makeup

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
If you are a makeup enthusiast, you know that brows can make or break your entire look. TikTok has uncovered yet another hidden gem: Glossier’s Boy Brow Arch. This 2-in-1 eyebrow pencil features a pencil tip on one side and a tiny brow brush on the other side. This brow pencil allows you to create precise angles, shape your natural arches, and fill in sparse areas for a fuller, more defined look. TikTok users are raving about its natural finish and long-lasting wear, making it the ultimate brow tool for anyone aiming to level up their brow game.

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While finding a brow pencil that meets your needs can be a challenge, Glossier’s Boy Brow Arch simplifies the search by delivering precise definition and effortless shaping in one easy-to-use product. One TikTok user shared their experience with this brow pencil, describing the results as “perfectly defined, fluffy, and sculpted brows.”

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Glossier’s Boy Brow Arch is available in nine different shades: Black, Cool Dark Brown, Warm Dark Brown, Cool Brown, Warm Brown, Auburn, Cool Blond, Warm Blond, and Grey. One reddit customer said, “I’m a natural redhead and Boy Brow in Auburn was a game changer for me because so many other brow products on the market are too dark for me.”

Glossier

Glossier Boy Brow Arch 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pencil

According to the brand, this beauty must-have is designed to be water-resistant, smudge-resistant, and sweat-resistant, offering long-lasting wear for up to 12 hours. With its vegan and cruelty-free formula, this brow pencil is gentle on the skin and great for all skin types.

Its clean ingredients ensure that you can achieve stunning brows without compromising your skincare needs. According to the brand, this eyebrow pencil contains Coconut Moisturizer for a soft, smooth look and Botanical Clay Complex for all-day comfort.

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best beauty products, best makeup bags, and alternative celebrity-approved must-have makeup products.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Turning out a makeup look that makes your eyes really pop usually consists of a bold eyeshadow topped with your trusty mascara. Without a set of false eyelashes, the mascara has to rely on your natural lashes to deliver length and curl. For the most natural look, though, lash clusters have begun to rise as a tool for creating fuller eyelashes — and don’t require an appointment like lash extensions.

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What exactly are cluster lashes? Editorial makeup artist Gabriel Barse describes them to Billboard as “little bundles of magic for your eyes,” but more simply, the makeup tool is a small bundle of fake eyelashes that you can place anywhere along your lash line for extra volume and length. Once they’re on, you can just top the look off with some liquid eyeliner and you’re good to go.

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“They’re super versatile,” Barse adds. “So whether you’re going for a subtle enhancement or a full-on glam look, lash clusters have got you covered.”

What Are the Best Lash Clusters?

Here, we’ve rounded up a few expert-recommended picks from Barse as well as other New York City and Los Angeles-based editorial and celebrity makeup artists that you can buy online now.

Target

Ardell False Eyelashes – 421 Naked Clusters (50 Count)

Ardell’s 421 Naked Clusters is a favorite of Iris Moreau of Honey Artists, who has previously done the makeup of celebrities including Paris Hilton, Miranda Cosgrove and Olivia Wilde. The pack comes with 50 lash clusters in four different sizes: 8 millimeters, 10 mm, 12 mm and 14 mm.

Target

KISS Products imPRESS Press-On False Eyelashes (Classy Natural)

$9.79

$7.97

$8.99

11% off

For Barse, he prefers KISS lash clusters for how simple they are to use. “They blend so beautifully with natural lashes and are super easy to work with,” he says.The Classy Natural version can quickly be applied and require no glue. With adhesive already on, you can skip a step and just apply the lash clusters and enjoy up to 24 hours of wear.

Amazon

Lashify Bold 12mm Gossamer DIY Eyelash Extensions

Lashify has been a crowdpleaser among the Hollywood crowd and Honey Rae makeup artist Clara Rae, who loves using the brand to complete makeup looks. Lashify’s Bold 12 mm design is a bestseller on the brand’s site and has landed the label of an Amazon Choice. Each lash comes with a thicker fiber to give off the look of just having put on a volumizing mascara. It’s also made with 100% Korean PBT silk that’s cruelty-free and vegan.

Amazon

Velour-Xtension Classic Lash Extension Clusters

$29.93

$30

$30

Velour is another favorite of Moreau’s, including this set, which comes with 18 clusters to build your desired looks. The set doesn’t include lash glue, but once applied, can last as many as five days or more, according to the brand.

