True or False: The Most-Used False Lashes on the Red Carpet Are Just $5

I’m a bit of a lash freak. As in, it doesn’t matter if it’s mascara, serum, primer, falsies, extensions, curlers, combs, what have you, I’m either using it, coveting it, or writing about it. And, false eyelashes, specifically, happen to be one of my favorite topics du jour. As someone who grew up wearing falsies more often than not (I basically lived at my dance studio and recitals, competitions, and other types of performances occurred at a weekly cadence), I know how borderline horrifying the less-than-fab false eyelashes can be, but I also know how eye-poppingly wonderful the best ones can be. So, let’s dig into the latter, shall we?

While I’m a firm believer you get what you pay for when it comes to most categories of beauty, false eyelashes are one subset that really doesn’t apply. In fact, when I receive the behind-the-scenes beauty breakdowns for red carpets, celebrities almost exclusively wear false eyelashes that can be found at the drugstore, namely, the best-selling styles you can peruse below from staple brands like Ardell and Kiss. Keep scrolling for five of the most affordable (and popular!) false eyelashes amongst celebrities plus five more iterations we personally love that you can pick up during your next drugstore jaunt. 

In the remote possibility that you were able to tear your eyes away from Megan Fox in her Dundas gown during this year’s Met Gala, you might have noticed her absolutely sublime makeup job. Makeup artist Ash K Holm used Kiss’s new My Lash But Better No Filters strips to top off Fox’s smoldering gaze. If you’re like us, you’re running to the closest drugstore, stat. 

We count on Lizzo for her dramatic makeup and fashion choices, so leave it to the singer to supply prime inspiration for our next glam beauty moment via Kiss’s ultra-popular Lash Couture Matte Sheer Lashes. The diffused matte finish looks less shiny (thus, more real) than most false eyelashes you can find at the drugstore, and the faux-mink texture blends flawlessly with natural lashes.

As far as individual lashes go (which are often makeup artists MO of choice when it comes to red carpet falsies), Ardell’s faux-mink ones are pretty much the crème de la crème and can be seen on girl group, Haim. They’re a great bet if you want the most natural (aka believable) result.

I’ve yet to witness a red carpet graced by Mindy Kaling when she’s not wearing these best-selling drugstore false eyelashes from Ardell. To punch up the smoke factor even more, do like her makeup artist Janice Kinjo and wiggle a few coats of No7’s mascara (below!) through your lashes. 

We want to know what Nicole Kidman is wearing on her face 24/7, but we were especially excited when we found out her eye-catching look for The Critics Choice Awards would only set us back $10. Makeup artist,Kate Synnott, partnered with Eylure using the brand’s Fluttery Light Lashes inNo. 117 for a full-frontal flutter.

If you’re in the market for the best everyday lash, it’s hard to beat Ardell’s Naked Lashes. They boast lightweight volume and will give you subtle definition around the eye thanks to the brand’s signature Invisiband lash band which feel comfortable on the lid and look nearly undetectable

Craving the same dreamy wispiness of the brand’s iconic demi lashes but a little more length? Look no further. 

With proper care and upkeep, one pair of falsies from House of Lashes will last for 15 (or more) wears. The Allura Lite model is a particular favorite since they’re triple-layered with a rounded shape for next-level eye-opening effect. 

If you could get the look of extensions for a measly $2, why the heck wouldn’t you? Not to mention, they’re one of the most natural-looking pairs in the bunch.

Don’t overthink your next cat-eye—pop these $8 false eyelashes on instead and you’ll have pro-level results with minimal fuss. The results are dramatic, but not too dramatic, and they’re also 100% cruelty-free and made from vegan faux mink for a fluttery finish. Next: If You Don’t Want People to Know You’re Wearing False Lashes, Try These 10