What is the safest eyelash glue? That’s a good question if you wear contacts or your eyes tend to get itchy or watery when you wear falsies.
The best eyelash glues for sensitive eyes are ones without artificial fragrances, latex, or formaldehyde. Not only that, they should be labeled as hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested or dermatologist-tested. In our experience, transparent or white eyelash glue may be slightly safer than black, but it depends on the dye used.
As we researched the best eyelash adhesives for sensitive eyes, we also discovered that the glue itself can be a problem, not just the other ingredients. Glue with methylacrylates or other cyanoacrylates may cause burning and redness, too.
It’s smart to do a patch test before applying any eyelash glue to your eyes. Keep in mind that the skin around your eyes is thin so it absorbs these chemicals faster and more easily. That’s why the patch test must be done on an equally sensitive spot like the inside of your wrist. Apply a dab of glue and wait at least 24 hours. Be attentive for allergic reactions like itching, stinging, burning, redness, and rash.
In summary, avoid these ingredients in eyelash adhesive:
- Artificial fragrance (sometimes described as “parfum”)
- Latex
- Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasers like Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM Hydantoin
- Methylacrylates
If you can’t find the list of specific ingredients, avoid the product.
How to choose the best eyelash glue
Eyelash glue comes in different colors and different formats.
For example, the adhesive might be transparent, black, or white. Obviously, clear eyelash glue is convenient because it’s invisible to begin with, but white can help you see where you’ve applied it. (Usually, the white glue turns clear when it dries anyway).
Meanwhile, black glue matches black eyeliner and becomes undetectable along the lash line.
Next, eyelash glue may come with a tiny brush or packaged in a squeeze tube or as a marker. If you’re just starting to experiment with false eyelashes, brush-on glue is probably the easiest.
Lastly, don’t forget that there are options like magnetic eyeliner and water-activated lashes which don’t require a separate adhesive. Check the in-depth eyelash adhesive reviews below to learn more.
How to apply eyelash glue
Here’s a pro tip that will make eyelash glue work so much better. Put makeup remover on a cotton swab and cleanse your eyelids along the lash line. Do this even if you just washed your face and you’ll remove any excess oil that could stop the eyelashes from adhering properly.
If you’ve never used this particular glue before, test it first. Dispense a tiny dab and count how many seconds it takes for the glue to become sticky. (The average is 10 to 30 seconds). Once it’s tacky, that’s when you know it’s time to press the lashes into place. Hold them there for a few seconds while the glue finishes drying.
How to safely remove eyelash glue
If you have sensitive eyes, removing eyelashes can be just as tricky as applying them. This is just another reason to purchase eyelash glue made for sensitive eyes – it should dissolve a little easier.
In any case, time is your friend. Use your favorite makeup remover and saturate the lash line with a cotton swab or pad. Then be patient and wait for a minute so that you can separate the lashes from the eyelid painlessly.
Are you ready to emphasize your beautiful eyes? Then check out the safest eyelash glues below:
| The Best Eyelash Glues for Sensitive Eyes | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| DUO Brush-On Lash Adhesive |
|
| KISS Strip Eyelash Adhesive |
|
| KISS Black Lash GLUEliner |
|
| Lilly Lashes Brush-On Lash Adhesive |
|
| Sensitive Eyelash Extension Glue by Stacy Lash |
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| MILKLEAR Eyelash Extension Glue |
|
| KISS Magnetic Eyeliner |
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| Ardell Aqua False Strip Lashes 341 |
|
Best Eyelash Glues for Sensitive Eyes in 2024
DUO Brush-On Lash Adhesive
If you’re searching for hypoallergenic eyelash glue, we recommend sticking with well-known brands. We like Korean-made DUO because of the high standards required for manufacturing cosmetics in Korea. Not only is the formula formaldehyde-free and latex-free, it’s infused with vitamins to protect the skin. It doesn’t hurt that the glue is cruelty-free, too.
This is one of the best waterproof eyelash glues for swimming or sweating. It won’t dissolve if you get teary-eyed, either.
What’s more, the glue works on all lash styles and types. Use the ultra-thin brush to coat the lash band and count to 30. Press the lashes into place and wait 30 seconds more for the glue to turn clear and set. After that, put on eyeliner if desired.
If you prefer, try the dark-colored lash adhesive as it has all the same benefits. It’s just as easy to remove, too.
Pros:
- Korean-made hypoallergenic eyelash adhesive available in clear or dark colors
- Brush-on formula contains no formaldehyde or latex plus it’s cruelty-free
- Waterproof and compatible with all lash styles
- Becomes tacky in 30 seconds and dries within a minute
- Infused with vitamins A, C, and E
Cons:
- None, but please do a patch test just as you would for other cosmetics
KISS Strip Eyelash Adhesive
KISS makes some of the best drugstore eyelash glues, but there’s a catch. We love this one because of the budget price and 5-star performance, but it has an artificial fragrance. We strongly recommend doing a patch test if you have fragrance allergies.
On the bright side, it doesn’t stink to high heaven as some adhesives do. Although it’s produced by an American brand, it’s made in Korea.
The formula has no latex or formaldehyde, plus it’s fortified with aloe to soothe irritation. The tiny brush makes it easy to spread a thin layer on the lash band. Then the waterproof formula stays secure without the need for touch-ups.
Pros:
- Affordable and hypoallergenic drugstore eyelash glue
- Latex and formaldehyde-free
- Brush-on formula is waterproof
- Made in Korea
Cons:
- Not fragrance-free, but it doesn’t stink and fragrance is the last ingredient on the label
KISS Black Lash GLUEliner
If you feel more comfortable holding a marker instead of a brush, check out this eyelash glue pen. It has a felt tip instead of bristles. You can use it like an eyeliner directly on the eyelid instead of painting glue onto the lash band. But the rule is the same: let it dry enough to be tacky before you press the lashes into place. The trick is to keep the eye from blinking while you wait or the glue will smear on the lids.
