1. Lash Types & Styles
The foundational vocabulary of the eyelash industry. Understanding these terms is essential before diving into materials, manufacturing, or sourcing discussions.
Classic Lashes Lash Types
Individual lash extensions applied in a 1:1 ratio — one extension per natural lash. Creates a natural, mascara-like effect. Classic lashes are the starting point for most lash artists and remain the most requested service in many salons. They're ideal for clients with naturally full lashes who want subtle enhancement.
Volume Lashes (2D-10D) Lash Types
Multiple ultra-fine lash extensions (2 to 10) fanned together and applied to a single natural lash. "D" stands for "dimension," indicating how many extensions are in each fan. Volume lashes create a fuller, denser look than classics. The technique requires lighter extensions (typically 0.03-0.07mm) to avoid weighing down the natural lash.
3D Volume Lash Types
Three extensions per natural lash. Entry-level volume — a gentle step up from classic lashes. 3D volume is popular for everyday wear and clients transitioning from classic sets who want slightly more density without dramatic fullness.
5D Volume Lash Types
Five extensions per natural lash. Medium density — a noticeable fullness that still looks natural. 5D is one of the most popular volume levels for client selfies and social media posts because it photographs well without looking overdone.
10D Volume / Mega Volume Lash Types
Ten or more extensions per natural lash. Maximum density, dramatic look. Mega volume requires highly skilled lash artists and the lightest extensions (0.03mm or thinner). This style is favored for special occasions, photoshoots, and clients who want an unmistakably glamorous lash line.
Strip Lashes Lash Types
Pre-made lashes on a band, applied along the lash line with adhesive. Single-use or reusable depending on quality and care. The most common consumer product format — strip lashes account for the majority of retail lash sales worldwide. They range from drugstore basics ($3-8) to luxury handcrafted designs ($25+).
Cluster Lashes / DIY Clusters Lash Types
Small groups of 2-8 lash fibers pre-bonded at the base, designed for self-application under natural lashes (not on the lash line). The fastest-growing lash category in 2025-2026, with ~40% year-over-year growth. DIY clusters offer salon-quality results at home and are driven heavily by TikTok tutorial content. They typically last 3-7 days with proper application and sealant.
Individual Lashes Lash Types
Single knots of lash fiber applied directly to natural lashes or lash line. More natural-looking than strips but more time-consuming to apply. Individual lashes are the precursor to modern lash extensions — they offer customized placement but require patience and skill for DIY application.
Magnetic Lashes Lash Types
Lashes with tiny magnets embedded in the band, sandwiching natural lashes between two magnetic strips. No glue required. Growing at 12-18% CAGR, magnetic lashes appeal to consumers who want the convenience of adhesive-free application. The category has evolved significantly since its 2018 debut, with improved magnet placement, lighter bands, and better natural-lash grip.
Premade Fans Lash Types
Factory-made volume fans (2D-10D) pre-bonded at the base, ready for lash artists to apply. Also called "easy fans" or "pro-made fans." These save lash artists significant time compared to hand-making each fan during the service. Premade fans are a major B2B product category, with quality determined by the precision of the fan, base bonding strength, and fiber consistency.
2. Materials & Fibers
The material composition of a lash determines its texture, appearance, durability, and price point. Most false lashes today are made from synthetic fibers — the terminology can be confusing, so here is exactly what each term means in practice.
PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) Materials
The most common synthetic fiber used in false eyelash production. Heat-resistant, holds curl well, matte finish. PBT is a thermoplastic polyester that can be heated and shaped into precise curl patterns, then cooled to retain that shape permanently. Food-grade and medical-grade variants are available for brands that want to emphasize safety credentials. The vast majority of lashes labeled "silk," "faux mink," or "cashmere" are PBT-based.
Faux Mink Materials
Synthetic PBT fiber processed to mimic the soft, fluffy texture of real mink fur. The industry standard for premium-looking lashes. Faux mink lashes have a fine, tapered tip that creates a natural gradient effect — thicker at the base, feathering to near-invisible at the tip. Vegan and cruelty-free, faux mink has become the default "premium" fiber choice for most B2B brands.
