Magnetic lashes are a great alternative to glue-on lashes, but can you swim in magnetic lashes? Not necessarily. While some brands of magnetic eyeliner are waterproof, you can still lose a set of lashes in the pool or at the beach.
If you plan to swim, your best bet is to keep it simple and wear a basic coat of waterproof mascara. You could also be a rebel and dare to go bare!
In my experience, it’s better to apply magnetic lashes to a clean, dry face after your swim than trying to swim in them.
My experience with magnetic lashes
For me, magnetic lashes have been a huge timesaver. Gluing on lashes takes time and some days I lack the patience and skills to get the job done.
As long as you’ve got a steady hand when you apply your eyeliner, anyone can excel at magnetic lash application.
Like most glue-on strip lashes, magnetic lashes aren’t recommended for water wear. I have worn mine to a few weddings (and through a few tears) with no loosening of the magnetic liner.
But the one time I wore them in the shower, I lost one down the drain. This was as close as I got to attempting swimming, so I wouldn’t recommend fully submerging them.
In this article I’ll cover a variety of topics on magnetic lashes and care, starting with:
- What are magnetic lashes?
- What’s the difference between magnetic and glue on lashes?
- Different types of magnetic lashes
- Can you wear magnetic lashes swimming?
- How long do magnetic lashes last?
- Makeup and magnetic lashes
- Reusing magnetic lashes
- Magnetic lash safety
- Magnetic last maintenance
From double magnet lashes to magnetic liner lashes, let’s talk falsies—here’s what you need to know.
What are magnetic lashes?
Magnetic lashes are a safe alternative to glue-on lashes or lash extensions.
The line of the lashes is infused with magnetic particles. Rather than sticking to an adhesive, the lashes stick to another magnetized surface. The lashes I prefer using come with a magnetic eyeliner. If you’re doing liner anyway, this lets you skip a step—win-win!
Magnetic lashes vs regular false lashes
So what’s the difference between regular falsies and magnetic lashes?
- Standard false lashes: these come with an application glue or require you to buy one separately. The glue is applied to the line of the lashes, and the lashes stick to your natural lash line.
- Magnetic lashes use magnets, either applied to your lid via a magnetic liner or by sticking two magnetic lashes together above and below the lash line.
Types of magnetic lashes
There are two main types of magnetic lashes:
Lashes with liner
To apply lashes with magnetic liner, you need to apply the liner to your eyelid. Once the liner dries, the magnetic lashes rest against the liner and stay on through magnetization.
Double magnetized lashes
Double magnetized lashes have two double sets of lashes.
Instead of applying a magnetic solution to your eyelid, you sandwich your natural lashes between two sets of lashes that have a magnetized line. The two false lash lines “snap” together over your natural lashes to stay intact.
Can you wear magnetic eyelashes while swimming?
While you could attempt a dip in the pool with magnetic lashes, you might lose them.
YouTuber, A Little Wildflower tried swimming in hers and found that a quick dunk left the lashes in place, but not a real swim. She also found jumping into the pool with lashes on to be a chaotic experience.
Sadly for mermaids, magnetic lashes have the best results on dry land.
The biggest issue with swimming in magnetic lashes is the force of the water. As you move through the water, the lashes shift and loosen. The magnetic liner may also be degraded by salt water or chlorine, causing the bond to break down.
How long do magnetic lashes last?
There are several brands of magnetic lashes which last all day.
The brands Aroamas and Luxillia do particularly well in this department.
Roller coasters and magnetic lashes
YouTuber, Twilightchic143 was able to keep hers on through a roller coaster ride. If well cared for, you can expect most magnetic lashes to last you about a month before needing to be replaced.
Can I wear makeup with magnetic lashes?
Absolutely! You can wear makeup with your magnetic lashes.
Just be sure to apply the lashes first. If you apply eyeshadow before applying lashes, the powder could prevent the lashes from magnetizing.
Also, the magnetic liner may not stick to your lids if you’ve applied primer and eyeshadow first.
Many magnetic lash users apply mascara over fake lashes. Using waterproof mascara will prevent your mascara from running in the rain but won’t help keep lashes on in the pool.
There’s no specific brand of makeup that works better with magnetic lashes. Yet. 😉
How many times can I reuse magnetic lashes?
The number of times you can reuse your magnetic lashes varies by brand.
While brands like Glamnetic can be worn about 30-times, Kiss magnetic lashes are good for 50-uses. Check with your favorite magnetic lash brand.
You can expect your lashes to last somewhere in between these 30-50 times. The better you care for them, the longer they’ll last.
Are magnetic lashes safe?
Magnetic lashes are considered safer than most other false lash applications.
No glue is applied to your eyelid or lashes, which minimizes the risk of infection or allergic reaction.
Of course, anytime you stick anything to your face there are some risks of side effects. With magnetic lashes, you may experience irritation or a reaction to the magnetic liner.
If you have sensitive skin, try doing a patch test with the magnetic liner on the inside of your wrist to see if your skin reacts before you use it on your eyes.
Magnetic lashes maintenance
When caring for lashes, be sure to clean them. This is an especially important step for lashes used with a magnetic liner.
MoxieLash suggests cleaning the lashes with an oil-free makeup remover. Oils in your skin can break down the magnetic lash line over time. Once lashes are clean, store them in a dry container until your next use.
Key takeaways on magnetic lashes
Magnetic lashes are a safe and affordable option for those who want the glam without the glue.
A good set of magnetic lashes can last all day and be reused up to 50-times if cared for. While your magnetic lashes can get wet, I don’t recommend swimming in them. The force of the water, and chemicals in the water, may move or lose, your lashes.
Regular maintenance extends the life of your lashes. Check your manufacturer’s guidance on magnetic lash maintenance for your brand.
In most cases, an oil-free makeup remover works well to remove natural skin oils from your lashes.
Want more great lash info?
Love our answer to, “Can you swim in magnetic lashes,” and want to learn more lash and skincare tips? Beauty Stack has plenty of informative guides on everything from Swimming in Lash Extensions to the 10 Best Lash Lift Kits. Check out more of our articles to keep yourself in the know on top trends and self-care routines.
Laura is a beauty expert with 5 years prior experience working in cosmetics and lash salons. When not writing you can find her experimenting with the trending makeup looks, or reading a good book snuggled up with her French Bulldog Max. Laura is currently a contributing writer and Beauty Editor at BeatyStack.