The contact-lens-friendly formula is available in either black or clear colors. Both dry to a matte finish. And the glue is suitable for use with all sorts of eyelash extensions including wispies, strip lashes, and faux mink.
Unlike the other KISS adhesive above, this one is fragrance-free – but not completely odorless. Reviewers say the staying power is impressive even in high heat and humidity. You’ll definitely need makeup remover to clean it.
For best results, store the bottle upside down as directed.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free, contact-lens-friendly formula
- Comes in a pen with a felt tip
- Available in transparent and black versions
- Suitable for use with all types of eyelash extensions
- Long-lasting, resists high temperatures and humidity
Cons:
- Remember to store the bottle upside down
Lilly Lashes Brush-On Lash Adhesive
This sensitive eyelash glue contains no formaldehyde, latex, parabens, phthalates, or formaldehyde releasers. Although it has an artificial fragrance, it’s less than 1% of the formula. Happily, it’s also cruelty-free and safe for contact lens wearers.
It’s a brush-on adhesive that lasts all day. The applicator is a precision brush and the glue itself is very lightweight, invisible, and comfortable to wear. On the downside, reviewers say tears, sweat, and rain will reactivate the glue and loosen the bond.
Pros:
- Brush-on adhesive with a precision brush applicator
- No latex, formaldehyde, formaldehyde-releasers, parabens, or phthalates
- Safe for contact lens wearers
- Invisible and lightweight
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Not fragrance-free
Sensitive Eyelash Extension Glue by Stacy Lash
What about the best eyelash glue that lasts for weeks? This professional eyelash adhesive can hold false lashes in place for up to 5 weeks. Moreover, it dries in 6 seconds or less. The excellent retention and rapid performance meet the demands of professional lash artists.
What’s the catch? It’s a salon product that’s not ideal for DIY lash extensions at home. It’s not made for strip lashes or clusters. The company even offers a full refund if you’re not a cosmetologist and you purchase it by mistake.
Pro reviewers say that the black glue has very low fumes and doesn’t cause discomfort for their clients. The package includes a glue needle to dispense the product.
Pros:
- Professional adhesive lasts up to 5 weeks
- Very low fumes, does not cause irritation
- Comes with application needle
Cons:
- For professional users only – not for strip lashes or clusters
MILKLEAR Eyelash Extension Glue
If you have sensitive eyes, you value cosmetics that don’t make you tear up. Reviewers who love this eyelash glue say that it’s non-irritating and odorless. There are no fumes to make their eyes sting.
That’s not surprising as it contains a medical-grade adhesive that’s latex and formaldehyde-free. The manufacturer reports that the glue is safe for expectant mothers to use, too.
A final benefit is the rapid drying time: it only takes 3 seconds to bond.
If there’s any caveat, it’s the finicky way you’ll need to manage the glue. Be sure to shake the bottle for at least 30 seconds before each use. Then, apply the adhesive in the proper environmental conditions as listed in the instructions. The glue will stay fresh for up to 2 months after opening.
Pros:
- Odorless and non-irritating with medical-grade adhesive
- No formaldehyde or latex
- Rapid-drying formula bonds in 3 seconds
Cons:
- Bottle must be shaken before use
- Use the product within 2 months after opening
- Best performance if applied at 70 to 75°F, 50 to 70% humidity
KISS Magnetic Eyeliner
Magnetic eyeliner and magnetic eyelash extensions might be the solution you need. This black eyeliner contains tiny iron particles that latch onto the magnets embedded in the lash band. It’s much gentler than using eyelash glue and straightforward to remove, too.
The formula is free of perfumes, parabens, and petrochemicals. It has no formaldehyde or silicone, either. Instead, the liner is enhanced with biotin to strengthen the skin and promote healthy eyelashes.
How to use it? Apply a generous but not overly thick amount of magnetic eyeliner along the lash line and let it dry for about 30 seconds. Then situate the magnetic lashes along the eyelid and enjoy. They are straightforward to reposition because they aren’t glued on. At the end of the day, peel off the lashes and remove your makeup as usual.
Reviewers say the system works like magic. What’s more, you can mix and match brands of magnetic lashes – you don’t have to use KISS falsies.
Pros:
- Magnetic eyeliner compatible with other brands of magnetic lashes
- Free of parabens, perfumes, petrochemicals, silicone, and formaldehyde
- Fortified with biotin for healthy skin and lashes
Cons:
- If you have oily eyelids, you may have to touch-up the eyeliner at some point
Ardell Aqua False Strip Lashes 341
Another workaround for eyelash glue is to use false eyelashes with water-activated adhesive. These strip lashes are reusable and require no additional glue, liner, etc. All you have to do is dip them in water and press them into place along the eyelid. They aren’t the most long-lasting solution but they get the job done with minimal risk of irritation.
If you have blond eyelashes, be aware that the lash band is black, so eyeliner might be necessary. To remove them, use a cotton swab to saturate the band with water and peel them off slowly.
Users say that they can be a little messy the first time they are used.
Pros:
- No additional adhesive needed – just dip the band in water and press in place
- Minimum risk of irritation – no odor or fumes
Cons:
- Not as long-lasting as some options
- A little messy upon first use
- Black lash band will stand out on pale skin and lashes
Conclusion
We hope our reviews helped you find the safest eyelash glue for sensitive eyes today. If it’s performing as well as you hoped, we’d love to get your feedback. Feel free to leave us a comment below.