The 5 Best Lash Glues of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The Lilly Lashes Clear Eyelash Glue checked all the boxes

Lisa has worked in the beauty industry for 10+ years. She began her beauty career as a junior in college when she interned at QVC. Lisa has worked at multiple publications including Fitness, Allure, All You, Health, and Real Simple. Now, as a freelancer, she's contributing to an even wider range of outlets including InStyle, Byrdie, Glamour, Mother.ly, Cosmopolitan, Well & Good, Allure, and more. During her time in the industry, she's honed her craft as a beauty expert and developed her love of fitness and all things wellness. Lisa graduated from Drexel University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising and a concentration in Communications.

In This Article

People / Jhett Thompson

After years of searching — with many failed attempts — you’ve finally found the most perfect, fluffy false lashes, and you can’t wait to wear them. So, what’s the problem? Your flawless falsies require glue that’ll keep them in place for more than 30 seconds. Easier said than done. Lash glue can be a pain to figure out, so that’s why our PEOPLE Tested lab put the top formulas to the test. The result: five lash glues that grip better than all of the rest.

Whether you’re a makeup novice or a pro, on a budget, or are ready to splurge, we’ve found a lash glue for you. We tested different lash glues and looked for key factors — such as how messy the application process was and how well the glue held onto the lashes — to determine which were the best in the market.

Ready to rock some falsies? Read on for the best lash glues that not only met but exceeded our expectations, starting at just $4.

Precise applicator is easy to use and limits mess

Dries clear

Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers

Quickly grips the lash line

There's nothing we disliked

Our top pick for the best lash glue is the top-rated Lilly Lashes Clear Eyelash Glue, the same brand that we confirmed as the very best to invest in when it comes to falsies. It’s a staple in some of our favorite makeup artists’ kits, and we echo that sentiment. Straight out of the gate, we were impressed by the simple and precise applicator that allows you to control exactly how much product you want to use so that you don’t wind up with a mess.

After applying the glue straight to a lash strip, we noted how quickly it turned tacky, which is ideal for proper placement. It quickly gripped to our lash line with ease, and most importantly, the formula goes from white to clear, so it’s very forgiving.

This formula didn’t irritate our eyes at all, even with sensitive skin, nor did it have any harsh or chemical smell like some lash glues can. In fact, it’s ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested. Because it dries so quickly, it may be harder for novices to figure out the exact amount of playtime needed to get the lash placement right, but once you find that sweet spot, the application process becomes a breeze. Those who already have experience with lash glue will appreciate this quick-drying formula.

Size: 0.16 oz. | Color: Clear | Applicator: Brush

Long-lasting formula

Different shades based on preference

Enriched with vitamins A, C, and E

Applicator brush collects too much product which makes it clumpy

This bargain drugstore lash glue is everywhere for a reason — it really works! It also proves that price doesn’t always equal efficacy. There are several different versions, including formulas for strip lashes, individual lashes, and tinted options. We reviewed the clear formula for strip lashes that includes an applicator brush. Similar to our favorite lash-boosting serums, it has good-for-you ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E.

During testing, we found it was easy to apply the glue to the lashes, but it would be helpful if the brush was smaller; we had an issue with some of the glue getting on the eyelid rather than the lash line because the brush had a little too much product on it. All in all, we would have preferred a thinner applicator in order to target the lash line, but once the glue dried, our lashes felt secure and it ended up lasting longer than some other glues we tested.

Size: 0.18 oz. | Color: Clear | Applicator: Brush

Lightweight yet strong glue

Transparent when dry

A little goes a long way

Wasn't 100 percent waterproof

If you’re applying false lashes, you are probably going to an event where you not only want your lashes to stay on, but you also don’t want to deal with them falling off. Enter: this waterproof formula. We appreciated how lightweight this glue was — it was barely detectable after applying. We also noted that not much was needed, so the tube will last you a long time. It held our lashes on well, but we did notice that because it was so lightweight, it may not hold a thicker or heavier pair of lashes as well as other options. While more waterproof than others, we found it wasn't entirely waterproof in our testing.

Size: 0.18 oz. | Color: Clear | Applicator: Brush

Tacky formula is easy to use

Takes longer to dry which gives you more time to adjust lashes

Black tint blends perfectly with eyeliner or eyeshadow

Felt like it was tugging at our skin at times

Smoky eye lovers, this is the lash glue for you. Sometimes clear and white formulas can dull an intricate eye look, but this inky black version only adds to the drama and blends seamlessly with eyeshadow primer and glam shadow. We found that the applicator brush made it easy to apply and resulted in a mess-free application. It’s a good choice for beginners because the formula is nice and tacky, plus it gives you a little extra time to play with where you want to stick your lashes before it dries completely.