Silk (Synthetic) Materials
Misleading but widely used term — "silk lashes" are made from PBT fibers with extra softening treatment applied during production. Not real silk. The term refers to the soft, glossy appearance that resembles silk fabric. Lash manufacturers use chemical softening agents to create this finish. When sourcing, it's important to understand that "silk lash" is a marketing descriptor, not a material claim.
Real Mink Materials
Lashes made from actual mink fur. Soft and natural-looking but controversial due to animal welfare concerns. Real mink lashes have fallen out of favor — banned in several markets including parts of the EU under animal-derived cosmetics restrictions. Most B2B buyers now prefer faux mink. If a brand markets "mink lashes" in 2026, it is almost certainly faux mink — real mink is increasingly rare and carries reputational risk.
Human Hair Materials
Rarely used; lashes made from processed human hair. Limited curl retention — human hair lashes tend to lose their shape when exposed to humidity or moisture. The niche market exists for ultra-natural looks where the consumer wants the lash to be indistinguishable from natural lashes, but the performance trade-offs (curl retention, durability, consistency across pairs) make this a marginal category.
Faux Cashmere Materials
Ultra-fine PBT fibers (0.03-0.05mm) with a matte, velvety finish. Darker, softer, and more matte than standard faux mink. Faux cashmere lashes are positioned at the luxury end of the synthetic lash market. The ultra-fine diameter creates a softer, fluffier appearance, but requires more fibers per fan to achieve visible volume — hence the higher production cost.
Vegan Lashes Materials
Lashes made from 100% synthetic fibers with no animal-derived components anywhere in the production process — including the band material and adhesive (if included). Certification matters for credible marketing claims: look for V-Label, Vegan Society, or PETA certification. The term "vegan" on packaging without third-party certification carries less weight with increasingly savvy consumers.
rPET (Recycled PET) Materials
Recycled polyester fiber made from post-consumer plastic bottles. An emerging sustainable alternative to virgin PBT, with approximately 70% lower carbon footprint per kilogram of fiber produced. rPET lashes are currently a niche but growing segment, appealing to eco-conscious brands. The challenge: rPET fiber consistency is harder to maintain than virgin PBT, requiring more rigorous QC at the fiber level.
3. Curl Types & Codes
Curl codes are the universal shorthand for how much lift and curve a lash has. The letter system (J through M) is standardized across the industry, though subtle variations exist between manufacturers. Choosing the right curl for your target market is one of the most important product decisions a brand makes.
J Curl Curl Types
Subtle, natural-looking curl. The fiber bends slightly upward at the tip — the straightest of all curl codes. Best for clients with naturally curled lashes or those seeking an everyday "no-makeup" look. J curl lashes are less common in volume sets because the subtle angle is harder to fan. Popular in Asian markets where a very natural enhancement is preferred.
B Curl Curl Types
Slightly more lift than J curl. Gentle curve starting from the middle of the fiber. Natural enhancement without obvious curl — a step up from J but still very subtle. B curl is often used for inner-corner lashes in mixed-curl sets, where a softer opening is desired.
C Curl Curl Types
The industry standard and most popular curl. Noticeable lift starting from the base. Opens the eye visibly without looking artificial. C curl works for most eye shapes and is the default curl for the majority of retail strip lashes and lash extension sets. If you're launching a brand and don't know which curl to start with, C curl is the safest bet — it accounts for an estimated 45-55% of global lash volume.
CC Curl Curl Types
Curlier than C. Pronounced upward sweep with visible lift. Good for clients with straight or downward-pointing natural lashes who want their lashes to be noticed. CC curl creates an "awake," lifted-eye look that photographs well. Popular in Western markets where more dramatic lash styling is common.
D Curl Curl Types
Dramatic upward curl. Maximum lift from the base with a strong upward angle. Best for clients with very straight lashes or those wanting a glamorous, doll-eyed effect. D curl is the go-to for "glam" sets and is especially popular in markets like the UK, US, and Australia where bold lash styling is mainstream.
