harm.less

Dramatic, sweeping lashes are totally on trend, but who knew that a lot of the available options are actually made from animal hair? So not cool! The best fake eyelashes are made from cruelty-free, natural, biodegradable or recycled synthetic fibres, so make sure your go-to brand is responsibly sourcing their materials.

Whether it’s fake eyelashes or eyelash extensions, mink is often used at tons of salons and in stores. Sadly, mink are cruelly and irresponsibly raised on fur farms and culled en masse, which is not where you want your lashes to be coming from. If you’re looking for eye make up that’s vegan and cruelty-free and will help you achieve naturally longer lashes within a month, Xlash make up should most definitely be on your radar.

Some companies say they use “cruelty-free mink,” claiming that the hair is collected by gently brushing the animals. Such claims are pretty unrealistic, however, and there’s no regulation, so who really knows?!

Your best bet is to opt for companies that offer synthetic or human hair lashes. Luckily, there are lots these days so they’re not hard to find! However, before you decide on this, read up on blogs (such as https://www.gpolit.com/6-top-tips-for-removing-your-lash-extensions/) and articles to take care of your extensions properly.

Here’s a list of companies that make cruelty-free lash options you can buy in-stores or online:

Estate Cosmetics Luxury Synthetic Lash
This Montréal-based brand is all about affordable, cruelty-free beauty options. Personally I adore their lashes, which come in a variety of different styles and thicknesses. In addition to lashes, they offer highlighter, liquid lipstick, precision liner, and more — all at prices that are totally doable.

MOTD Cosmetics Faux Mink Silk Lashes
This cruelty-free company has three lines of lashes: extra, full, and natural, so there’s a style for every aesthetic. You can order online or buy at select stores.

Moxie Lash
This company, touted by celebrities (including Paris Hilton), offers both an array of magnetic lashes, plus a new concept called Lashies, which uses a nano grip technology and clear liner to affix the lashes.

Ardell Lashes
Known as the world’s most popular lash brand, this company offers a massive variety of different lash options including magnetic and a brand new concept: water activated! None are tested on animals and some are synthetic while others are human hair. Their lashes are available at most major retailers like Target, Walmart, etc., as well as online.

Eyelure
This UK-based brand has a ton of options, from naturals to fluttery to dramatic and more — including magnetic. They’re products are available in retailers like Target.

Lashify
These synthetic silk lashes are cruelty-free and designed to mimic mink with none of the suffering. They’re called Gossamer lashes, and use the company’s patented Underlash™ technique.

House of Lashes
This company uses 100% premium human hair and cruelty-free synthetic fibers. They design lashes that work for a diversity of eye shapes and even offer an eye shape guide that helps you choose the lashes that are right for you. You can order online or find them at many mainstream outlets.

e.l.f.
This super inexpensive, cruelty-free brand has a solid selection of eyelashes and sets. They’re available at CVS, Target, Rite Aid and other mainstream retailers, as well as online.

Kiss Products
Kiss is another brand that’s been around for quite awhile, and while they’re known for nail products, they also make cruelty-free eyelashes in different options include faux mink lashes, wispy lashes, magnetic lashes, and more.

NYX
This popular cruelty-free company has a ton of different cosmetic offerings including some lashes. You can score them at Ulta and other stores, as well as online.

Manic Panic
This colorful company is known for its vibrant hair products, but they also offer some intense lash options including rainbow-hued and glow-in-the-dark.

Sugarpill
This bold cruelty-free cosmetics company has a lovely selection of lashes in everything from subtle to super intense.

Black Moon Cosmetics
Cruelty-free and vegan, this brand is known for its deep, dramatic looks, including a whole variety of lash styles named after the Zodiac signs.

Feline Lashes
With a name that elicits their love of animals, this brand’s vegan lineup includes collections named after kitty breeds.

As far as eyelash extensions go, the key is to find a salon that uses cruelty-free options. Call ahead and ask questions! Plenty of beauty shops have committed to going animal-free when it comes to eyelashes, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one that’s right for you.