The global false eyelashes market is huge. (In 2020, it hit a value of 1.14 billion.) A favorite of makeup artists the world over, falsies make lashes look longer, healthier, and thicker. But there is a dark side to the industry.
While you may associate fur with coats or scarves, it's also used in false lashes. In fact, as PETA director Elisa Allen told Vegan Food & Living: "When it comes to animal suffering, there is no difference between mink eyelashes and a mink coat."
The mink fur industry
In the US alone, there are around 120 mink farms. Together, they produce around two million pelts of fur. Around the world, it's estimated that roughly 50 million mink are farmed every year.
On these farms, animals are often kept in small, cramped cages, where they are unable to express their natural behaviors. This often leads to severe physical and mental health problems, including infections, self-mutilations, and deformities.
PETA states that while many brands sell mink lashes as "cruelty-free," and claim that they have been collected from safe, free-range farms, most mink are farmed in inhumane conditions.
Mink farms are not only cruel, but they also present a public health risk: In 2020, Denmark was forced to cull millions of mink after a mutated version of COVID-19 started spreading amongst the animals.
But a world where mink are not subjected to cruelty could be on the horizon. The fur market is in decline and the world is turning its back on the industry.
Malta, Ireland, Italy, France, Estonia, Belgium, and Norway are among the countries that have either already banned fur farming or have announced plans to do so.
As a result, the fashion industry has seen a surge in fur bans. And in 2020, Sephora led the beauty industry with a pledge to only purchase synthetic or faux fur lashes going forward.
Cruelty-free lashes and glue
The French retailer isn't alone. Today, plenty of brands offer totally cruelty-free, vegan false lashes.
Here are some of the best options on the market. We've included a few vegan glue options too, so you can keep those long, beautiful false lashes in place for longer.
Best vegan lash glue
This product listing is sponsored.
| Best Features | Fast-drying, re-stickable, windproof |
| 100% vegan brand? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
The Quick Flick is all about innovative, game-changing products that make putting on makeup easier and quicker.
One of its best-selling products is its Winged Eyeliner stamp, but it also offers other handy inventions, like its Makeup Eraser Pen and this Quick Lash 2 in 1 Eyeliner & Lash Adhesive.
When it comes to applying lashes, one of the most fiddly parts is applying glue. But Quick Lash takes all of that stress away.
Simply glide the formula along the lash line two or three times and allow 30 seconds for drying time before sticking your lashes down. Apply just a touch of pressure to make sure the lashes are secure.
The result is beautiful lashes that will stay in place all day (without you having to worry about sneaking off to the bathroom to reapply!).
Makeup Revolution
Eye Lash Glue
$7
| Best Features | Long-lasting, latex-free |
| 100% vegan brand? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
If you prefer to stick with what you know when it comes to applying lashes, this simple glue by Revolution is cheap, easy to use, and will hold your lashes firmly all day. Plus it's latex-free and water-based, which means you're less likely to suffer from any irritation after application.
A little goes a long way with this product, so bear in mind you don't need a huge amount, and you can always add more if needed.
| Best Features | Long-lasting, latex-free, waterproof |
| 100% vegan brand? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
Again, this formula by Thrive Causemetics is latex-free, so it's far less likely to irritate your eyes. In fact, it was developed especially for those with sensitive skin.
Not only is this product incredibly gentle, but it's also easy to use: simply run the formula along the base of your false lashes and along your lash line, before pressing and tapping the set onto your eyelid. Hold it there for 20 seconds, and voilà.
Plus it's long-lasting, waterproof, and can withstand strong winds too.
Best vegan false lashes
Most sustainable packaging:
This product listing is sponsored.
| Application | Magnetic |
| Type of look | Natural |
| 100% vegan brand? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
In 1997, the Spice Girls asked you to "spice up your life." Well now, QM Beautique is asking you to keep the girl power vibes alive, and "spice up your lash" with its Spice Curl Magnetic Eyelash.
These dark, thick criss-cross stitched lashes offer volume without excess, adding a touch of glamour to a natural look. They're not too long either, so if you wear glasses, you don't have to worry about your new lashes touching the lenses.
The lashes are easy to apply, and don't require any glue! Simply line your lash line with the brand's FerroLiner, wait for it dry, and then bring the magnetic lashes to your eyes with a pair of tweezers.
Aside from giving you a flawless look, QM Beautique has also thought carefully about the environmental impact of this product. The lashes, which are reusable, are delivered to your door in a compostable lash tray and recyclable box.
Huda Beauty
Hoodie False Lashes
$19
| Application | Glue |
| Type of look | Voluminous, bold |
| 100% vegan brand? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
Huda Beauty has earned itself a reputation in the beauty industry for its top-quality eyelash products. And all of that expertise is evident in its range of falsies.
For a bold, dramatic, glamorous lash look, try the brand's Hoodie lashes, which feature criss-crossed clusters and multi-layer strands of synthetic fibers.
Perfect for an evening out on the town, this product packs in some serious length and volume. (If you're wearing them all day in the office, be aware that they are heavy and will take a little bit of getting used to!)
| Application | Glue |
| Type of look | Voluminous, glamourous |
| 100% vegan brand? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Dreamy False Lashes deliver durability, femininity, and just a touch of drama.
They're nowhere near as heavy as some other options on the market, but they still give a good amount of volume, length, and thickness. With enough care (remember to keep them clean and place them back in the free storage case as soon as you're done with them!), they should last long enough for 20 wears.
As with many false lash products, you can cut these to your preference. If you want more of a cat eye look, trim them down and place them on the outer corner of your lash line. (That way, you'll get more use out of them too!)
| Application | Glue |
| Type of look | Glamourous, bold |
| 100% vegan brand? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
As you'd expect from the name, House of Lashes is one of the go-to brands for top-quality falsies.