DD Curl Curl Types
Extreme curl — the maximum curl available in standard production. The fiber angles sharply upward from the base, creating a dramatic, eye-opening effect. Popular in Middle Eastern and Eastern European markets where ultra-glamorous lash styling is the norm. DD curl requires precise application because the steep angle leaves less margin for placement error.
L Curl Curl Types
A hybrid shape: flat at the base with a sharp upward angle near the tip. Designed specifically for deep-set or hooded eyes where the lash line is less visible. The flat base section lies along the natural lash, while the upward-angled tip provides visible lift above the eyelid fold. L curl is a specialized option — essential for brands serving diverse eye shapes.
M Curl Curl Types
Similar to L curl but with a gentler transition angle between the flat base and the upward tip. Good for moderately hooded eyes where L curl might be too angular. M curl provides lift without the sharp bend — a more forgiving option for lash artists working with clients who have partially hooded eyes.
4. Band / Spine Types
The band (or spine) is the structural backbone of a strip lash — it holds the fibers together and determines how the lash sits on the eye. Band choice affects comfort, durability, application ease, and the overall aesthetic.
Clear Band / Transparent Band Band Types
Polyurethane (PU) or nylon band, nearly invisible when worn. Best for "invisible lash line" and "no-makeup makeup" looks where the wearer doesn't want a visible band. Clear bands require careful adhesive application — the glue must dry clear, and any excess is more visible than on a black band. Popular in Asian beauty markets where the "clean lash line" aesthetic is highly valued.
Cotton Band / Black Band Band Types
Traditional woven cotton band, dyed black. Strong, durable, easy to apply — the classic strip lash band. Still widely used in mass-market products because it's forgiving: the black color blends with eyeliner and hides adhesive residue. Cotton bands are typically thicker than PU bands, which some wearers find less comfortable for all-day wear.
3D Band Band Types
Three-dimensional band with a slight curvature that follows the natural eye contour. Reduces corner lifting — the number one complaint with flat bands — and improves comfort for all-day wear. 3D bands are produced using curved molds rather than flat assembly, adding a small cost premium but delivering a noticeably better wearing experience.
Invisible Band / "Barely There" Band Band Types
Ultra-thin (0.2-0.3mm) transparent PU band. So thin it's essentially invisible — the wearer's natural lash line shows through. Premium positioning with higher production cost. Invisible bands are the luxury segment's answer to the "I want lashes but I don't want anyone to know" consumer demand. They require precise manufacturing tolerances.
Wire Band / Metal Band Band Types
Thin metal wire core wrapped in fiber. Allows the user to bend the lash to their exact eye shape for a custom fit. Used in some premium magnetic lash designs where the metal serves both a structural and magnetic function. Wire bands add weight compared to cotton or PU, so they're typically used in shorter-wear or special-occasion lashes.
Self-Adhesive Band Band Types
Pre-applied pressure-sensitive adhesive on the band. No glue needed — peel and press onto the lash line. Convenience positioning for the consumer market, particularly for travel, touch-ups, and first-time lash wearers. Limited reuse cycles (typically 1-3 wears before the adhesive loses tack). The adhesive formula is critical: too weak and the lash lifts; too strong and removal is uncomfortable.
5. Manufacturing & Production
When sourcing lashes from factories, you will encounter a specific vocabulary around production models, quality standards, and order logistics. Mastering these terms is essential for effective supplier communication and avoiding costly misunderstandings.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Manufacturing
The factory produces lashes to the buyer's specifications, and the buyer sells them under their own brand. The factory does not own the design — the buyer does. OEM is the model for brands that want full control: custom curl, custom fiber blend, custom band, custom packaging. Higher MOQs and lead times than ODM or private label, but maximum differentiation. The buyer typically pays for mold development ($200-800 per style).
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) Manufacturing
The factory designs and produces lashes, and the buyer brands and sells them. The factory owns the design/mold; the buyer selects from existing designs and adds their own branding. ODM is a middle ground: faster time-to-market than full OEM (the molds already exist), but less unique than a fully custom product. Many mid-sized lash brands start with ODM before investing in OEM molds.
