With Hong Kong beauty salons closed indefinitely during the fifth wave, it might be a little difficult to keep up with our beauty routine, which – if you ask most ladies here in the city – usually includes luscious lash extensions.
However, we 8Shades gals have to be incredibly vigilant about which lash extensions to go for, as they can come in a range of different materials, from synthetic – what we want to go for – to mink, silk, horsehair and even fox fur – what we want to stay away from.
According to Humane Society International, around 100 million animals are bred and killed on fur farms every year, specifically to supply fur to the fashion and cosmetic industry. Majority of these are minks, with their soft fur used for coats, jackets, trims, and false eyelashes.
By wearing only cruelty-free falsies and supporting companies who produce them, we’re taking a stand against the horrible practice of fur farming. Synthetics are affordable, look good, and there’s an extensive range of styles and lengths to choose from. You can also choose companies that focus on sustainable practices.
Here are some of our top picks for cruelty-free and vegan false lashes to try on for your next Zoom call:
Velour Lashes Effortless Kit
Velour Lashes’ The Effortless Kit is the go-to collection for newbies. There’s no need to measure and trim, just glue, and voila! The kit comes with an easy lash applicator, and latex-free lash adhesive, which is long-lasting and dries completely invisible. Going for a natural look? Go for Would I Lie? Velour lashes are vegan and cruelty-free and do not contain latex, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, mineral oil, sulfates and benzenes.
Available at Revolve.com
Ardell Naked Lashes 421
Designed to blend seamlessly with your natural lashes, for a barely there look, Ardell Naked Lashes in 421 feature a lightweight invisiband and create subtle volume and length. The midi-length false lashes feature a rounded, criss-cross wispy style. Ardell offers an extensive range of other affordable lash styles too. The company has confirmed that it doesn’t test on animals and is completely cruelty-free.
Available at LookFantastic.com
House of Lashes – Noir Fairy Lite
House of Lashes’s Noir Fairy Lite brings intensity and dimension to the eyes, perfect for a glamorous night out. Made from high quality synthetic fibres, each pair can be used up to 15 times. The lash band is made from a flexible, comfortable and thin blend of cotton. All of the company’s lashes are cruelty free and come in recyclable packaging.
Available at LookFantastic.com
Tarteist™ PRO Cruelty-Free Lashes
Tarteist Pro Cruelty-Free Lashes aim to dramatically boost volume and length with lightweight vegan fibers that blend with your own lashes for a natural effect. There are six different styles: Little Black Dress is for everyday wear, Flirt is long and wispy; Goddess features multi-length fibers with dramatic volume; Sweetheart lengthens; Girl Boss adds dramatic length and dimension; and Center of Attention builds volume from the inner corner out. Apply with tartiest PRO lash adhesive.
Available at Sephora HK
Eylure Fluttery Intense 175 Lashes
Lightweight, reusable, and cruelty-free Eylure’s Fluttery 175 Lashes are the pair to go for when you want extra volume and definition during the day. The falsies’ synthetic fibres feature an angled shape that is fuller, longer, and denser on the outer edges, for a wide-eyed look that will make your eyes pop. The fibres are set on an invisible band that hugs the eye contour for comfort, precise application and discretion. Adhesive is included.
Available from LookFantastic.com
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