These criss-crossed Iconic lashes, ideal for small almond-shaped eyes, are one of the brand's most popular products. They're particularly suited to special occasions, like weddings and birthday parties, as they add glamour to any makeup look.
Beware this set is quite heavy, so if you're looking for something classic and lightweight, this probably isn't for you. But if you want bold, thick drama, these lashes might become a new makeup bag staple.
Best budget:
Ardell
Faux Mink Demi Wispies
$7
| Application | Glue |
| Type of look | Feathered, wispy, flared |
| 100% vegan brand? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
One of the reasons people buy mink lashes is because they feel soft, and look fluttery and fluffy.
But it is possible to get the same look and achieve the same softness without using real fur. Ardell proves it with these Faux Mink Demi Wispies.
Silky to the touch, these lashes are super delicate (so be careful when you clean and handle them!), with a short inner corner and flare at the outer edge.
Because of their more subtle, feathered look, this set is ideal for those days when you're working softer, more natural makeup.
| Application | Glue |
| Type of look | Flared, wispy, cat eye |
| 100% vegan brand? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
Many choose ColourPop because it's known for its cruelty-free, "wallet-friendly," high-quality cosmetics, and these Minx lashes deliver on that reputation.
Priced at less than $10, the falsies give a classic and wispy yet voluminous cat eye look, thanks to their flared edges. Again, this set is best suited for those days when you're rocking more natural makeup, rather than a big glamourous night out when you might want to consider a heavier, bolder choice.
You may need to trim these lashes down to suit your eye shape and size, but once you've perfected the look, they are long-lasting and durable.
| Application | Glue |
| Type of look | Variety of styles |
| 100% vegan brand? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Kosé |
Tarte has covered all of the bases with its PRO cruelty-free lash range. From drama to volume to wispy cat eye, there are 11 styles to choose from, and all of them are reusable.
As with most lashes, you'll likely need to trim your set to fit your lashline, before sticking on carefully with adhesive. (Thanks to the clear flex-band, the lashes will look natural after application!)
Tarte's range is proven safe for people who wear contact lenses and has been tested both by dermatologists and ophthalmologists.
r.e.m. beauty
Dream Lashes
$16
| Application | Glue |
| Type of look | Variety of styles |
| 100% vegan brand? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
Ariana Grande isn't just a chart-topping singer, she's also a celeb with a beauty brand (which is fast becoming the new go-to business venture in Hollywood).
But Grande hasn't just attached her name to any old cosmetics line. R.e.m. beauty offers high-performance products, including these Dream lashes. Made with faux mink fibers, both of the style options are soft, lightweight, and comfortable to wear.
If you want long and wispy, try the Eternally Meowing set. But if you'd rather something more full and voluminous, opt for Grow n Show.
Take care when handling these delicate lashes to ensure they can be worn again and again.
Juvia's Place
The Nubian Lashes
$13
| Application | Glue |
| Type of look | Glamourous, dramatic |
| 100% vegan brand? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
For a glamourous lash that can seamlessly transition from daytime makeup to nighttime, try Juvia's Place's Nubian Lashes in Egypt Flare.
With wispy, lightweight strands, these vegan mink lashes are silky soft and comfortable to wear. This set is ideal for a cat eye look, but if you want something more full and voluminous, try its Nefertiti style. Or for boosted lift and length, try Egypt XL.
With the right care, all of Juvia's Place's lashes can be worn up to 25 times.
Bali Lash
Mason Lashes
$24
| Application | Glue |
| Type of look | Bold, cat eye |
| 100% vegan brand? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
Bali Lash is relatively new on the lash scene, founded during the pandemic in 2020. But the brand is already loved by many false lash fans.
Its Mason lashes are full and bold with a cat eye shape, and thanks to the vegan faux mink style, they're super soft too. After a while, you'll forget you're wearing them!
Bali Lash's sets can be reused up to 25 times. And if you're new to false lashes, the brand even offers a handy quiz so you can find the right set for you and your eye shape.
NYX
Jumbo Lash
$12
| Application | Liner adhesive |
| Type of look | Variety of styles |
| 100% vegan brand? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - L'Oréal |
This range by NYX truly delivers on its name, giving ultra-long length and volume, regardless of style.
It offers sveral different sets, depending on your preference. There's Fringe-Glam, Wispy-Flutter, and Ego-Flare, as well as Extension-Clusters (if you want to look like you've had lash extensions applied!).
With these sets, there's no need for glue or magnets, as you can apply them using NYX's 2-in-1 Liner and Lash Adhesive.
Best for the planet:
| Application | Glue |
| Type of look | Natural |
| 100% vegan brand? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
With a criss-cross shape, Velour's Second Nature reusable lashes add a touch of natural volume and glamour to your look, while remaining comfortable and subtle.
The set was designed with the planet in mind: everything is plant-based, and the strands themselves are made with hemp fibers. The packaging is also recyclable and printed with soy-based ink.
If you're looking to make more environmentally-friendly beauty decisions, this is the set of false lashes for you. The product even won "Best Plant Based Beauty Product" at this year's Global Green Beauty Awards, hosted by Global Makeup Awards.
The verdict
While many false lashes on the market feature mink fur, which comes from the cruel fur farming industry, there are plenty of vegan sets available. It is possible to have long, beautiful lashes, whilst also being kind to the animals and the planet at the same time.
To summarize some of our top picks:
Most sustainable packaging: QMBeautique Spice Curl Magnetic Eyelash
Best budget: Ardell Faux Mink Demi Wispies
Best for the planet: Velour Second Nature False Lashes
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