Lashes have been a beauty staple for women since the 1900s. And for most of us, strip lashes were our go-to to complete our look for YEARS. Luckily for all of us, there are better options available to us now and we don’t have to rely on strip lashes to give us extra glam when we’re getting ready.
Today we are going to cover cluster lashes vs strip lashes – with indepth info on why you might want strip vs cluster lashes, the right time for cluster vs strip lashes, and how cluster lashes are different from strip lashes. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
Overview of Cluster Lashes
Cluster lashes are the beauty industry’s not-so-secret weapon for DIY glam. If you’ve ever wondered what are cluster lashes, they’re small groups of lashes bound together at the base and applied in segments across your lash line. Cluster lashes bridge the gap between professional individual lashes and strips, offering a customized, salon-quality look in a fraction of the time and cost.
TAD Beauty’s cluster lashes are expertly designed for at-home lash extensions with innovation, comfort, and control in mind. Our innovative 3D lashes allow you to build your lash look exactly how you want it, lash map by lash map.
Whether you're getting ready for a special occasion or just want to elevate your every day look, cluster lashes give you the power to do it yourself.
Overview of Strip Lashes
Strip lashes are a classic lash solution and a staple in many makeup bags. These full-band lashes come pre-designed and pre-shaped, ready to apply in one piece across your lash line. They’re widely available, relatively easy to apply, and are often chosen for single-day wear.
While they’re great for quick, bold looks, strip lashes offer less customization and often lack the comfort and seamless integration of cluster lashes. They’re ideal for beginners or one-time glam looks, but not always the go-to choice for extended wear or natural-looking results.
Cluster Lashes vs Strip Lashes: Which is Right For You?
We understand now all beauty products are one size fits all. Let’s break it down and compare cluster lashes vs strip lashes in categories that you care about most. Our goal is to give you the overview of DIY lashes vs strip lashes and pros and cons of both!
Application Process
For strip vs cluster lashes application process, it’s definitely different, but both take practice and patience!
Cluster Lashes: lash cluster application requires you to apply multiple segments underneath your natural lashes, which creates a seamless, natural look. With practice, application can easily be done in under 15 minutes.
Strip Lashes: Strip lashes are applied in one go, usually with lash glue applied to the band and then pressed along your lash line. Easy to learn, but often tricky to master in terms of placement and getting them to look “good.”
Ease of Use
When it comes to using cluster vs strip lashes, both take time and practice to perfect, but once you nail down how to use either – you’re golden for application.
Cluster Lashes: Initially, there’s a slight learning curve, we actually recommend you pencil in 30 minutes the first time you use the TAD Lash System. But once you have the hang of it, applying cluster lashes becomes second nature. You’ll be a pro in no time.
Strip Lashes: Beginner-friendly for one-time use. But tricky edges and uneven wear can become frustrating, especially without practice.
Wear Time and Durability
When it comes to wear time of cluster lashes vs strip lashes, this is where you really need to recognize that these are two VERY different lash products that are not ever going to give the same results.
Cluster Lashes: When properly applied with high-quality adhesive, extended wear lashes like TAD’s lash clusters can last 5 to 7 days. They’re made for overnight wear and daily activities, yes, even workouts.
Strip Lashes: When properly applied, strip lashes are worn for one day or one event. They must be removed at night and reapplied the next day.
Customization and Styling
For customization of strip vs cluster lashes, similarly, it’s two different products with two different results.
Cluster Lashes: Although the style of your segment is set in stone, how you map the lashes is completely customizable. Mix lengths, create your own lash map, or build volume just where you want it. Ideal for those who love a personalized, pro-level lash look.
Strip Lashes: Limited. What you see is what you get. You can trim them to fit your eye, but you can’t change the style or layout.
Comfort and Feel
When you’re comparing how cluster vs strip lashes feel while wearing them, know that this can greatly depend on the brand and style. For example, different brands will use different materials that are more noticeable. And with style, a longer lash is going to feel different than a mega volume look. Truthfully, good vs bad DIY lash extensions is a real thing, and quality is going to play a big impact in comfort and feel – but in general:
Cluster Lashes: Lightweight, breathable, and designed for extended wear. TAD’s clusters are made for all-day comfort.
Strip Lashes: Some users find the full-band base uncomfortable, especially on long wear days. They may lift or poke if not placed perfectly.
Natural vs Dramatic Look
Which one – cluster lashes vs strip lashes looks more natural or more dramatic?
Cluster Lashes: Whatever you want them to be. Want an everyday soft flutter? You got it. Want bold volume for date night? No problem. Clusters give you full creative freedom.
Strip Lashes: Usually lean toward the dramatic side. Even “natural” strip lashes can look more noticeable due to their uniform shape and full band.
Cost and Value
Lastly, but super important: cost and value of strip vs cluster lashes.
Cluster Lashes: DIY Cluster Lashes cost about $11 a pair at TAD, lasting 5 to 7 days. While the initial investment in tools or DIY lash kits may be slightly higher, the value adds up. One set of clusters can give you multiple days of wear, reducing reapplication time and saving money over time.
Strip Lashes: Strip lashes cost about $10 a pair, lasting one day. More affordable upfront. However, since they’re single-use or short-term wear, the cost adds up over frequent use.
So Are Cluster Lashes Better Than Strip Lashes?
If you’re looking for more control, longer wear, and a look that blends seamlessly with your natural lashes, then yes, cluster lashes vs strip lashes is an easy win for clusters.
For those who love flexibility and want the power to personalize their beauty routine, clusters offer a new standard of quality. And with innovations like at-home lash extensions, you can get salon-worthy results without stepping foot in a salon.
But let’s be honest, strip vs cluster lashes comes down to personal preference. Strip lashes are great for last-minute glam, but clusters shine when you want long lasting, versatile, and empowered beauty. It’s similar to individual vs cluster lashes, we all are going to have our own preferences for what works with our beauty routine and lifestyle.
Get a Salon-Quality Look With the Convenience of DIY Cluster Lashes at TAD Beauty!
At TAD Beauty, we believe in beauty that empowers you. Our DIY cluster vs strip lashes aren’t just about convenience, they’re about creating comfort, confidence, and quality that lasts.
Our expertly made 3D-printed cluster lashes and tech-forward tools were designed with self-care in mind:
- Lightweight, extended wear comfort
- Cruelty-free and made in the USA
- Intuitive tools for beginners and pros
- Supportive community and tutorials
We also designed our DIY lash kits to come with everything you need to start your DIY lash journey – from application and aftercare, to removal, our kits are a great solution for newbies or anyone who reads this and is team DIY in the battle of cluster lashes vs strip lashes!!
Whether you’re comparing individual vs cluster vs strip lashes, or just exploring your options, we make it easy to elevate your lash game.
You got this far, so yes, you can DIY.
Parting Thoughts on Strip vs Cluster Lashes
In the end, both cluster lashes vs strip lashes serve a purpose for beauty lovers. But if you're looking to ditch the daily application, elevate your lash style, and embrace beauty that works with your lifestyle, not against it, then clusters are calling your name.
Cluster lashes vs strip lashes isn’t about one being right and the other wrong. It’s about what works best for you, your schedule, and your self-care.
At TAD Beauty, we don’t stop at the best, we do better. With every lash, every kit, and every guide, we’re here to help you take care of your power.