Ranked: lashes and colored contacts
These three stores cover the eye-makeup corner of beauty: two sell colored contact lenses and one sells false lashes. We ranked them by our brand review scores, then gave each the job it does best.
| Rank | Brand | Score | Best for | Typical price | Returns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EyeCandys | 7.2 | Widest choice of everyday and astigmatism color lenses | $17 a pair; $29 for 10 dailies | Unopened only, $8 restocking fee, sale and coupon items final |
| 2 | True Beauty Lashes | 7.0 | Cruelty-free faux mink strip and magnetic lashes | $16 a pair; $24 lash-and-glue bundle | Unopened only, 14 days, $5.95 fee |
| 3 | Misaki Cosmetics | 6.6 | Budget Halloween and cosplay lenses with fast US delivery | $17.50 to $25 a pair | Unused only, 30 days, sale items final |
A safety note before you shop for lenses. In the US, every contact lens, including purely cosmetic color lenses with no correction, is a regulated medical device. Get an exam and fitting from an eye doctor, use a current prescription, and follow the replacement schedule. Lenses that fit poorly can scratch or infect the eye.
1. EyeCandys: best overall for colored contacts
EyeCandys carries 874 products, most of them Korean color and circle lenses: its own Desire series plus i-Sha, Lensvery, Gemhour and Bausch & Lomb's Lacelle line. The site says its lenses are made in Korea and approved by FDA/CE.
Why it ranks first: range and formats. You can buy single monthly pairs (the i-Sha Reborn Hue Peanut Latte is $17, with a 13.3mm graphic diameter and powers from 0.00 to -10.00), 10-lens daily packs for trying a bold color ($29), name-brand 30-packs (Lacelle Iconic Eternal Black, $45.49), and toric color lenses for astigmatism, which are hard to find. The Desire Lush Green Toric is $53.55.
Watch out for:
- Slow regular shipping: 15 to 20 working days after 2 to 4 days of processing. Express takes 4 to 7 working days. Regular is free over $75.
- Tight returns: only unopened items, within 10 working days of delivery, with an $8 restocking fee and a partial refund or store credit. Anything bought on sale or with a coupon is final, and 503 of 874 products were on sale when we checked.
- Power ranges: many lenses are minus powers only. The Desire toric listing shows powers from -1.00 to -4.50 and does not list cylinder or axis options, so confirm your full prescription can be filled.
EyeCandys also sells press-on nails ($22.10 a set) and a Costume Kit that pairs lenses with nails at 15% off.
2. True Beauty Lashes: best for false lashes
True Beauty Lashes is a focused store of 82 products, mostly $16 faux mink strip lashes the site describes as PETA-approved and cruelty-free. Its style names are inspirational, so the useful part is the shape description:
- Pure Intentions: short, light fibers for a natural, awake look.
- Hold That Thought: a half lash for the outer corners, the easiest style for beginners.
- High Definition: extra-long and layered for glam and camera.
- Spoken For: long and feathery, pitched for weddings.
- Sexy Classy (Magnetic): medium-length, full, rated for up to 25 wears, $18 to $20, applied with magnetic eyeliner or mini-magnets.
Why it ranks second: fair prices and a clear range of lengths and densities. The $24 lash-and-glue bundles (against a $32 compare-at) are the best value on the site, pairing a style with a latex-free, aloe-infused adhesive. US orders of $35 or more ship free; otherwise ground is $5.95, with delivery typically 3 to 5 business days after 1 to 3 days of processing.
Watch out for: returns only on unopened items with the seal intact within 14 days, and every return costs $5.95. No international shipping. Most listings do not state the fiber or reuse count, so compare photos.
3. Misaki Cosmetics: best for Halloween and cosplay lenses
Misaki Cosmetics sells about 100 lens products plus a few lashes. Its in-stock lineup leans hard into costume designs: White Eye Zombie, Yellow Cat Eye and anime-inspired designs such as Itachi's Mangekyou, at $17.50 on sale or $25 at list. Listings are specific: base curve (mostly 8.6mm), diameter (14.2 to 14.5mm), water content (40 to 42%) and a 30-day replacement schedule.
Why it is worth a look: free worldwide regular shipping and a US warehouse, with US delivery in 3 to 9 business days regular or 2 to 5 express ($15). That is faster than EyeCandys' regular shipping. If each eye needs a different prescription, the FAQ says the second box is 20% off.
Watch out for: most costume designs are plano (0.00) only, so they will not correct vision. Opaque designs like the white zombie lens can tint or reduce vision through the pupil area. Toric lenses are made to order and take 21 to 35 business days. The store disclaims responsibility for loss in transit and sells $2.35 package protection. Sale items are not refundable.
How to choose
For colored contacts:
- Start with your prescription and diagnosis. If you have astigmatism, you need toric lenses; both EyeCandys and Misaki sell them.
- Pick a replacement schedule. Dailies cost more per wear but need no cleaning and suit occasional use. Monthlies are cheaper if you wear them often and keep up with solution and case hygiene.
- Check diameter. Graphic diameter (the colored area) of around 13 to 13.3mm reads natural; 14.2 to 14.5mm overall lenses with bold patterns read as costume. Larger lenses can feel different for first-time wearers.
- Match color to your eye. On dark eyes, browns and blacks add definition; blues and greens look bolder. On light eyes, subtle browns may barely show.
- Order early for events. Regular shipping from these stores ranges from about a week to four weeks, and toric lenses take longest.
For false lashes:
- New to strips? Start with a half lash or a short, light style; they are easier to place.
- Glue or magnetic? Magnetic styles skip adhesive but need magnetic eyeliner time to dry.
- Patch test adhesive if your eyes are sensitive.
- Do a trial run before a wedding or long event to check comfort over many hours.
Across all three stores, opened eye products cannot be returned. Buy one pair first before stocking up.