To have naturally long, curly lashes is a dream, but for those of us who didn’t luck out in the genetics lottery, fake lashes will suffice.
We do what we gotta do. Right, ladies?
Fake lashes are a great way to highlight your eyes, but they can be a bit tricky to use. That is why most people ditch glue-on lashes in favor of ready-to-wear magnetic ones to get a quick and hassle-free experience.
What Are Magnetic Lashes?
Magnetic lashes are a type of false lashes. The only difference is they use really tiny magnets to help the lashes stick to your eyelids with the help of a magnetic eyeliner.
How does it work?
Well, the iron oxide in the magnetic liner has the opposite charge as the magnets on the base of the lash, so the two attract one another to give you a highly durable alternative to glue-based traditional falsies.
These lashes come in two types, so if you’re not big on eyeliner, you can get one that features two sets of magnetic lashes — one that goes below your real eyelashes and one that goes above. And voila — dramatic hassle-free lashes!
Magnetic lashes are available in different colors, so you can play around with your look easily.
Are Magnetic Lashes Safe?
False eyelashes depend on potentially harmful glues for application. These glues may contain cyanoacrylate which has some minor toxicity. It can irritate the ocular surface of your eye and lead to complications including, but not limited to, conjunctivitis, corneal abrasion, dermatitis, and keratitis.
As you can tell, beauty really does come at a price!
Luckily, that’s not a problem you’ll have with magnetic lashes.
Magnetic lashes, which are made with synthetic or human/animal hair, are generally considered safe for use. They don’t require an adhesive, and the iron oxide found in them is also considered safe.
As with any product used around the eyes, you have to be careful with how you use magnetic lashes, especially if you have sensitive skin and eyes. While they’re superior to traditional falsies, they can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so you may want to limit their use to avoid eye infections and allergic reactions.
Are There Any Side Effects to Using Magnetic Lashes?
Though we’ve advanced rapidly in science and technology, we’ve yet to produce a fool-proof product. So, yes, there are side effects to using magnetic lashes. Some of them include:
Allergic Reactions
Magnetic lashes are applied with magnetic eyeliners, which contain FDA-approved ingredients like iron oxides. Iron oxides generally do not cause any health risk, but if you’re sensitive to iron oxide, have eczema, or have contact dermatitis, it may cause allergies.
If you notice any irritation or infection in the eye area post-application, remove your lashes immediately to prevent them from worsening.
Damaged Follicles
The tiny magnets on magnetic lashes can take your real eyelashes with them upon removal, which can damage your hair follicles and lead to madarosis. It can even cause your lashes to get trapped in the skin and grow in another direction, which is known as ingrown hair.
To avoid this, slowly peel apart the magnets and use a lash serum to give your lashes a break.
Corneal Damage
If your magnetic lashes have poorly fitted magnets, there’s a good chance they’ll slide away from the lash line when you try to remove them. This can increase the risk of the magnets brushing your eyes, which may cause corneal damage.
A Guide to Magnetic Lash Safety
Here’s how you can use your magnetic lashes properly to avoid eye infections and irritation.
Pre-application:
- Planning on rocking a full beat? Apply your eye makeup before your magnetic lashes.
- Read the manufacturer’s directions about related risks and understand how to best use the product.
- Wash your hands properly before you touch your under-eye area to prevent bacterial contamination.
During:
- Use a clean brush to apply the magnetic eyeliner along your lash lines instead of the lash applicator. Avoid putting it on the waterline since it can damage your eye.
- Let it dry for a minute or two (or three!) but make sure to keep your eyes closed to prevent transfer.
- Once it’s dry, place one magnetic lash on either side of your natural eyelashes.
- Press against each side of the lashes to ensure they’ll stay in place.
Post-application:
- Remove your lashes with your fingers or lash applicator. Slowly and gently peel off the lashes, starting at the outer corner and working your way inwards.
- Use a cotton ball soaked with an oil-based eye makeup remover to get rid of all traces of makeup. It will minimize the chances of clogged pores and acne breakouts while nourishing dry skin.
- Clean your lashes with a swab soaked with oil-free makeup remover after every use to prevent bacterial growth and make them reusable.
- Store your lashes in an acrylic box to get more wear out of them. Keep the lashes away from sunlight as heat can weaken the eyelash bonds.
Avoid sharing your magnetic lashes with other people as it can lead to eye infections.
The Takeaway
Unlike adhesive-based fake lashes, magnetic lashes are easier to use and are considered safe for most people.
That’s not to say that they’re completely risk-free.
As always, it's a good idea to err on the side of caution when using cosmetics around your eye area. If you experience irritation in your eyes or have any type of eye infection after using magnetic lashes, don’t reattach them to your lash lines, and consult a doctor immediately.
