For as long as I can remember, I’ve always admired the elegant allure of long, fluttery eyelashes. There’s something so captivating about the way they frame the eyes, adding an instant touch of glamour and femininity to any look. Unfortunately, achieving that perfect lash effect isn’t as easy as it might seem. Despite my best efforts with various mascaras, I could never quite get the fullness and length I craved. So, I turned to traditional strip lashes, which served me well for a time, but they often felt heavy and uncomfortable. Plus, the application process was a bit tedious, and I couldn’t escape the feeling that they looked just a bit too artificial. That’s when I started hearing whispers about DIY eyelash extensions, a more affordable and convenient alternative to professional extensions that you can apply at home with minimal effort.
The 5 Best Cluster Lash Sets You Can Apply at Home for Salon-Worthy Results
The appeal of DIY eyelash extensions lies in their innovative application technique. Unlike strip lashes, which are applied on top of the lash line, these lash extensions are applied underneath the natural lashes. This method not only provides a more natural look but also puts less stress on your natural lashes, allowing them to grow healthy and strong. Intrigued by this promising solution, I decided to test out a few of the most popular kits on the market. After several weeks of experimenting, I’ve compiled a ranking of the five best lash extension kits I tried, detailing the advantages, downsides, and the personal challenges I faced with each one.
1. Nanolash DIY Eyelash Extensions Starter Kit
At the top of my list is the Nanolash DIY Eyelash Extensions Starter Kit. From the moment I opened the box, I was impressed by the contents of the Nanolash kit. The set contains 36 cluster lashes in three different lengths: 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm, catering to various lash looks, from subtle to dramatic. Additionally, these clusters come in eight different styles and two colors – black and brown, giving you the freedom to customize your lash look to suit any occasion. I found the cluster lashes themselves to be exceptionally soft and lightweight, making them a breeze to apply and comfortable to wear throughout the day.
What truly sets this kit apart, though, is how complete it is. Alongside the lashes, it includes a bonder, a sealer, and a remover – everything you need to create and maintain your lash look. The bonder helps the lashes adhere securely, while the sealer locks them in place, ensuring they stay put for days. The remover, on the other hand, is gentle yet effective, allowing you to take off the cluster lashes without damaging your natural ones. The kit also comes with an applicator, which I found particularly user-friendly, even for a relative beginner like myself. With all these features, it’s hard to believe that the Nanolash kit is so affordable, especially considering the professional-quality results it delivers.
The biggest hurdle was mastering the application technique. Applying the clusters underneath the natural lashes requires a steady hand and a bit of practice. The first time I tried, I ended up with lashes that were unevenly spaced. But as with anything, practice makes perfect. By my third attempt, I was able to achieve a much more even and polished look, and I was thrilled with the results.
2. Ardell X-tended Wear Lash System Kit
Next up in my ranking is the Ardell X-tended Wear Lash System Kit. This kit is another excellent option for DIY lash enthusiasts, providing a set of cluster lashes, a bonder, an applicator, and a remover, making it a complete set for at-home eyelash extensions. One of the things I appreciated most about the Ardell kit is how quickly you can apply the lashes. On average, it took me between 10 and 15 minutes to complete a full set, which is quite efficient compared to other kits. However, if you’re new to lash extensions, expect to spend a bit more time – around 20 minutes or so, as you get the hang of the process.
While the Ardell kit is certainly user-friendly, I did notice one potential drawback: the lash clusters are almost identical in style, with only the length varying between them. For someone like me who enjoys experimenting with different lash looks, the lack of variety was a bit disappointing. I found that the lashes, while beautiful, didn’t offer as much versatility as some of the other kits I tried. Additionally, while the bonder worked well enough, I found it slightly less effective than the one included in the Nanolash kit. The lashes stayed on for a decent amount of time, but I did notice a bit of lifting at the corners after a few days. Despite these minor issues, the Ardell X-tended Wear Lash System is still a solid choice, especially for those who prefer a straightforward, no-fuss approach to lash extensions.
