All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Turning out a makeup look that makes your eyes really pop usually consists of a bold eyeshadow topped with your trusty mascara. Without a set of false eyelashes, the mascara has to rely on your natural lashes to deliver length and curl. For the most natural look, though, lash clusters have begun to rise as a tool for creating fuller eyelashes — and don’t require an appointment like lash extensions.
What exactly are cluster lashes? Editorial makeup artist Gabriel Barse describes them to Billboard as “little bundles of magic for your eyes,” but more simply, the makeup tool is a small bundle of fake eyelashes that you can place anywhere along your lash line for extra volume and length. Once they’re on, you can just top the look off with some liquid eyeliner and you’re good to go.
“They’re super versatile,” Barse adds. “So whether you’re going for a subtle enhancement or a full-on glam look, lash clusters have got you covered.”
What Are the Best Lash Clusters?
Here, we’ve rounded up a few expert-recommended picks from Barse as well as other New York City and Los Angeles-based editorial and celebrity makeup artists that you can buy online now.
Ardell False Eyelashes – 421 Naked Clusters (50 Count)
Ardell’s 421 Naked Clusters is a favorite of Iris Moreau of Honey Artists, who has previously done the makeup of celebrities including Paris Hilton, Miranda Cosgrove and Olivia Wilde. The pack comes with 50 lash clusters in four different sizes: 8 millimeters, 10 mm, 12 mm and 14 mm.
KISS Products imPRESS Press-On False Eyelashes (Classy Natural)
For Barse, he prefers KISS lash clusters for how simple they are to use.
“They blend so beautifully with natural lashes and are super easy to work with,” he says.
The Classy Natural version can quickly be applied and require no glue. With adhesive already on, you can skip a step and just apply the lash clusters and enjoy up to 24 hours of wear.
Lashify Bold 12mm Gossamer DIY Eyelash Extensions
Lashify has been a crowdpleaser among the Hollywood crowd and Honey Rae makeup artist Clara Rae, who loves using the brand to complete makeup looks. Lashify’s Bold 12 mm design is a bestseller on the brand’s site and has landed the label of an Amazon Choice.
Each lash comes with a thicker fiber to give off the look of just having put on a volumizing mascara. It’s also made with 100% Korean PBT silk that’s cruelty-free and vegan.
Velour-Xtension Classic Lash Extension Clusters
Velour is another favorite of Moreau’s, including this set, which comes with 18 clusters to build your desired looks. The set doesn’t include lash glue, but once applied, can last as many as five days or more, according to the brand.
Sweed No Lash-Lash
Sweed has become a favorite of Barse for how it offers variety in one kit.
“I absolutely adore lash clusters that offer a mix of lengths, like the ones from Sweed,” he says.
No Lash-Lash is one of the brand’s signature designs and has become a bestseller on Revolve. You’ll receive four different lengths to choose from, and each cluster is made from vegan and cruelty-free materials for a more comfortable fit.
Ardell Eyelash Individual Lash Trios (32-Count)
Just like Moreau, Rae also loves to use Ardell, as its both budget friendly and uses high-quality materials. This Lash Trios set comes with 32 clusters in two lengths — short and medium — with each one holding 10 strands to help you gradually build out your perfect eye look.
KISS imPRESS Falsies False Eyelashes Kit
KISS’ lash cluster kit comes with everything you may need to apply the falsies smoothly and quickly — and no glue is required. You receive 20 clusters of lashes in addition to an applicator.
“Plus, they’re lightweight, so you can wear them all day without any discomfort,” Barse says about the brand. “They’re my go-tos for any occasion!”
Are Lash Clusters Better Than Fake Eyelashes & Extensions?
Choosing between the three styles comes down to what kind of look you want and how much work you want to put in. Lash clusters, in Barse’s opinion, are the “perfect middle ground between strip lashes and lash extensions.” Unlike a full strip of falsies, clusters can give you control over how full or natural you want your lashes to appear.
“Plus, they’re less of a commitment than extensions, which is a bonus if you like switching up your look,” he adds. “So if you love having options and flexibility, lash clusters might just be your new best friend.”
If you have smaller eyes, Rae recommends incorporating lash clusters over full strip to help shape and add length to your eyes.
For a more permanent look, you can have eyelash extensions applied professionally at a salon, which may cost more money but has longer-lasting results.
How Many Lash Clusters Per Eye Should a Beginner Try?
Before you dive into your new box of lash clusters, you’ll want to get a feel for how to use the small bundles before just randomly applying them to your eyes. Once you determine the look you’re going for, Moreau suggests trying out at least four on each eye, as “you don’t want to overwhelm your eyes.”
And in terms of where to place them, Rae and Barse’s strategy involves starting from the outer corner of the eye and working your way to the inner corner. Just make sure you’re spacing them symmetrically, and as you get more comfortable, you can start incorporating more lash clusters to your eyes.
What’s the Best Way to Apply Lash Clusters?
To get the most natural-looking finish, you’ll need to have a couple of tools handy: a lash applicator (or Moreau says you can use tweezers if you’re in a pinch) as well as a good lash bond and seal; both makeup artists prefer Lashify’s eyelash glue. Make sure you start with clean, makeup-free lashes, and then there are a couple of techniques you can use.
Rae and Moreau both like to sweep a lash applicator over your natural lashes “as if you were applying mascara” Rae describes, then use your applicator to pick up a lash cluster, pull up your eyelid and attach the cluster under your natural lashes.
“Just above the water line,” instructs Rae.
Barse uses a similar method, but rather than apply the glue and bonding formula to all of your natural eyelashes, he likes to dab a tiny amount onto the base of the lash cluster.
“Let it get tacky for a few seconds (this helps them stick better),” Barse says. “Then, using tweezers, place the cluster as close to your natural lash line as possible. I like to start from the outer corner and work my way in.”
How Do You Make Lash Clusters Last Longer?
Lash clusters aren’t meant to last forever, but you can extend the life of them by doing a couple of things. When you’re applying the clusters to your eyes, Moreau says you can double bond the falsies onto your natural eyelashes.
To do so, you’ll sweep the lash bond onto your natural eyelashes, and then apply a small amount to the cluster as well before attaching them to your eyelids.
If the lash clusters have already been applied, the first 24 hours are the most important, as that’s when the glue needs to set properly. Barse explains that you’ll want to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, in addition to keeping them dry.
“When you need to remove makeup, use an oil-free remover and be gentle around your lashes — this will help them stay put for as long as possible,” he adds.
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best setting spray, snail mucin repair cream and travel-friendly beauty products.
