Eyelash extensions enhance natural lashes by adding length, volume, and curl. But not all extensions are the same—different materials offer different benefits, from durability and curl retention to comfort and ethics.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common eyelash extension materials, including their pros, cons, and what lash artists should keep in mind when selecting the right option for their clients.

Main Eyelash Extension Materials

Eyelash extensions are made from two main categories of materials:

1. Natural animal fibers (like real mink)
2. Synthetic fibers (like PBT and cashmere-finish synthetics)

Choosing the right type depends on your client’s desired look, budget, lifestyle, and sensitivity.

Mink Lashes

Real mink lashes are made from the brushed fur of the Siberian or Chinese mink, often sourced from the tails. These lashes are praised for their softness, lightness, and natural appearance. Because they’re naturally fine and hollow, they can be applied in multiple layers without overburdening the natural lash.

However, they do not hold a curl well on their own and often require heat curling during application—and continued maintenance at home. Additionally, these lashes come with ethical and allergy concerns, as they are sourced from animals.

✅ Pros

• Incredibly soft and lightweight
• Natural, fluffy finish
• Can be applied in volume without weighing down natural lashes

❌ Cons

• Loses curl when wet; require regular curling
• Expensive (often $300–$500+ per full set)
• Animal-derived: may cause allergic reactions and raise ethical concerns
• Many reputable lash brands and artists have phased them out due to cruelty-free practices

⚠️ Note: Many brands market synthetic lashes as “faux mink” to mimic the appearance of real mink without the ethical concerns.

Synthetic Lashes

Most lash extensions on the market today are synthetic, but that doesn’t mean they’re low quality. In fact, synthetic lashes offer more consistency, better hygiene, and excellent curl retention when high-quality materials are used.

Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)

PBT is a thermoplastic polyester used in everything from automotive parts to toothbrush bristles. For lashes, it’s melted, shaped, and cooled to create flexible, resilient fibers. Terms like “silk,” “faux mink,” and “matte” typically refer to texture and finish, not actual materials—they are almost always made from PBT.

At EvLo Lash Co, our .07 and .15 lashes are crafted from matte Korean PBT, known for its excellent performance and curl retention.

✅ Pros

• Water and heat resistant
• Holds curl extremely well
• Comes in a variety of curls, diameters, and finishes
• Consistent in shape and weight for precise applications

❌ Cons

• Lower-grade PBT can contain fillers like air or gas to cut costs, making lashes stiff, plasticky, or less durable
• Not as soft as animal hair lashes (though some premium PBT mimics the feel closely)

Cashmere Lashes (Synthetic)

"Cashmere" in lash extensions does not refer to animal fiber. Instead, it’s a branded marketing term used for ultra-fine, lightweight synthetic PBT fibers—often shaped with a flatter base for better adhesion and softness.

These lashes are darker, softer, and thinner than traditional PBT, offering a luxurious feel and better retention. They are not made from German-imported cashmere or wool, despite what some manufacturers may claim.

💡 At EvLo, all of our lashes except .07 and .15 are made from high-end "Cashmere-style" synthetic fibers.

✅ Pros

• Superior softness and dark, rich color
• Enhanced retention with a wider bonding area
• Excellent for volume fans and delicate looks

❌ Cons

• “Cashmere” is a style, not a material—quality varies between suppliers
• May be pricier than standard PBT options

Which Lash Type Is Best?

It all depends on what you value:

As long as you're working with high-quality fibers from a trusted brand and applying them correctly, synthetic lashes can outperform natural ones in durability, hygiene, and style.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're going for a natural wispy look or a bold volume set, understanding the material behind the lashes is key to delivering the best results. At EvLo Lash Co, we prioritize performance, quality, and ethical sourcing—which is why our synthetic lash options are carefully selected to give artists the best experience possible.

Ready to upgrade your lash game? Check out our eyelash extension trays for every lash style and skill level.