[My Thoughts on...] – False Eyelash Glue: Black or Clear? Does it Truly Make a Difference?
As a beauty blogger, I really try to discuss topics that there is limited information on and makeup questions that I’m sure people wonder about themselves. People don’t realize that there is so much involved with makeup application, hence why I never run out of things to write about! ;)
Moving forward to the subject of false eyelashes, I’m sure most people that are familiar with its application process know that it is applied specifically with a lash glue. This can be purchased pretty much at any drugstore, supermarket, beauty supply store, etc. The most famous brand is Duo, which is a safe latex adhesive and that is also waterproof. I want to take a moment to emphasize the WATERPROOF aspect of the glue. (To be further explained later…)
Duo false eyelash adhesive comes in both clear or black. Which is better?
Now what most people may not realize is that there are TWO variations of the false eyelash glue. They come in both CLEAR (the most common form) and BLACK. What this is referring to is how they dry. Although the clear looks white when squeezed out of the tube, it will dry clear. The black will actually look slightly grey when wet before drying black.
I have actually asked a handful of other artists for their personal opinion and it’s truly a toss-up. Some strongly are in favor of the black glue because once dried, it looks more like a black eye liner, while others still prefer the original clear version.
MY VERDICT: If you are given the choice, choose the CLEAR false eyelash glue.
The clear eyelash glue is MUCH BETTER in my opinion because if happen to mess up the application or the glue transfers onto the eyelid at all during the drying process, the clear will dry clear so you won’t see the mishap.
On the other hand, if you do have the same beauty mishap with the black eyelash glue, now you are stuck with a black spot and being that the product is WATERPROOF, you better believe it does more damage than good and that simply trying to wipe it with your finger, is NOT going to remove it AT ALL. It’s pretty much stuck there unless you apply an oil based makeup remover (REMINDER: oil based makeup removers remove ALL waterproof products! Specifically, I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT MY MAC CLEANSE OFF OIL, I actually carry the travel size in my purse EVERYDAY…it’s been a lifesaver!!!)
[Beauty Confession]: I know from experience that the black can be a hassle to deal with because recently I decided to try the black eyelash glue again. I had it awhile ago, but never really fell in love with it. Recently, I saw it at a drugstore and figured, let me give this a go again. Initially, I was liking it. Being that the black dries black, it definitely makes the black liner look more like a sharp black line. (Whereas with the clear glue, I like to still apply black liquid liner OVER it after it has completely dried to conceal that there is even a thin layer of glue to begin with).
One day, I noticed that the glue dried black, but a tiny spot transferred onto my inner top lid. I was wearing a light eye shadow, so you could TOTALLY see the spot and trust me, it was NOT going anywhere! I tried to rub it off, but it was NOT moving since it was completely dried at that point. Totally stuck. The only way I could have removed it is with an oil, but at that rate, that would mean I would have to re-do my eye makeup. (Talk about a real beauty bummer, no?)
If as a makeup artist this happened to me one time, I’m sure this could truly happen to anyone. The ONLY time, I would say it’s okay to go for the black eyelash glue is if you are wearing a DARK eyeshadow lid color. This way if the glue happens to smudge, you don’t even notice a contrast and the black will blend in more easily and won’t nearly be as noticeable.
[Do you have a preference: black or clear?]
April 17, 2012 at 2:53 PM
I never used black glue, I usually buy another tube and never use the one that goes with the lashes… It always look so cheap.
April 17, 2012 at 11:58 PM
Yes, you are right! The little ones that they sometimes include don’t seem too reliable, unless it happens to be the Duo brand!
April 25, 2012 at 11:05 PM
I have never heard or tried black eyelash glue. It was so great that you explained the difference between the clear and the black. Based on the information you provided, I would not want to use the black kind. Thanks for sharing such valuable information.