3. KISS Falscara Starter Kit
The third kit I tried was the KISS Falscara Starter Kit. This kit includes the Falscara Bond and Seal, a set of angled tweezers, and a set of 10mm-12mm lash clusters. One of the standout features of the KISS kit is its affordability. It’s one of the most budget-friendly options on the market, making it a great choice for those who are just starting out with DIY lash extensions. The Bond and Seal formulas are particularly noteworthy, as they simplify the application process. I found these products easy to use, and they held the lashes securely in place.
However, the KISS Falscara Starter Kit does have some limitations. The kit contains only 10 lash clusters, which restricts your styling options. I found this to be a bit of a drawback, especially compared to the more generous Nanolash and Ardell kits. Additionally, to ensure your lash look is durable, you’ll need to invest in a special overnight protectant, which isn’t included in the starter kit. This added expense can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution. That said, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a more limited range of lash styles, the KISS Falscara Starter Kit is still worth considering.
4. Lilac St Intro Starter Kit
Coming in fourth in my ranking is the Lilac St Intro Starter Kit. This kit is known for its fast and hassle-free application process, which is a major plus for those with a busy lifestyle. The Lilac St Kit includes 30 cluster lashes in lengths ranging from 8mm to 18mm, providing a good amount of variety for creating different lash looks. Whether you prefer the bold, dramatic effect of Russian Volume or a more delicate, natural look for everyday wear, this kit has you covered. I found the lashes themselves to be of high quality, with a soft, lightweight feel that’s comfortable to wear.
Despite its many strengths, the Lilac St Intro Starter Kit didn’t rank higher on my list for a few reasons. First, it’s not entirely clear how long you can wear these cluster lashes before they need to be replaced. The wear time seems to depend heavily on personal factors like how oily your skin is and how well you take care of your lashes. In my case, the lashes started to lift slightly after a few days, which meant I had to reapply them sooner than I’d hoped. This uncertainty about the wear time can be a bit frustrating, especially if you’re looking for a long-lasting solution. Additionally, while the kit does offer a good range of lash lengths, it doesn’t include as many extras as some of the other kits, such as a remover. This means you may need to purchase additional products separately, which can add to the overall cost.
5. Lashify Starter Kit
Last but not least is the Lashify Starter Kit, the most expensive lash extension kit I tried. Lashify is known for its high-quality products, and this kit is no exception. The cluster lashes are made of silk, giving them a luxurious, lightweight feel that’s hard to beat. I found the lashes to be incredibly feathery and natural-looking, which is a huge plus if you’re aiming for a subtle, everyday look. The kit itself is beautifully packaged and feels very premium, with an applicator, bonder, and sealer included.
However, despite its many positives, the Lashify Starter Kit comes with a significant downside: its price. At a cost that’s considerably higher than any of the other kits I tried, it’s not the most economical option, especially considering that the kit contains just 10 lash clusters – enough for a single lash look. While the quality of the lashes is undeniably excellent, I couldn’t help but feel that you’re paying more for the brand name and packaging than for the actual product itself. For someone with an unlimited budget, this kit might be worth the splurge, but for most people, including myself, it’s hard to justify the cost when there are more affordable options that deliver comparable results. In comparison, the Nanolash kit provides cluster lashes of similar quality, but with far more variety and at a fraction of the price.
Top 5 Cluster Lash Sets for Effortless Self-Application at Home – Summary
In conclusion, DIY cluster lashes are an excellent option for anyone looking to achieve beautiful, long-lasting lashes without the hassle or expense of professional extensions. They allow you to customize your lash look, are gentle on your natural lashes, and can be applied in the comfort of your own home. After testing several different kits, the Nanolash DIY Eyelash Extensions Starter Kit turned out to be a definite winner in my ranking. It provides an unbeatable combination of quality, variety, and value for money, making it the best choice for both beginners and experienced lash enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle lash definition or a more dramatic look, the Nanolash lash-styling kit has everything you need to create the perfect lash look.
