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Why You Should Try DIY Lash Extensions: Cluster Lashes vs. Strip Lashes/Magnetic Falsies
Madison Maxwell
02.19.24

The Short Answer: Cluster Lashes last for up to a week, offer a salon quality look at a fraction of the price, and are just as easy to apply as traditional strip lashes. You just need to make sure you try the right brand, and we highly recommend Noonlash. This article was written in paid partnership with SBLY eCommerce Brands.

NOONLASH

Look and Feel โ€“ 10/10
Glue/Longevity โ€“ 9/10
Ease of Application -10/10
Additional Products โ€“ 10/10
Value โ€“ 9/10
Overall โ€“ 9.6/10

And now, for the long answer:

For so many years, we only had a single type of false lashes to apply at home. And if youโ€™ve ever struggled with a traditional strip lash, it mightโ€™ve been enough for you to call it quits. But, nowadays, there are so many different types of false lashes, like cluster lashes, individual lashes, and even magnetic falsies. With all this variety, there is hope for you to become an expert at applying false lashes at home and loving the results.

Weโ€™re going to cover everything you need to know about two of the most popular at-home false lashes, cluster lashes vs. strip lashes/magnetic falsies. As someone who loves all things beauty, I love trying all the new products on the market and sharing (we donโ€™t gatekeep here) to help others find the best of the best. And to be honest, when comparing these types of lashes, the best way to describe them is that cluster lashes are an upgraded version of strip lashes. Letโ€™s talk about why you should try cluster lashes over strip lashes and the best cluster lash brand Iโ€™ve found so far, Noonlash.

We compared these lashes across a few areas: Application, Maintenance, & Cost, and then discuss the benefits of cluster lashes.

What Are They?

Cluster lashes are just what they sound like. They are lashes on a band that come in small cluster sections. Often, when you purchase cluster lashes, they come in different lengths so that you can customize your lash look. This is important because every eye shape requires a different style of lash. For example, round eyes pair well with a cat-eye lash style. This adds lengths to the outer corner of the eye to open and elongate the eye.

Strip lashes are false lashes on a band that span the entire length of the eye. These types of lashes were the very first type of falsies to hit the market. They were invented by a Canadian woman named Anna Taylor in 1911. In recent years, weโ€™ve seen some evolution in strip lashes. One of these includes magnetic lashes for those who want to avoid using adhesive. But ultimately, these still give the same look as the traditional strip lash.

Application

When cluster lashes were created, a new application technique was created as well. One of the reasons cluster lashes were created was to create a long-lasting lash. To accomplish this, a new technique was needed. Cluster lashes are actually applied underneath the natural lash. Although this sounds intimidating, it is surprisingly easy. First, apply the adhesive to the natural lash, give it a moment to become tacky, and then apply the cluster lash to the natural lash. Continue to apply the clusters until you reach your desired look.

Application of a traditional strip lash is often what scares people away from applying lashes at home. Learning how to apply strip lashes can feel like a nightmare. Strip lashes are applied above the natural lash on the lash line. To do this, you have to apply adhesive all the way across the lash, which can quickly make a mess all over your eyelid if youโ€™re not careful. If youโ€™re using magnetic lashes to avoid adhesive, these honestly arenโ€™t any easier. If anything, magnetic lashes are more difficult than using adhesive. Getting your magnetic lashes to connect together in the spot where you need them is a challenge.

Maintenance

Maintenance is one of the reasons cluster lashes were created. These lashes were made to be an alternative to professionally done eyelash extensions. Professional sets of eyelash extensions often last between 2-3 weeks. With cluster lashes, you can pay around a third of the cost for professional sets and have 5-7 days of retention. In your cluster lash kit, youโ€™ll also get enough lashes to last you a month at minimum.

Strip lashes, on the other hand, are made for single-day wear. Since these lashes are applied to the lash line and not directly on the lashes, the glue is created to have a 12-24-hour hold. I know what you might be thinking. Why canโ€™t you just use the long-lasting adhesive made for clusters on strip lashes? Well, not only is the adhesive key to holding, but applying it to the natural lash is what allows the clusters to have a long-lasting hold.

Cost

Like with anything, there is going to be a range of pricing as each company makes a different quality product. When it comes to cluster lashes, it is best to begin your journey with a starter kit. This will get you everything you need and typically includes the lashes, adhesive, sealer, and application tool. You can find companies online that sell a starter kit anywhere from $30 to $150. Remember, you get what you pay for! Every kit Iโ€™ve tried for $30 wasnโ€™t worth my time. The sweet spot is in the middle, around $75. Anything above that pretty much has the same quality, youโ€™re just paying more money for it. Once you have your kit, purchasing cluster refills is around $30.

Strip lashes are going to be cheaper because they are only one set of lashes. The average cost of a strip lash or set of magnetic lashes is around $10. The average cost for adhesive is approximately $5. You can also get your strip lashes cheaper if you buy in bulk. Most companies will sell strip lashes in packages of 2, 4, or 6. If youโ€™re looking for a decent quality lash at a good price, checking out your nearest drug store is a safe option. Although you can buy lashes at stores like Ulta and Sephora, theyโ€™re usually overpriced.

Benefits of DIY Cluster Lashes

DIY cluster lashes have a handful of benefits that make them worth a try. The first is that they offer a salon-quality look at a fraction of the price, and you donโ€™t have to go anywhere or pay someone else to do your lashes! You can do your lashes in the comfort of your own home and have results for up to a week. Although this may sound intimidating, cluster lashes really are so easy to apply. The clusters quickly grab hold of the adhesive while also giving some wiggle room so you can get the placement just right. It is important to note that cluster lashes can be extremely difficult (if youโ€™re not buying quality products). This is where Noon Lash enters the chat.

Start DIY Lash Journey With Noonlash

I have tried so many different brands of cluster lashes, and my favorite so far has been Noon Lash. Their lashes are beautiful, quality, and affordable! Offering a handful of different styles, there is a lash for everyone. My suggestion would be to start with their starter kits. The starter kits come in six different lash styles and cost $75. It comes with lash clusters (10mm-12mm lengths for a customizable look), adhesive, sealer, remover, and an application tool.

Once you run out of lashes, you can get your refills for $28. These refills come with 30 cluster lashes total, which can last you for a minimum of a month or longer if you decide to re-wear them. These lashes are re-wearable because of their quality and durability. Many of the other cluster lashes on the market Iโ€™ve tried will fall apart after one wear.

Cluster lashes are honestly one of the best new products to have launched in the beauty industry in recent years! You can get a full set of beautiful lashes for a great price, done at home, and have lasting results. If you havenโ€™t tried them yet, donโ€™t walk, run to get your best lashes yet!