Mink or Synthetic Lashes? How To Decide Which One Is Right For You?

** Disclaimer ** — As a makeup artist and educator, the goal of this post is NOT to tell you which lashes to buy. My goal is to give you all the information you need to know about the different types of materials for false eyelashes and eyelash extensions (mink and synthetic lashes). 

I want you to make an informed and confident purchase decision — and one that matches your beauty goals. Any products and/or materials I recommend in this post are made through professional experience and I may use referral or affiliate links to help subsidize the cost of producing this free-for-you content. 

So, let’s get started!

First of all, congratulations!

You’ve finally decided to get eyelash extensions or dive into the world of false eyelashes (or falsies). Now, before you narrow down exactly what type of lash design you want, it’s important to select which type of lash material you want — and which type of lash aligns with your values.

Neither choice is right or wrong, better or worse. It important you make an educated and informed decision!

Quickly, What’s the Difference Between  Eyelash Extensions & False Eyelashes

Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions offer a semi-permanent solution for achieving longer, fuller lashes. Check out this post on why you might want to consider getting eyelash extensions and how to care for them.

Unlike false eyelashes that you can (learn to) apply solo, if you want eyelash extensions you need to hire a professional lash artist. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the adhesive used to attach the extensions, so it’s crucial to do a patch test before getting them done. Fortunately, as the lash industry has grown, there are so many lash salons near you as well as freelance lash artists.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to visit a lash technician regularly for touch-ups to maintain the desired look.

How To Choose a Reputable Lash Salon or Lash Artist

• Check their credentials: Make sure the lash artist is licensed and insured. You can check with your state’s board of cosmetology to verify their license.
• Get recommendations: Ask your friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations for lash salons or lash artists.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews of the lash salon or artist. This is a great way to get an idea of their work and customer service.
• Visit the salon in person: Before you get lash extensions, schedule a consultation with the lash artist. This will allow you to see their work in person and ask any questions you have.
• Pay attention to the salon’s cleanliness: The salon should be clean and well-maintained. The lash artist should wear gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the spread of infection.
• Ask about their aftercare instructions: The lash artist should give you specific instructions on how to care for your lash extensions after they are applied. This will help to ensure that your lashes last longer and look their best.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

🚩The salon is not licensed: This means that the lash artists are not qualified to perform lash extensions and may not be following proper safety protocols.

🚩The lash artist is not insured: This means that if you are injured during your lash extension appointment, you may not be able to receive compensation.

🚩The prices are too good to be true: This may be a sign that the lash artist is using low-quality products or that they are not qualified to perform lash extensions.

If you are unsure about whether or not a lash salon or lash artist is reputable, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a different one. Your eyes are delicate and you want to make sure that you are getting the best possible care.

False Eyelashes

Falsies, also known as false or faux lashes have been a beauty staple for years!

While most falsies are designed for short-term wear (24 hours or less), you can reuse high-quality falsies multiple times with proper care. This makes them a cost-effective choice for individuals who wish to ‘test drive’ lashes before opting for extensions.

If you want to know how to confidently apply false eyelashes at home, you can find a detailed explanation in my book Be Your Own Makeup Artist.

False Eyelash Materials

Mink Lashes

If you are looking for a natural fiber lash that’s durable option for false eyelashes, then mink lashes may be a good choice for you. Mink fur is known for its softness, lightness, and durability. Mink lashes are made from the fur of minks, which are small mammals that are often raised on fur farms. They are more expensive than synthetic lashes, but they are worth the investment if you want lashes that will look and feel great for weeks to come.

Mink lashes can last for several weeks with proper care (read the instructions)!

However, it is important to be aware of the ethical implications of using mink lashes. Mink fur is often obtained from mink farms, where minks are kept in cramped and often inhumane conditions. The minks are typically skinned alive for their fur, which can cause them a great deal of pain and suffering. The fur is then cleaned, sorted, and dyed to match your natural lash color. The fur is then attached to a band or strip of material, and the lashes are ready to be applied.

Cruelty-Free Mink Lashes?

Yes, you can find ethically made, cruelty-free mink lashes with proper research!

There are a few cruelty-free mink lash brands available, but they are not as common as synthetic lash brands. It is important to note that even if a lash brand claims to be cruelty-free, it is still important to do your research to make sure that the company does not test its products on animals. You can also look for brands that are certified by a cruelty-free organization, such as PETA or Leaping Bunny.

Cruelty-Free “Mink” Artémes Lashes

Artémes Lashes is a French brand that uses pony fur instead of mink fur. Their lashes are made with cruelty-free materials and are hand-crafted in France.

Human Hair Lashes

Human hair lashes are made from real human hair that has been processed and dyed to match your natural lash color. They are often used for eyelash extensions, as they are more natural-looking and durable than synthetic lashes.

Human hair lashes are made by collecting human hair from hair salons, charities, or other sources. The hair is then cleaned, sorted, and dyed to match your natural lash color. The hair is then attached to a band or strip of material, and the lashes are ready to be applied.

Human hair lashes are the most expensive type of natural lash material, but they are also the most durable. Human hair lashes are often used for special occasions or for people who have very sparse or damaged lashes.

