Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Allure editorsSave this storySave this story
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
I've been perfecting my false-lash technique since high school, when I discovered that the right lash glue could make strip lashes survive eight-hour school days. Eventually, I graduated to professional lash extensions, but after months of upkeep, damaged lashes, and the mounting costs, I couldn’t justify the expense anymore. Going back to strips gave me convenience, but not the customization I wanted. That all changed when I discovered lash clusters, which allowed me to experiment with length and volume in my makeup looks in a way I never could with strips.
But clusters alone aren't magic. The real game-changer is the eyelash glue. Without the right adhesive, even the most fluttery DIY cluster falls flat (or off completely). Over time, I’ve narrowed my favorites down to four lash glues that cover every scenario: formulas strong enough to hold overnight or through a weeklong vacation. Of course, technique matters too. Both your glue application and lash removal can make or break both their longevity and your natural lash health, so I tapped a makeup artist to share pro tips on maximizing hold without causing damage.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: uCoolMe Lash Bond and Seal, $18
- Best for Strip Lashes: Ardell Duo Striplash Adhesive, $7
- Best for Lash Clusters: Lashify Whisper Light Bond, $34
- Best Drugstore: Kiss Falscara False Eyelash Bond & Seal, $10
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What's the best way to apply and remove lashes to maximize hold and minimize damage?
- Is there a certain glue that's better for strips versus clusters?
- Should you be cleaning your lashes if wearing them for extended periods?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
From quick-dry formulas perfect for beginners to long-lasting bond-and-seal systems built for days of wear, these are the best eyelash glues worth adding to your makeup kit.
Best Overall: uCoolMe Lash Bond and Seal
uCoolMe
Lash Bond and Seal
Amazon
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the uCoolMe Lash Bond and Seal
Jailynn Taylor
Why we love it: False lashes don't stand a chance without the right glue holding them in place, which is why the uCoolMe Bond & Seal Lash Glue is my number-one pick. Designed with a 2-in-1 bond and seal system, this lash glue provides a staggering 150 hours of wear. Despite the strong hold, the formula is hypoallergenic and non-irritating, making it ideal for sensitive skin and eyes while still delivering the kind of staying power you’d expect from pro eyelash extensions. Plus, the eyelash adhesive is fast-drying, waterproof, and sleep-safe. The dual brush design makes application a breeze: the black bond acts like mascara for even coverage, while the white seal locks everything in place and protects against dust, clumping, and flaking.
Taylor before applying the uCoolMe Lash Bond and Seal
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying the uCoolMe Lash Bond and Seal
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor
LargeChevron
“I reach for the uCoolMe Lash Bond and Seal whenever I need serious longevity. It’s hands down my favorite glue for long wear. It’s the one I trust on vacations or when I’m crunched for time because once it’s on, it doesn’t budge for over five days. The hold is intense, which means I usually can’t reuse my lashes after, but honestly, I don’t mind since it feels more sanitary that way. I will say this glue requires some experience with application as it’s not as forgiving once the cluster makes contact with the lash cluster, and you should only be putting the glue at the base as opposed to raking it through the lash. Doing this can cause the lashes to clump and not last as long.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Color: black, white
- Hold: strong
Best for Strip Lashes: Ardell Duo Striplash Adhesive
Ardell
Duo Striplash Adhesive
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Taylor applying the Ardell Duo Striplash Adhesive
Jailynn Taylor
Why we love it: This is the OG lash glue—the one you grabbed before a girls’ night out, tossed in your bag, and knew would keep your strip lashes intact until morning. DUO Striplash Adhesive formula is designed for all-day wear, applies white and dries clear, and keeps both strip and individual lashes firmly in place. Once it dries, the glue peels off your falsies without a mess, making them easy to reuse. If your first placement isn’t perfect, it gives you just enough flexibility to adjust without needing more glue. Unlike some lash adhesives, DUO is applied directly to the lash band with the applicator. A thin line from the squeeze tube is all it takes, and after a quick, 30-second drying time, lashes press into place and stay secure for hours.