Private Label Manufacturing
A finished product manufactured by one company (the factory) and sold under another company's brand. The buyer selects from existing products, adds their own branding and packaging. Private label is the fastest path to market — stock lash styles with your logo on the box. Lowest MOQs (often 50-100 boxes), shortest lead times (7-15 days for stock). The trade-off: your product is not unique; other brands may sell the same lash style under different packaging.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) Manufacturing
The smallest number of units a factory will produce per order. In eyelash manufacturing, typical MOQs range from 50 boxes (stock private label, where you're essentially buying off-the-shelf with custom packaging) to 500+ boxes (full custom OEM, where the factory is setting up production specifically for your design). MOQ is negotiable but directly affects per-unit price — the lower the MOQ, the higher the per-unit cost.
Lead Time Manufacturing
Total time from order confirmation to shipment. Typical eyelash lead times: stock private label 7-15 days (the product already exists; only packaging needs to be produced), custom OEM 25-45 days (production from scratch), new mold development adds 15-20 days on top of OEM lead time. Always confirm whether the quoted lead time is calendar days or working days — the difference matters.
Sampling Manufacturing
The process of producing pre-production samples for buyer evaluation before committing to a full production run. Typical sampling timeline: 3-7 days for stock styles (the factory pulls from existing production), 10-15 days for custom styles (the factory makes a small batch to your specs). Always get a physical sample shipped to you — photos and videos cannot convey texture, weight, band flexibility, or real-world wear. Sample cost is typically credited against your production order.
QC (Quality Control) Manufacturing
Systematic inspection of products against specifications. In lash manufacturing, a comprehensive QC process typically includes: fiber consistency check (uniform diameter across the lash line), curl uniformity test (all lashes in a pair match curl angle), band tension test (band doesn't stretch or snap under normal wear stress), sterilization verification (particularly for products sold as hypoallergenic), and packaging integrity check (box, tray, seal all intact). Professional buyers should request the factory's QC checklist before placing orders.
AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) Manufacturing
Statistical sampling standard (ISO 2859) defining the maximum acceptable defect rate in a production batch. Common AQL levels in lash production: AQL 2.5 for major defects (broken band, missing fibers, wrong curl), AQL 4.0 for minor defects (slight glue residue, minor fiber misalignment, packaging scuff). Specifying AQL in your purchase contract gives you an objective standard for accepting or rejecting a shipment.
Mold Manufacturing
The metal form used to set the curl shape in PBT fibers during heat treatment. A custom mold costs $200-$800 and takes 15-20 days to produce. One mold = one curl type x one length combination. For a brand launching 5 styles, each in 3 lengths and 2 curl types, that's potentially 30 molds. This is why OEM has higher startup costs — and why many brands start with ODM using the factory's existing molds, then commission custom molds for their hero SKUs as they scale.
Knurling / Crimping Manufacturing
The process of mechanically crimping the lash band to secure fibers and add a textured pattern. Machine-knurled bands have uniform, evenly spaced crimp marks — the standard for mass production. Hand-tied lashes have irregular spacing and no machine crimping; the fibers are individually knotted onto the band. Hand-tied is a premium (and more expensive) technique associated with luxury lash brands.
6. Quality Certifications & Standards
Certifications and regulatory standards are the trust infrastructure of the international lash trade. For B2B buyers, a factory's certifications signal production quality. For brand owners, compliance with destination-market regulations is non-negotiable.
ISO 22716 Certifications
International standard for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in cosmetics. Covers personnel, premises, equipment, raw materials, production, quality control, and documentation. ISO 22716 certification is essential for EU market entry — it's referenced in EC 1223/2009 as the benchmark for cosmetic GMP compliance. Factories with ISO 22716 have documented, auditable production processes.
FDA Registration Certifications
US Food and Drug Administration registration for cosmetic manufacturing facilities. Not a product approval — the FDA does not approve cosmetics before they go to market — but a facility registration that says "this factory exists and makes cosmetics." Required for US-bound cosmetic products under MoCRA (2023). Registration is done through the FDA's Cosmetics Direct portal and must be renewed biennially.
