyelashes vs mascara ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual needs.

While fake eyelashes offer a more dramatic look and can be great for special occasions, they can also be more expensive and time-consuming to apply.

On the other hand, mascara is a more practical and affordable option that can enhance your natural lashes for an everyday look. Whichever option you choose, it’s important to consider factors such as cost, the application process, eye health, and long-term effects on your natural lashes.

By understanding the key differences between fake eyelashes vs mascara, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect eye makeup solution for you.

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Author

Tessa Reynolds
Meet Tessa Reynolds, who lives in Denver, Colorado. She likes to write about sunglasses, and eye makeup so that she can share her knowledge, and help all the people who need something for their eyes. When she is not writing, you can find her skiing in the mountains of Colorado.