Clear Liner vs Magnetic Liner: Which One Do You Need?
The short answer: clear liner sticks your false lashes on, magnetic liner lets them snap on. Clear liner works with every lash we make except Fastbond. Magnetic liner only works with lashes that have magnets in the band, and it gives you a defined lash line at the same time.
If you own clear band lashes, you need the clear liner. If you own magnetic lashes and you want a visible liner look, choose magnetic. If you own magnetic lashes and want nobody to see any liner at all, you can use the clear one instead.
How each one actually works
Crystal Clear Adhesive Eyeliner, $49. This is not a magnetic product. It is a film forming polymer, which means it dries into a thin flexible film that grips the lash band to your lid. It goes on white and turns clear as it dries. Because it holds by adhesion rather than magnetism, it works with any lash band, magnets or no magnets.
Hybrid Magnetic Liquid Eyeliner, $49. This one contains iron oxide, the same cosmetic pigment found in foundations, mascaras and eyeshadows, at a high enough concentration to hold a magnet. Our micro-magnets grip the liner and the lash snaps into place. It is a hybrid formula, so it also bonds slightly, which is what stops the lash sliding about. Comes in black or brown.
Hybrid Magnetic Eyeliner Pen, $49. Worth knowing: this is not simply the liquid liner in a pen. It is a different formula in a felt tip applicator, and it has a thinner consistency, so each pass lays down less product than the brush. Build it up in three coats, about 15 seconds apart, with a little extra at the inner and outer corners, until the line is about as thick as the magnets on your lash band. What you get in return is control: the fine tip makes it much easier to keep the line exactly where you want it, right along your natural lash line and into the corners.
Side by side
| Crystal Clear Adhesive | Hybrid Magnetic | |
|---|---|---|
| How it holds | Adhesive film | Magnetism plus a light bond |
| Works with | Every lash we make except Fastbond | Magnetic lashes only, not clear band |
| How it looks | Invisible once dry | A defined black or brown line |
| Repositioning | Remove and reapply while wet | Lift and move any time |
| Best for | Beginners, a bare lash line look, sensitive eyes | A liner look, quick changes, all day wear |
Which one should you buy?
Buy the clear liner if you own clear band lashes, you are new to false lashes, you want a completely bare lash line, or you would rather not have a dark line on your lid.
Buy the magnetic liner if you own magnetic lashes, you already wear liquid liner most days, or you want to be able to lift and reposition a lash without redoing anything.
Buy both if you own magnetic lashes and want the option of a no-liner day. Magnetic lashes work with either, so this is the combination that gives you the most looks from the same pair.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use clear liner with magnetic lashes?
Yes. The adhesive film holds any band, magnets or not. This is how you wear magnetic lashes with no visible liner at all.
Can I use magnetic liner with clear band lashes?
No. Clear band lashes have no magnets, so there is nothing for the liner to grip. Use the clear adhesive liner.
Is iron oxide safe to use near the eye?
Iron oxide is a common cosmetic pigment already present in foundations, mascaras, lipsticks and eyeshadows. Our magnetic liner uses a higher concentration so it holds a magnet. Both liners are Australian AICIS compliant and made with chemist approved ingredients.
Do I need more coats with the pen?
Yes. The pen has a thinner consistency than the liquid liner, so each pass leaves less iron oxide on your lid for the magnets in your magnetic lashes to grip. Build three coats about 15 seconds apart until the line is as thick as the magnets, then press the lash on while the liner is still slightly tacky rather than fully dry. The advantage of the pen is control, because the fine tip gives you a far more precise line.
Which liner works with Fastbond lashes?
Neither. Fastbond press-on clusters come pre-glued and bond to your natural lashes, so they need no liner at all.
Do I need to patch test?
Yes, and we would always recommend it. Patch test on your inner arm and wait 24 hours before using either liner near your eyes, particularly if you have any known allergies.
How do I remove either liner?
Our All-in-1 Micellar Foam Cleanser removes both without scrubbing. Take your false lashes off first, then cleanse.
Still deciding which lashes to pair it with? Take the lash finder quiz or browse the lash guide.
Still not sure which one your lashes need? The quiz asks what you own and what look you are after.
