Eyelash extensions can do wonders for your eyes. But did you know that glue-on extensions can also harm you in the short and long-term? From redness and swelling to severe infections and cancer, the dangers of eyelash glue have been extensively studied and documented around the world.

Read on to know the common dangers associated with glue-on sets, plus a safer alternative to eyelash glue.

• Irritation and redness. Lash glue ranks as one of the most toxic beauty products on the market. Many variants contain a cocktail of hazardous chemicals, including paraben, ammonia, formaldehyde, lead, and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfanate - all of which cause skin irritation, redness, and swelling.
• Inflammation. One study conducted in Japan between 2007 and 2010 investigated 107 women who visited ophthalmology clinics following lash glue application. It was found that lash glue can cause a variety of inflammatory conditions, including keratoconjunctivitis - inflammation of the cornea and the inner membrane that protects the eyelids - in 64 patients; and blepharitis – inflammation of the eyelids that causes redness and itchiness and formation of scales – in 42 patients. Four patients experienced both.
  
  Actress Kristin Chenoweth learned this the hard way, citing in various talk shows in 2012 that she had to show up to a TV show with sunglasses one time, because her eyelids became swollen from lash glue , which, she later found out, was filled with noxious formaldehyde. “It looks like I have lips on my eyelids,” she quipped.
• Allergic reaction. In the same study in Japan, it was discovered that at least three brands contained lead and benzoic acid, as well as formaldehyde levels that were above what is considered safe. Repeat exposure to these substances causes allergic reactions, ranging from redness to oozing or crusting eyelids.
• Cancer. Apart from allergies, these chemicals are also responsible for one of the most alarming dangers of eyelash glue: cancer. Mounting studies prove that exposure can cause brain, lung, and kidney cancer. Lead poisoning can also cause miscarriage in women and can be fatal to small children.
• Eye infection. The American Academy of Ophthalmology cautions that lash glue components also lead to infection of the eyelids and the cornea. In fact, a 2012 study of 120 women found that 97.5 percent or 117 female subjects experienced dryness, itchiness, tearing, and purulent discharge – a common sign of infection – following lash glue application. Infections can sometimes also result from dirt and bacteria getting trapped in glue.
• Loss of lashes. While a lot of people accidentally pull out their natural lashes while applying false lashes , lash glue itself can cause hair loss. As well, the tension that glue and false lashes put on natural lashes can cause them to fall out - a condition called traction alopecia. Although in many cases lashes grow back in six to eight weeks, Britain’s College of Optometrists notes that there are instances when this excessive tension damages the hair shaft and follicle that lash production does not only slow down but stops completely.

To avoid the dangers of eyelash glue, doctors recommend either just getting your lashes done by a professional salon that uses reputable lash glue - an oft-costly service - or do away with extensions completely.

The good news is you won’t have to do either of those because there is now a safer and more budget-friendly alternative to eyelash glue that you can do on your own at home: Glamnetic Magnetic lashes/liner kits.

These game-changing kits come with magnetic liquid eyeliner that you simply swipe on your lids, and a pair of lashes that contain five lightweight magnets each. The magnets on the lashes stick to the eyeliner easily. Because the liner is placed on your eyelashes, there is no tension whatsoever on your natural lashes. Completely weatherproof, they are tested in a cruelty-free lab to ensure they stay on the entire day without paraben and other harmful chemicals found in lash glue.

To get started, we recommend these Glamnetic starter kits

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