Revolve

Sweed No Lash-Lash

Sweed has become a favorite of Barse for how it offers variety in one kit. “I absolutely adore lash clusters that offer a mix of lengths, like the ones from Sweed,” he says. No Lash-Lash is one of the brand’s signature designs and has become a bestseller on Revolve. You’ll receive four different lengths to choose from, and each cluster is made from vegan and cruelty-free materials for a more comfortable fit.

Target

Ardell Eyelash Individual Lash Trios (32-Count)

$5.49

$4.99

$4.99

Just like Moreau, Rae also loves to use Ardell, as its both budget friendly and uses high-quality materials. This Lash Trios set comes with 32 clusters in two lengths — short and medium — with each one holding 10 strands to help you gradually build out your perfect eye look.

Amazon

KISS imPRESS Falsies False Eyelashes Kit

$24.49

$12.74

$16.99

25% off

$16.99

KISS’ lash cluster kit comes with everything you may need to apply the falsies smoothly and quickly — and no glue is required. You receive 20 clusters of lashes in addition to an applicator. “Plus, they’re lightweight, so you can wear them all day without any discomfort,” Barse says about the brand. “They’re my go-tos for any occasion!”

Are Lash Clusters Better Than Fake Eyelashes & Extensions?

Choosing between the three styles comes down to what kind of look you want and how much work you want to put in. Lash clusters, in Barse’s opinion, are the “perfect middle ground between strip lashes and lash extensions.” Unlike a full strip of falsies, clusters can give you control over how full or natural you want your lashes to appear.

“Plus, they’re less of a commitment than extensions, which is a bonus if you like switching up your look,” he adds. “So if you love having options and flexibility, lash clusters might just be your new best friend.”

If you have smaller eyes, Rae recommends incorporating lash clusters over full strip to help shape and add length to your eyes.

For a more permanent look, you can have eyelash extensions applied professionally at a salon, which may cost more money but has longer-lasting results.

How Many Lash Clusters Per Eye Should a Beginner Try?

Before you dive into your new box of lash clusters, you’ll want to get a feel for how to use the small bundles before just randomly applying them to your eyes. Once you determine the look you’re going for, Moreau suggests trying out at least four on each eye, as “you don’t want to overwhelm your eyes.”

And in terms of where to place them, Rae and Barse’s strategy involves starting from the outer corner of the eye and working your way to the inner corner. Just make sure you’re spacing them symmetrically, and as you get more comfortable, you can start incorporating more lash clusters to your eyes.

What’s the Best Way to Apply Lash Clusters?

To get the most natural-looking finish, you’ll need to have a couple of tools handy: a lash applicator (or Moreau says you can use tweezers if you’re in a pinch) as well as a good lash bond and seal; both makeup artists prefer Lashify’s eyelash glue. Make sure you start with clean, makeup-free lashes, and then there are a couple of techniques you can use.

Rae and Moreau both like to sweep a lash applicator over your natural lashes “as if you were applying mascara” Rae describes, then use your applicator to pick up a lash cluster, pull up your eyelid and attach the cluster under your natural lashes.

“Just above the water line,” instructs Rae.

Barse uses a similar method, but rather than apply the glue and bonding formula to all of your natural eyelashes, he likes to dab a tiny amount onto the base of the lash cluster.

“Let it get tacky for a few seconds (this helps them stick better),” Barse says. “Then, using tweezers, place the cluster as close to your natural lash line as possible. I like to start from the outer corner and work my way in.”

How Do You Make Lash Clusters Last Longer?

Lash clusters aren’t meant to last forever, but you can extend the life of them by doing a couple of things. When you’re applying the clusters to your eyes, Moreau says you can double bond the falsies onto your natural eyelashes.

To do so, you’ll sweep the lash bond onto your natural eyelashes, and then apply a small amount to the cluster as well before attaching them to your eyelids.

If the lash clusters have already been applied, the first 24 hours are the most important, as that’s when the glue needs to set properly. Barse explains that you’ll want to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, in addition to keeping them dry.

“When you need to remove makeup, use an oil-free remover and be gentle around your lashes — this will help them stay put for as long as possible,” he adds.

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best setting spray, snail mucin repair cream and travel-friendly beauty products.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Makeup trends come and go, but there are some beauty tools that will always be an essential — and that includes liquid eyeliners. The cat eye dates all the way back to ancient Egypt and can be seen on Cleopatra who outlined her eyes with the tiny flick. Since then, the makeup look has become a staple that is still seen across red carpets and makeup tutorials — meaning the trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

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Just like Taylor Swift says, a liquid eyeliner is a must if you plan on crafting a “cat eye sharp enough to kill a man.” Not only that, but the beauty product helps provide the finishing touches to all makeup looks whether you’re looking to do a bold blue eyeshadow look or something casual with all-day hold for the office.