Taylor before applying the Ardell Duo Striplash Adhesive
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying the Ardell Duo Striplash Adhesive
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from Taylor
LargeChevron
"I’ve been using Ardell Duo Striplash Adhesive since high school (over ten years), so it’ll always have a place in my heart (and vanity). I can run into my local Ulta and grab a tube anytime, and it’s under $10 and a little goes a long way. Plus, one tube lasts forever. It’s beginner-friendly since you apply it directly to the lash strip as opposed to your lashes, and if you don’t nail the placement on the first try, it’s forgiving enough to let you adjust without starting over or damaging your natural lashes.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Color: black, white
- Hold: light to medium
Best for Clusters: Lashify Whisper Light Bond
Lashify
Whisper Light Bond
Lashify
Taylor applying the Lashify Whisper Light Bond
Jailynn Taylor
Why we love it: Lashify is my go-to brand for a high-quality cluster lash experience at home. The brand offers individual cluster lashes in a wide range of styles and lengths, which are unbelievably natural and lightweight. The glue, specifically the Whisper Light Bond, ensures they stay put without compromising comfort. Its dual-sided design makes the application intuitive. The black or clear micro-mascara brush evenly sweeps the clear formula through each lash for grip and definition, while the precision clear seal tip targets the base to seal it all in for a seamless finish and natural look.
Taylor before applying the Lashify Whisper Light Bond
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying the Lashify Whisper Light Bond
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from Taylor
LargeChevron
“The whole Lashify experience feels luxurious from start to finish, and the Whisper Light Bond is a big part of that. The lashes are so lightweight and natural-looking, and the glue itself applies smoothly and feels like nothing once it’s on. I like that you can coat from root to tip without stressing over precision, then layer the bond on top for that frosted effect that dries down clear. The hold is strong but still comfortable, lasting me up to three days at a time.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Color: black, clear
- Hold: medium to strong
Best for Drugstore: Kiss Falscara False Eyelash Bond & Seal
Kiss
Falscara False Eyelash Bond & Seal
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Taylor applying the Kiss Falscara False Eyelash Bond & Seal
Jailynn Taylor
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a lash look that competes with the salons, look no further than Kiss’s Falscara Bond & Seal. This dual-ended tube makes at-home lash extensions foolproof, priming and prepping your natural lashes on one side and locking wisps in place with the other. The bond is infused with biotin to nourish while gripping lash clusters securely, and the seal is enriched with vitamin E to eliminate tacky residue and keep everything looking seamless. They offer a customizable wear that can hold for 24-hour wear or up to 10 days when paired with the brand’s Overnighter Falscara Bond & Seal.
Taylor before applying the Kiss Falscara False Eyelash Bond & Seal
Jailynn Taylors
Taylor after applying the Kiss Falscara False Eyelash Bond & Seal
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from Taylor
LargeChevron
“Kiss Falscara was my introduction to lash clusters and bond-and-seal systems, which prolong the length of wear of cluster lashes as opposed to the 24-hour wear of regular lash glues. The application is super beginner-friendly. You just swipe on the bond, place your clusters, and seal them in. I love that it gives me a hold that lasts for days but still comes off easily when I’m ready to remove it. Because the glue isn’t harsh, I can actually reuse the lashes, which makes the system even more practical.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Color: black
- Hold: medium to strong
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to apply and remove lashes to maximize hold and minimize damage?
Makeup artist Dominique Gordon emphasizes starting with fit. “When applying a strip lash, you always want to measure and trim the lashes to suit your eyes,” she says. This step prevents lifting at the corners and makes wear more comfortable. She also notes that the glue and application matter. “Allow 5–10 seconds for the glue to set and apply in the center of the eye directly along the lash line. Tuck in the outer and inner corners using tweezers or index/thumb fingers.” Using a brush-on formula gives more control and reduces mess.
When it’s time to take them off, Gordon advises working from the outer corner inward and placing the strip back in its case. “You can also refresh/clean them by using a few Q-tips and micellar water,” she adds, a step that helps maintain their shape for multiple wears.
Is there a certain glue that's better for strips versus clusters?
“A standard lash glue is suitable for strip lashes, as they are typically for short-term wear,” says Gordon. Clusters, on the other hand, need “a bond and seal dual-ended glue [to] ensure their longevity for 10–14 days.”
Should you be cleaning your lashes if wearing them for extended periods?
Yes, hygiene directly impacts both eye health and wear time. “Lash extensions should be washed daily with an oil-free wash and a Q-tip,” Gordon says, who warns that neglecting this step allows buildup to accumulate. “Your lashes harbor dirt, oil, and bacteria that can cause infection or minimize the longevity of the application,” she explains. And don’t forget to use a gentle eye-makeup remover to cleanse your eyes.
Meet the experts
- Dominique Gordon, a makeup artist based in Cleveland, OH
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but mascaras are another story. While some can be used across different lash lengths, thicknesses, shape, colors, and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience. For instance, a new, innovative mascara may feature an industry-leading formula, but if the wand still needs some tweaking to prevent clumps and webbing, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our review of the best lash glues, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts you interviewed for the piece—who all have different lash concerns, desired outcome (i.e., want length over volume), and whether one product was tested across varying lash types. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, ease of use, and value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we can fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Related Posts
