Lash extensions and magnetic lashes can both give you full, flattering lashes. They get there in very different ways. Extensions are bonded to your natural lashes at a salon and stay on for weeks. Magnetic lashes click onto a magnetic eyeliner in minutes and come off at the end of the day.

Neither is "right" for everyone. Here's how they compare, so you can pick the one that fits your life.

Quick answer

• Choose lash extensions if you want lashes you wake up with and don't mind regular salon fills and aftercare.
• Choose magnetic lashes if you want no glue, no appointments and the freedom to change your look from day to night.
• Want something in between? Instant Lash Clusters™ sit under your natural lashes like extensions and hold for up to 7 days per application, with no glue and no salon.

How lash extensions work

A lash artist bonds individual extensions to your natural lashes with adhesive, one lash at a time. Because extensions are attached to your own lashes, they shed as your natural lashes do, so you go back for fills to keep the set full.

If you go the extension route, ask your lash artist about their adhesive and its ingredients, whether you can do a patch test if you're prone to reactions, and how they sanitize their tools and workspace.

How magnetic lashes work

MoxieLash Magnetic Lashes have micro-magnets along the lash band. Instead of gluing anything to your lashes, you apply Magnetic Eyeliner along your lash line, let it dry, then place the lash. The magnets click onto the liner.

• Line: shake the liner, wipe excess off the brush, and line from the inner to outer corner.
• Dry: about three minutes, until a gentle tap leaves no transfer.
• Click: place the lash on the liner. The magnets snap into place.

Step-by-step with photos: how to put on magnetic lashes.

Magnetic lashes vs extensions, side by side

Application

• Extensions: applied by a lash artist at a salon, with return visits for fills.
• Magnetic: at home in minutes, mostly waiting for the liner to dry.

Hold

• Extensions: stay on day and night until your natural lashes shed.
• Magnetic: Magnetic Eyeliner is waterproof and smudge-proof, with 24-hour wear. You take your lashes off at the end of the day.

Changing your look

• Extensions: one set at a time.
• Magnetic: swap styles during the day without reapplying liner, from a natural daytime lash to full glam at night.

Reuse

• Extensions: not reusable.
• Magnetic: rated for 25+ wears per pair with proper care and storage.

Glue

• Extensions: bonded with lash adhesive.
• Magnetic: no glue. Magnetic Eyeliner is free of heavy metals and parabens and gets its hold from iron oxides.

Upkeep

• Extensions: daily brushing and aftercare rules from your lash artist.
• Magnetic: remove the lashes, clean the band, and store them in their case. See how to remove magnetic eyeliner and lashes.

Magnetic lash pros and cons

Pros

• No glue and no salon appointments
• Switch styles as often as you like
• Reusable: 25+ wears per pair
• Waterproof, smudge-proof liner with 24-hour wear
• Styles from natural to full glam, plus brown and colored lashes

Cons

• The liner needs about three minutes to dry
• Full bands may need trimming to fit your eye. See how to trim false eyelashes.
• Corners can lift if the band doesn't follow your eye shape. Curl the band around your finger first, or add a little extra liner where it lifts.
• You put them on and take them off every day

Can you wear magnetic lashes over eyelash extensions?

Technically, the magnets attach to the liner, not to your lashes, so magnetic lashes don't need your natural lashes (or extensions) to grip. But Magnetic Eyeliner goes on and comes off along the same lash line where your extensions are bonded. Extension aftercare usually means avoiding oil-based products and rubbing near the lash line. So before you try it, ask your lash artist which liner removal method is safe for your set.

If what you really want is to fill gaps while you wait for a fill, Instant Lash Clusters™ are the option we've confirmed. They can be applied over lash extensions, and many customers use them between fills to cover gaps. Depending on placement the result can look less natural, so experiment to find what works for you.

The best magnetic lashes for every look

Best natural magnetic lashes

• Classy Lash: best-selling natural wispy lash for everyday wear (7–12mm)
• Cozy Lash: natural volume in vegan Bionic Silk™ (5.5–11.5mm)
• Edgy Lash: short and wispy, curled for a natural lift (4.8–12mm)
• Bestie Lash: naturally wispy Bionic Silk™ that flatters every eye shape

Best accent magnetic lashes

• Baby Lash: best-selling accent lash with tapered outer-corner volume
• Cheeky Lash: small accent lash for delicate lift

Best mid-glam magnetic lashes

• Wifey Lash: best-selling soft cat eye that lifts the outer eye
• Happy Lash: center volume and tapered ends to open all eye shapes
• Moody Lash: featherlight layers that build toward the outer edge
• Sassy Lash: 3D volume and soft curl for an airy, fanned-out look

Best full-glam magnetic lashes

• Money Lash: a cult favorite with clusters of long, dense lashes
• Dolly Lash: bold volume and maximum length with soft, tapered layers
• Bossy Lash: the largest style in our original collection, designed for large eyes

Best brown magnetic lashes

• Nutty Lash: true brown, natural cat eye
• Truffle Lash: true brown, airy and fluttery
• Honey Kit: three brown Bionic Silk™ styles with Cocoa Magnetic Liner and an applicator

Best magnetic lashes for beginners

Start with a kit so you get the liner and an applicator in one box. The Natural Kit pairs three of our most natural styles with Magnetic Eyeliner and a Lash Applicator. The Love Kit gives you three intensities: Baby (accent), Wifey (mid-glam) and Sexy (full glam).

Frequently asked questions

Are magnetic lashes better than lash extensions?

It depends on what you want. Extensions stay on day and night but need salon fills. Magnetic lashes take a few minutes each day but need no glue or appointments, are reusable for 25+ wears, and let you change your look whenever you like.

Can you wear magnetic lashes on top of eyelash extensions?

The magnets grip the liner, not your lashes, so it's possible. Check with your lash artist first, since the liner is applied and removed along your extension line. To cover gaps between fills, we recommend Instant Lash Clusters™, which can be applied over extensions.

How long do magnetic lashes stay on?

Magnetic Eyeliner is rated for 24-hour wear and is waterproof and smudge-proof. Remove your lashes at the end of the day and store them in their case.

How many times can you reuse magnetic lashes?

Our magnetic lashes are rated for 25+ wears per pair with proper care and storage.

Is magnetic eyeliner safe?

MoxieLash Magnetic Eyeliner is free of heavy metals and parabens, and contains iron oxides. If you have an eye condition, sensitivities or recent eye surgery, check with your doctor before use.

Which magnetic lashes look the most natural?

Classy, Cozy and Edgy for black lashes, or Nutty and Truffle if you prefer brown. Accent styles like Baby and Cheeky blend with your own lashes at the outer corner.