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Besides helping to shape your eyes just how you want them, liquid eyeliner has quickly become a multipurpose tool. In addition to highlighting your eyes, you can also use the makeup tool as a freckle pen to give yourself a more sun kissed appearance.

Before you start practicing your next night out look, you’ll need to make sure you have the best liquid eyeliner that’s not only waterproof, but won’t easily smudge (which is especially important for beginners) and has all-day staying power. ShopBillboard also chatted with celebrity makeup artist Michael Anthony who has put together looks for Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Katy Perry and even Tyla to for tips on how to use the product.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Are the Best Liquid Eyeliners?

Rather than do the research yourself, we scoured the reviews to find the most top-rated and bestselling liquid eyeliners you can shop below.

Target

editor’s pick

Wet n Wild Megalast Breakup-Proof Liquid Eyeliner

Consider this Wet n Wild liquid eyeliner the ultimate tool to have in your makeup arsenal. Not only is it under $10, but reviewers can’t stop raving over how “pigmented” the formula in addition to how easy it is to apply thanks to the thin brush. It’s also waterproof and can last up to 16 hours after application.

Target

smudge-proof pick

Too Faced Better Than Sex Easy Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

$26

$19

$22.99

17% off

$26

Anthony’s favorite liquid eyeliner is Too Face’s Better Than Sex as it features a handy brush tip that he says gives him a sharp line every time. He’s used the liquid eyeliner for live shows “and into the after party” without any smudging occurring. He also notes that using a good sealing agent or setting spray will help further prevent smudging, “but a really good waterproof liner is usually a stand alone type of product that you can rely on.”

Amazon

waterproof pick

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

$22.80

$24

5% off

$24

$24

Stila’s liquid eyeliner is another fave for its long wear formula and precision tip. Application is practically seamless as it glides onto your eyelid with no smudging. Reviewers are also a fan of the product with more than 1,000 Amazon shoppers purchasing it in the past month. And as for how waterproof it is, one Amazon reviewer claimed it “stays put even through crying eyes or humid weather.”

Sephora

beginner pick

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner

Selena Gomez has captured beauty lovers with her makeup brand and this liquid eyeliner has become an instant favorite. First time liquid eyeliner users will wan to pick up this formula as reviewers note the rounded handle gives you “more control” when you’re crafting your cat eye. Others also rave over the pigmentation saying it “lasts all night.” It’s also made with a vegan formula and bristles.

Amazon

everyday pick

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner

$8.29

$4.49

$9.29

52% off

$7.48

The last thing you want is for your eyeliner to disappear after a couple of hours, which is where Revlon’s ColorStay Liquid Liner comes in. The formula can last up to 16 hours and comes with a thin felt tip that can go from thin precise lines to bold and thick looks with just a change in hand pressure. Amazon shoppers are labeling it a “holy grail” of an eyeliner saying it’s easy to apply and really does “last all day long.”

How to Use Liquid Eyeliner, According to a Celebrity Makeup Artist

Anthony has found that the best way to apply liquid eyeliner is to sketch the shape you’re going for with a brow pencil first. This will provide you with a map that you can easily follow when you go in with the liquid eyeliner. Though if you want to really lengthen the makeup look, then he has a different technique to achieve professional-grade quality.

“If you’re looking to try a longer cat eye liner, try starting with the very end of the eye and stamp the liner against the tail end of the eye on its side instead of trying to draw a line,” he explains. “This will deposit the product and then you can drag it out with a brush or the tip of the pen.”

And, if you’re just starting out, don’t expect perfection right away.

“Something to remember is you’re going to want ‘play time’ meaning a bit of time before the liner sets so that you can adjust the shape and length,” he says.

You’ll also want to look out for liquid eyeliners with an easy applicator like a felt tip of brush end as that will help with precision.

“I think the flow of product is also important,” he notes. “If you’ve ever used a liner pen that gushes ink you’re probable familiar with how tricky that can be, so look for a liner that has controlled product delivery. I avoid liner pens that you need to click to get product out as they tend to get leaky and messy.”

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best setting spray, at-home manicure sets and online makeup courses.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. False eyelashes with a coat of mascara are just one of the various methods that can instantly deliver longer and thicker-looking […]