CE Marking Certifications
Conformite Europeenne mark indicating compliance with EU health, safety, and environmental standards. Required for cosmetics sold in the European Economic Area under EC 1223/2009. For lash products, CE marking typically involves a safety assessment by a qualified toxicologist, a Product Information File (PIF), and notification to the EU Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) before market placement.
EU TST (Total Sterility Test) Certifications
Microbiological testing certifying that lash products meet EU sterility standards for cosmetic products applied near the eye area. Eye-area cosmetics face stricter microbial limits than general cosmetics because of the infection risk. EU TST verifies absence of pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli) and counts total aerobic mesophilic microorganisms within permissible limits.
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Certifications
System ensuring products are consistently produced according to quality standards. Covers raw material sourcing, production processes, hygiene, and documentation. GMP is a broad concept with several certifying standards (ISO 22716 for cosmetics, NSF/ANSI for personal care). When a factory says "we follow GMP," ask which specific GMP standard and whether they have third-party certification — self-declared GMP is not the same as audited GMP.
MoCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act) Certifications
US federal law (enacted 2022, effective 2023) modernizing FDA oversight of cosmetics — the most significant update to US cosmetic regulations since 1938. Requires facility registration, product listing (each SKU must be listed with the FDA), adverse event reporting (serious adverse events must be reported within 15 days), and safety substantiation (brands must have evidence that their products are safe). Every US-bound lash brand must comply.
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals) Certifications
EU regulation (EC 1907/2006) governing chemical substances. Relevant to lash adhesives containing cyanoacrylate — importers must register and comply with substance restrictions. For lash fibers themselves, REACH compliance confirms that no restricted substances (e.g., certain phthalates, heavy metals) are present above threshold limits. A REACH compliance certificate from your factory is a standard document request for EU importers.
SDS (Safety Data Sheet) Certifications
Document providing standardized information about hazardous substances in a product. Required for lash adhesives containing chemicals (cyanoacrylate-based glues). Must be provided to customs for international shipping of glue products. An SDS follows a 16-section format specified by the GHS (Globally Harmonized System) and covers identification, hazards, composition, first aid, firefighting, handling, exposure controls, and disposal.
7. Packaging & Branding
Packaging is not just protection — it's the first physical touchpoint between your brand and the customer. In the crowded lash market, packaging quality often determines whether a product is perceived as premium or commodity.
Lash Tray Packaging
Plastic tray insert that holds individual pairs of lashes inside the box. Can be custom-colored, embossed with brand logo, or include a curved shape to maintain lash curl during shipping and storage. Standard trays are white or black vacuum-formed plastic; custom trays offer brand differentiation. The tray material quality matters — brittle trays that crack during shipping are a common QC issue.
Lash Box / Lash Case Packaging
The outer packaging for retail sale. Standard formats: single-pair box (most common, ~90x25x8mm), 3-pair compact, 5-pair collection box, 10-pair professional case. Materials range from paperboard (most common, lowest cost) to rigid magnetic closure boxes, tin cases, and acrylic cases. The box is often the most expensive packaging component — for premium brands, the box can cost more than the lashes inside.
Lash Book Packaging
A multi-page softcover or hardcover booklet containing multiple lash styles (typically 10-30 pairs), displayed like a product catalog. Popular for salon retail (clients browse the book and select styles) and brand showrooms (buyers evaluate a brand's full range in one compact format). Lash books require custom manufacturing and have higher per-unit packaging costs but deliver a premium brand experience.
Insert Card Packaging
A branded card inserted inside the lash box with care instructions, brand story, social media handles, and QR code. Increases perceived value — a well-designed insert card signals that the brand cares about the full customer experience. QR codes on insert cards are increasingly used to drive post-purchase engagement: tutorial videos, loyalty program signup, UGC submission portals.
Foil Stamping Packaging
Hot foil transfer process applying metallic (gold, silver, rose gold) branding onto lash packaging using heat and pressure. The most common premium finishing technique for luxury-positioned lash brands. Foil stamping adds approximately $0.08-0.20 per box depending on coverage area and foil color. The technique works best on matte paperboard with a smooth surface.