One thing to note is that after it dried, it did feel like it tugged at the skin at points, but it was not a deal-breaker. Even though some may prefer a clear or white version — which it does come in — we liked this formula's effectiveness and would recommend it to others, thanks to its ease of use and how nicely the formula dries.

Size: 0.11 oz. | Color: Black | Applicator: Brush

Doubles as eyeliner

Felt tip made touch-ups easy

Cleaner application than traditional brush and glue formulas

Not as sticky as other options we tested

If you’ve perfected your feline flick, this multitasker is the lash glue and liner combo for you. Instead of applying it straight to the lash band, you draw on your eyeliner as you normally would, but with this formula, you can stick your lashes right on top. We love any multitasking product that helps us skip a step and get out the door quicker, which is why this product may soon become one of your favorite eyeliners.

We found that the glue wasn’t as sticky as expected but it held our lashes without an issue. However, it did take a few coats for it to be as sticky as we wanted, but once the lashes were on, they stayed in place. Its felt tip makes it super easy to add more and touch-up certain areas after lashes are applied, too. If you’ve tried doing that with traditional brush and glue formulas, you know that it can get messy quickly.

Size: 0.03 oz. | Color: Black | Applicator: Felt tip pen

Know what your specific needs are and look for formulas that are going to give you those results. Ashunta Sheriff, celebrity makeup artist and founder of her eponymous brand, recommends taking into account your eyes and what formulation will work best for them. For example, how well the lash glue works “really depends on each person's eyes" — if they are runny or wet, they can lift — so waterproof glue or adhesives work better for longer wear.

Sheriff says she prefers latex-free lash glues, which would be her recommendation for those with allergies or sensitive skin.

Unlike some beauty products, there’s not too big of a range in price for lash glue. You can get decent formulas at the drugstore like Duo Brush-On Lash Adhesive for $7 (or $5 on sale), but if your specific needs call for a pricier option like the D'Lashes D’Adhesive Felt Tip Eyeliner Pen for $20, it’s important to prepare. If you’re only planning to wear lashes once or twice, it may not make sense for you to shell out more money.

People / Jhett Thompson

We arrived barefaced at the PEOPLE Tested lab to review popular lash glues and false lashes. Before applying the adhesive or the lashes, we read the instructions based on each formula. After that, we watched a step-by-step video demonstration to help with each application. We rated each lash glue on a scale of 1 to 5 based on the attributes of wearability, hold, and comfort, and cited any observations, including any changes we would make to the product and whether we would recommend it to others. The products with the highest average ratings were deemed worthy of being added to your makeup kit.

Everyone’s needs may be slightly different, but ultimately the best lash glue is one that holds your lashes in place sans irritation. A favorite amongst most faux lash wearers is one with an applicator brush that allows you to control how much glue you’re applying. There are squeeze tube versions and felt tip formulas, too, depending on your preference.

Most lash glues will last about six months. To make the glue last, be diligent about closing the tube because if it’s exposed to air, the glue will dry out faster.

The short answer is yes, but only if you’re not being careful with how you apply it or if you’re using an unsafe, old, or tainted formula. Many of these lash glues are irritant-free, meaning they’re formulated without latex and other harmful ingredients. Experts say to avoid getting the glue in your eyes and to remove the lashes per the instructions to avoid damaging your natural eyelashes. If you have sensitive skin, None of our testers had issues with the formulas we tested, including contact wearers or those with sensitive skin. Additionally, Sheriff says it’s also important to give your natural lashes a break now and then. “I wear lashes a lot, but I also give my eyes a break and allow them to breathe so it’s all about balance because glue will break lashes over time with overuse,” Sheriff says.

Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer who covers the beauty space. Her work has appeared in InStyle, Byrdie, Glamour, Mother.ly, Cosmopolitan, Well & Good, Allure, and many other outlets. For this piece, DeSantis spoke with celebrity makeup artist and brand founder Ashunta Sheriff about the do's and don'ts of eyelash glue on top of analyzing the insights given by our testers after trying out 11 popular products before narrowing it down to our winners.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

N. Pei PharmD D. Is eyelash glue toxic?, Poison Control.