Faux Mink Eyelash Extensions vs Real Mink Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions are becoming more and more popular as a way for people with thinner, shorter lashes to get that fluttering look they’ve always wanted. Natural lash extensions can even look so seamless it’s hard to tell they’re there at all. And two of the most common materials for false eyelash extensions are mink and faux mink.

Many clients want to know which is better: real or fake mink eyelash extensions? Read on to learn more about each material and the benefits and downsides they both offer.

What Are Mink Eyelashes?

As you might guess, mink lash extensions are made from fur from the mink, a weasel-like creature that lives near rivers, lakes, and marshes. Mink fur is exceptionally soft, and these animals have been prized for their pelts for centuries. More recently, stylists have discovered that mink fur makes a good natural option for eyelash extensions.

Most of the time, the fur used for genuine mink eyelash extensions is taken from the creature’s tail. This fur has a tapered end and is lightweight and tremendously fluffy. Most mink eyelashes are permed before they’re shipped, in order to give them the curl most clients look for in their false eyelashes.

Benefits of Mink

Before we developed better synthetic options, mink eyelashes were tremendously prized for their softness. Since this is real fur, it gives a genuine look and fluffiness that blends well with our natural eyelashes.

They also have a nice natural shine that dresses up a client’s look without veering into the plastic shine of some synthetic lashes.

Mink lashes can also be a good option for clients with delicate eyelashes. Because this fur is so light, it won’t put as much strain on the lashes as some heavier materials. It also tends to be a little more comfortable thanks to its lightweight nature, as well.

Downsides of Mink

Of course, the biggest downside of mink is the cruelty it poses to the animals in question. Although we have animal welfare laws here in the United States, many minks are farmed in China, where there are no such laws. These bright, curious little creatures live their whole lives in cages before being killed for their pelts.

In addition to the obvious animal rights problems, mink eyelashes pose some problems for clients. They can cause allergy problems for those with skin sensitivities, and you’ll have to recurl your lashes at home, since the perm will relax out of them. Genuine mink lashes also tend to be tremendously expensive – between $300 and $500 a set.

What Are Faux Mink Eyelashes?

Faux mink eyelashes are made of synthetic materials, but are designed to mimic the look and feel of mink. Oftentimes, you’ll find faux mink eyelashes made from a poly-fiber material that can be shaped into a variety of different diameters.

It mimics the shine, fluffiness, and flexibility of genuine mink fur so closely that most people can’t distinguish a difference.

Faux mink eyelash extensions come in a variety of lengths and curls, and they do tend to look slightly glossier than genuine mink. Depending on how they’re applied, they can create a bolder look for clients. Unlike genuine mink, these lashes maintain their curl and don’t need home curling or mascara.

Benefits of Faux Mink

Aside from the obvious benefit of treating animals more humanely, faux mink can have a number of other advantages. First of all, these lash sets are much more affordable than genuine mink fur sets. They’re also incredibly low maintenance since they don’t ever lose their curl.

Faux mink can also give clients a somewhat more natural look for their eyelash extensions. Because the lashes come in a variety of diameters, lengths, and curls, they can very closely match a client’s natural lashes. All of this makes them the most popular choice for lash extensions that stylists are using today.

Downsides of Faux Mink

There are a few situations in which faux mink may not be the right choice for a client. Although the difference is slight, synthetic lashes do tend to be a little bit heavier than the natural materials.

This extra weight can become uncomfortable for clients, or may even damage more fragile eyelashes.

Faux mink materials these days are very good, but they do have that tiny bit of extra shine that can give away the fact that they’re synthetic. They may not last quite as long as genuine mink, although you’re still likely to save money on the sets in the long run. The key is to get good-quality lashes that will give you the look and durability you want from your lashes.

Which Is Right for You?

So which is the right choice for your eyelash extensions: faux mink or the genuine article? In most cases, faux mink can give you everything real mink can for a fraction of the price, and with much more flexibility in your lash choice.

You’ll also be able to rest easy knowing your lashes are being ethically sourced.

Learn More About Faux vs. Real Mink Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions can be a great way to get that gorgeous natural look we all crave, but knowing which type of lashes you need is key to getting a good result. The debate about fake vs. real mink eyelash extensions comes down to a question of look and price. In most cases, clients can get the natural look they want for a fraction of the price with faux link lashes.

If you’d like to learn more about faux vs. real mink eyelash extensions, check out the rest of our site at Lash Stuff. We offer supplies for eyelash extensions, lifts, and more that are used by thousands of lash stylists worldwide.

Shop our eyelash extensions today and start giving your natural beauty the spotlight it deserves.