Human hair lashes can last for several weeks with proper care. You should avoid getting them wet, and you should use a lash primer and mascara that is designed for false lashes. You should also remove your lashes carefully at the end of the day to prevent damage.

Benefits of Human Hair Lashes

If you are looking for a natural-looking and durable option for eyelash extensions, then human hair lashes may be a good choice for you. They are more expensive than synthetic lashes, but they are worth the investment if you want lashes that will look and feel great for weeks to come.

Here are some additional benefits of using human hair lashes:

• They are more natural-looking than synthetic lashes.
• They are more durable than synthetic lashes.
• They can last for several weeks with proper care.
• They are a good choice for people with sensitive eyes.
• They are a good choice for people who are allergic to synthetic materials.

Human Hair Lash Recommendations

Elegant Lashes

Velour Lashes Natural Fiber

Application Methods

Human hair lashes can be applied in a variety of ways, including individual lash extensions, strip lashes, and volume lashes. Individual lash extensions are applied one by one to your natural lashes, while strip lashes are applied as a single strip. Volume lashes are made up of multiple individual lashes that are bundled together and applied to your natural lashes.

Don’t forget to grab a copy of my book, Be Your Own Makeup Artist, and learn all about makeup which includes how to apply strip lashes!

When choosing natural lash materials, it is important to consider your budget, the look you want to achieve, and the durability of the lashes. If you are looking for the most natural-looking lashes, mink fur is the best option. If you are on a budget, silk or horsehair lashes are good choices. And if you want the most durable lashes, human hair lashes are the best option.

Synthetic Lash Materials 

Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)

One of the most popular materials to make synthetic lashes come from a plastic fiber called Polybutylene Terephthalate. PBT is a thermoplastic semi-crystalline polymer, which is a type of polyester. It is a strong, durable, and lightweight material which makes it easy to create lashes in a variety of thicknesses, lengths, and curls to suit different lash looks.

Manufacturers sometimes use other materials to create synthetic lashes, including

• Acrylic: Acrylic is a less expensive material than PBT, but it is also less durable and less natural-looking.
• Polyester: Polyester is a similar material to PBT, but it is not as strong or durable.
• Nylon: Nylon is a lightweight and strong material, but it can be more difficult to apply than other types of synthetic lashes.

Synthetic Fibers and the Environmental Footprint

A lot of people automatically seek out synthetic lash materials because #crueltyfree — but they sometimes forget that synthetic lash materials are made from plastic, a non-renewable resource that takes a long time to decompose. When people dispose of synthetic lashes in landfills, they can release microplastics into the environment. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that can harm marine life and enter the human food chain. Check out this post on how to be a more sustainable participant in the beauty industry.

In addition, the production of synthetic lashes requires a lot of energy and water. The factories that produce synthetic lashes often release pollutants into the air and water.

Sustainability is extremely important to me and that goes beyond buying ‘natural’ products. And the amount of waste we produce as a result of our consumption of beauty products is significant.

Here are some ways to reduce the environmental impact of synthetic lashes:

• Choose synthetic lashes made from recycled materials.
• Buy synthetic lashes from companies that are committed to sustainability.
• Reuse synthetic lashes as many times as possible.
• Recycle synthetic lashes when you are finished with them.

It is important to be aware of the environmental impact of other products used with synthetic lashes, such as lash glue and lash remover, as these products can also contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the environment.

By choosing sustainable options and being mindful of the environmental impact of all the products that you use, you can help to reduce the environmental footprint of synthetic lashes.

How To Decide Which One Lash Material Is Right For You?

Why you might choose synthetic lashes or faux mink lashes:

• Price: Synthetic lashes are typically less expensive than mink lashes.
• Sustainability: Synthetic lashes do not involve animal cruelty but they require natural resources (plastic and fossil fuels) to produce
• Comfort: Synthetic lashes can be more comfortable for some people, as they are lighter and less likely to cause allergies.
• Availability: Synthetic lashes are more widely available than mink lashes.

Why someone might choose real mink lashes:

• Natural look: Many people consider real mink lash extensions to have a more natural-looking appearance compared to synthetic lashes.
• Durability: Mink eyelashes can be more durable than synthetic lashes.
• Hold their curl: Mink lashes can hold their curl better than synthetic lashes.

What Do I Use?

I prefer mascara and applying several coats. If/when I use false eyelashes, I like to reach for the individual lashes because they look more natural and in my opinion are more comfortable. I opt for a lash lift and tint every quarter, which gives my lashes a more natural but dramatic look without the logistics of applying falsies or maintaining extensions.

However, I do have one pair of dramatic cruelty free, mink lashes that still have quite a bit of use left!

I also have several pairs of synthetic lashes for those rare moments when mascara will not cut it. In my professional kit, I like to keep both because of allergies and client preference.

Ultimately, the best choice of eyelash extensions or falsies depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a more affordable, sustainable, and comfortable option, then synthetic lashes may be the best choice for you. If you are looking for a more natural-looking and durable option, then mink lashes may be the best choice for you.

If there are too many choices and options, I can help find the perfect lash for you!