

As a beauty writer, I'd say I'm pretty well-versed on most things natural hair, creating a skincare routine that works and finding the right makeup for my skin type, but I have to be honest, lashes are not my strong suit.
The reason for my lack of know-how in the realm of these enviable lashes is because of my not-so-great experience wearing lashes. I have had severe allergic reactions to the glue, and for some reason, they tend to make my eyes feel heavy. While I haven't had the best experience with lashes, I enjoy seeing beautiful lashes that add drama and effect and others that give your eyes just enough pop for someone to ask, "Are those real?"
After some research and reading through customer reviews, I found eleven lashes brands that range in style, price, and technology — and they are all cruelty-free. No real mink lashes over here. Whether you're an amateur like me or a pro in the lash game, these brands are easy to find locally and online and will make your eyes the focal point of your next makeup look.
e.l.f Maximum Drama Luxe Lash Kit
Elf Cosmetics
Maximum Drama Luxe Lash Kit
This $4 lash kit is a favorite among reviewers, and the best part is if you're new to lashes or even if you're a vet — you can use give these a try without overthinking about the economic investment.
BEPHOLAN 3 Pairs 5D Multi-layered Faux Mink Lashes
Making a purchase without leaving the comfort of your own home is always a benefit. These faux mink lashes can be shipped with Amazon Prime, and the handmade falsies are "easy to apply" and "lightweight."
Ardell Eyelash Wispies Multipack Black
Amazon
Ardell's line of lashes are a fan favorite because of their pricing and natural look. The multipack comes with five pairs of temporary, reusable lashes, so you'll never be without a little natural glam.
Lilly Lashes Mykonos So Extra 3D Mink False Lashes
Lilly Lashes Mykonos So Extra 3D Mink False Lashes
If you're looking to bring the drama to your next beauty lewk, Lilly's 3D will add volume and depth to your lash line.
MAC Cosmetics 4 Lash False Lashes
MAC
MAC 4 Lash False Lashes
Looking for an everyday lash option? MAC's number 4 lashes will look so natural. "They're virtually undetectable!,'' one reviewer wrote.
Benefit Cosmetics Real False Lashes Debutante Lash
Macys
Benefit Cosmetics Real False Lashes Debutante Lash
I have heard from many beauty gurus that individual lashes tend to feel and look the most natural. Reviewers note that Benefit Cosmetics solo lashes blend well with your natural lashes. One thing to note about individuals is that they can damage your lashes if they aren't taken off correctly. So, be sure to use an oil-based remover to take them off.
Lash Star Visionary Lashes
These lashes will give you doll-like glam with their fluffy, 3D finish. The other nice thing about these synthetic mink lashes is that they come in a black box that you can restore them in, and you can use them 20-30 times with proper care.
True Glue. Barbie Girl Lashes
true-glue.com
Barbie Girl Luxury Lashes 100% NaturalI was on the hunt for a natural lash glue (which True Glue. is known for) when I came across their Barbie Girl style of lashes. If you're looking for length without volume, these are your pair.
ARVESA 8x False Magnetic Eyelashes
Amazon
If you're looking for a lash option sans the glue at a budget-friendly price point, these falsies are highly-rated on Amazon with many reviewers noting that they take "less than a minute to apply" and that they're so comfortable "you'll forget you have them on."
KISS 'Little Black Dress' Couture Faux Lash
KISS
KISS Lash Couture Singles Little Black Dress
KISS has been in the lash game for as long as I can remember and they have an array for beloved lashes to choose from, but their 'Little Black' dress pair keeps ladies with round or hooded eye shapes in mind and can be worn day or night.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:
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This Woman Went From Welfare To Creating A Lash Empire
Featured image by Cosmopolitan
Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Colman Domingo’s Career Advice Is A Reminder That Our Words Shape Our Reality
When it comes to life, we are always here for a good reminder to shift our mindsets, and Colman Domingo just gave us one we didn't know we needed.
In a resurfaced clip from an appearance at NewFest shared as a repost via Micheaux Film Festival, the Emmy award winner dropped a gem on how he has navigated his decades-spanning career in Hollywood. The gem in question? Well, Colman has never identified with "struggle" in his career. Let that sit.
Colman Domingo On Not Claiming Struggle
"I’ve never said that this career was tough. I’ve never said it was difficult. I’ve never said it was hard," Colman said. "Other people would say that—‘oh, you're in a very difficult industry. It's very hard to get work and book work.’ I’m like, I’ve never believed that."
Instead of allowing himself to be defined by other people's projections about their perceptions of what the industry is or was, Colman dared to believe differently even if his reality was playing catch up with his dreams:
"Like Maya Angelou said words are things. And if you believe that, then that's actually what it is. Actually I've just never believed it. Someone told me some years ago, they said, 'I remember you were, you're a struggling actor.' I'm like, 'I don't.'"
"I wasn't attached to a struggle. I was attached to living..."
He continued:
"Even when I was bartending and hustling and not having opportunities or anything, I never believed that I was struggling because I wasn't attached to a struggle. I was attached to living and creating and being curious."
Colman’s philosophy of attaching to living instead of struggle has blossomed into an enduring career. He first made his mark on stage in acclaimed Broadway productions before transitioning to the screen, where his star began to rise in the 2010s following his role as Victor Strand in Fear The Walking Dead. From there, his presence only grew, landing memorable supporting roles in If Beale Street Could Talk, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and the hit series Euphoria.
In more recent years, Colman has stepped fully into the spotlight with standout leading performances in Rustin and Sing Sing, both of which earned him widespread critical acclaim and Academy Award nominations for Best Actor.
With all that said, Colman's advice is no doubt powerful, especially for those who are chasing their dreams, building something from the ground up, or have question marks about what's next in their careers. Words shape our realities, and how we speak about our journeys even in passing matters.
Words Create Our Reality & Colman Is Living Proof
"I tell young people that. To remember the words that you say about yourself and your career are true. So, I choose to make it full of light and love and it's interesting and every day I'm going to learn something new even if it looks like I don't have what I want but it's important to be in the moment... you really build on the moments moment to moment.
"And you're looking back at your career as I've been in it for what 33 years and you're like, 'Wow, that's what I've been doing.' And I've stayed strong to that so I think that is truly my advice."
Let this be your sign to give your path a reframe. When the path you're on feels uncertain, the journey is still unfolding. Like Colman said: "I wasn't attached to a struggle. I was attached to living."
That's a Black king right there.
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Featured image by Soul Brother/Soul B Photos/Shutterstock