Custom Molded Tray Packaging
Injection-molded plastic tray in a custom shape and color matching the brand's design, rather than using a standard off-the-shelf tray. Higher MOQ (1,000-5,000 units) and tooling cost ($300-1,000 for the injection mold) compared to standard vacuum-formed trays. Custom trays create a distinctive unboxing experience but only make economic sense at scale.
Hang Tab / Euro Slot Packaging
A die-cut tab with a hole at the top of retail packaging that allows the product to hang on a peg hook display. Standard for drugstore and beauty supply retail channels where wall displays are the primary merchandising format. Adding a hang tab to box design is a small detail that determines whether your product can be sold in certain retail channels.
8. Business & Logistics
International trade has its own language. These are the terms you will encounter when shipping lash orders across borders — understanding them will save you money, prevent customs delays, and help you negotiate better terms with suppliers.
FOB (Free On Board) Business
The seller delivers goods to the port and loads them onto the vessel. The buyer assumes all costs and risks from that point — ocean freight, insurance, customs clearance, inland delivery. FOB is the most common incoterm for eyelash shipments from China because it creates a clean handoff: the factory's responsibility ends when the container is on the ship, and the buyer controls the shipping logistics from there.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) Business
The seller pays for goods, insurance, and freight to the destination port. The buyer handles customs clearance and inland delivery from the destination port to their warehouse. Higher factory invoice price than FOB (the factory builds shipping into the quote), but simpler for the buyer — one invoice, one payment, and the goods arrive at your country's port. Recommended for first-time importers who don't have established freight forwarder relationships.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Business
The seller handles everything — shipping, customs clearance, duties, taxes, and final delivery to the buyer's door. Maximum convenience, highest per-unit cost. The factory assumes all risk until the goods are physically at your address. Common for small and medium lash orders where the buyer wants a simple, predictable experience. Not all factories offer DDP; those that do typically build a 15-25% premium into the quote to cover the additional risk and logistics coordination.
Bill of Lading (B/L) Business
Legal document issued by the carrier acknowledging receipt of cargo. Required for ownership transfer — the B/L is essentially the title document for your goods. Ocean freight uses Ocean B/L; air freight uses Air Waybill (AWB). The B/L includes critical information: shipper, consignee, port of loading, port of discharge, cargo description, HS code, number of cartons, weight, and volume. Errors on the B/L can cause customs clearance delays — verify every detail before the shipment sails.
HS Code 6704.19 Business
The international Harmonized System code for "wigs, false beards, eyebrows and eyelashes, of synthetic textile materials." This is the code used on all customs declarations for synthetic eyelash shipments worldwide. Specific duty rates vary by importing country — US: 0% MFN duty (plus 25% Section 301 tariff on Chinese-origin goods), EU: 2.2%, UK: 2.0%, Australia: 5.0%. Using the wrong HS code is a common customs violation that can result in fines and shipment delays.
Incoterms Business
International Commercial Terms — standardized 3-letter trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) defining buyer and seller responsibilities in international transactions. The current version is Incoterms 2020. For lash shipments, the most commonly used terms are FOB, CIF, and DDP. Understanding incoterms is essential because they define who pays for what — and where risk transfers from seller to buyer.
Drayage Business
Short-distance trucking of cargo containers from port to warehouse or warehouse to port. A small but important cost in the international lash supply chain — drayage typically accounts for $200-500 per container for a port-to-local-warehouse move in major US ports. Delays in drayage (port congestion, chassis shortages, driver availability) are a common source of last-mile delivery frustration.
Consolidation / LCL (Less than Container Load) Business
Multiple small shipments from different shippers combined into one container. Economical for lash orders under approximately 15 cubic meters — you share container space (and cost) with other shippers rather than paying for an entire container. LCL is the default shipping mode for most中小 lash orders. The trade-off: LCL takes longer than FCL (Full Container Load) because consolidation and deconsolidation add transit days at both origin and destination ports.
About This Glossary
This glossary is compiled from industry practice, manufacturer documentation, international trade standards, and the collective experience of the Aurevia Lashes sourcing team. Definitions reflect current usage in the eyelash industry as of July 2026. The glossary is regularly reviewed and updated. If you notice a term that needs updating or have suggestions for new terms, please reach out.
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