Soft Magnetic Eyelashes vs Traditional Magnetic Eyelashes: A Beginner’s Friendly Guide

If you’re getting into false lashes, you’ve probably heard of magnetic eyelashes. They come in two main flavors: the newer soft magnetic eyelashes (with bendy, tiny magnets) and the older traditional magnetic eyelashes (often with firmer, bulkier magnets). Both give you a glue-free lash boost, but they feel and behave very differently. The question of who is good and who is bad has been discussed by eyelash lovers on the Reddit forum. Below, we break down all the key differences in a simple way – comfort, application, durability, safety, materials, look, and cost – so you can see why many beginners (and beauty experts!) are loving soft magnetic lashes, especially brands like Calailis that make them super user-friendly.

Comfort & Wearability

Soft magnetic lashes are all about comfort. They use tiny, flexible magnets on an ultra-thin band that bends with your eye shape. In practice, you hardly feel them! Brands describe these as “bendy and ultra-light” – one line even notes they’re “30% more flexible” to fit your eyes. Because the band is so thin and smooth, soft magnets won’t scratch or rub, making them ideal for all-day wear. They conform well even on hooded or monolid eyes, so they stay put without poking into the lid.

Traditional magnetic lashes, on the other hand, use a stiffer band with stronger magnets. While the magnet strength gives a secure hold, it can feel bulkier. Some wearers notice the difference: older-style magnets are slightly heavier, and if they’re misaligned, they might “pinch” a bit. In short, both types avoid glue, but soft magnets are usually kinder on the eyelid, especially if you have sensitive eyes or a unique eyelid shape.

Ease of Application & Removal

One of the biggest perks of magnetic lashes (of any kind) is no glue mess. But soft magnets often take this a step further. Soft magnetic lashes typically come with a little applicator tool. You sandwich your natural lashes between the soft upper and lower lash strips, and clip them on in just about 3 seconds. (Yes, three seconds!) No sticky glue, no waiting for anything to dry, and no stained eyelids. It’s extremely beginner-friendly: even if your hands shake, you just line things up and snap. Calailis’s guide raves that you can “get pretty lashes instantly… just clip on… no skill needed”.

Traditional magnetic lashes are also glue-free (if you use the two-strip clamp method), so they avoid the major hassle of glue. However, applying them can require more precision. Many older magnetic lashes rely on a magnetic eyeliner: you draw liner like normal, then press the lashes on so their magnets stick to the liner. This takes a steadier hand and a bit of practice. If it’s the clamp style (no liner), it’s similar to soft magnets – but because the band is less flexible, lining them up can be a tiny bit trickier. Overall, both methods are still easier than traditional glue lashes, but soft magnets usually feel the simplest to pop on or off.

Reusability & Longevity

Magnetic lashes of either type can be reused dozens or even hundreds of times. The exact number depends on care and quality. Soft magnetic lashes shine here: high-quality ones are built to last. For example, Calailis claims their soft magnetic sets can be worn 300+ times. (That’s because there’s no glue gunk to break down the band – you just clean and store them.) Even if that sounds very high, you’ll typically get 100 or more wears from a good set.

With traditional magnetic lashes, reuse is also great – often 50–100 wears if you’re gentle. Their rigid band helps hold shape, so they resist warping. In practice, magnetic lashes, in general, far outlast single-use false lashes. As one comparison notes, magnetic lashes “tend to be more durable and longer-lasting” than glue-on lashes. In short, both soft and hard magnetic lashes are extremely reusable. The soft ones boast a thinner band, which means fewer creases, while the hard ones have sturdy construction. Either way, you’re saving lots of money by reusing instead of throwing away cheap strip lashes every time.

Safety & Eye Sensitivity

Without question, the top safety benefit for both lash types is no lash glue. We’ve all heard (or experienced!) the drama of lash adhesives: they can smell strongly, contain chemicals (sometimes latex or harsh acrylates), and even cause allergic reactions. Magnetic lashes bypass all that. Soft magnetic eyelashes use only magnets, so you’re not smearing anything sticky near your eyes. For anyone with sensitive eyes or glasses/contact lens wearers, this is a relief. There’s zero risk of glue getting in your eye or irritating your skin.

Calailis and other brands emphasize that their tiny magnets are very safe, lightweight, and gentle. Even traditional magnetic lashes share this advantage (since their clamp method is also glue-free). Additionally, removal is a breeze: you simply slide the lash strips apart and off. There’s no peeling or scrubbing needed, so you avoid tugging at your real lashes. In short, soft magnets are often highlighted for being especially comfortable on sensitive skin, but both styles blow traditional glue lashes out of the water in terms of safety and gentleness.

Materials & Build

The construction of the lashes influences how they wear and look. Soft magnetic lashes usually feature a thin, flexible strip, often a very fine black band that’s almost invisible on your lid. The lash hairs themselves are typically synthetic fibers made to mimic natural lashes; some brands even use vegan “mink” fibers. Calailis, for instance, boasts “soft, featherlike fibers” arranged on a “super thin and knot-free lash band”. This means the lash bends with your lid and feels soft. No big clumps of material, just a natural lash texture.

In contrast, traditional magnetic lashes can have a thicker band. This is to house larger magnets and to give structure. The fibers might be similar to synthetics or mink, but often the lash looks a bit fuller and less wispy. The rigid band makes them hold a dramatic shape. Essentially, soft-magnet lashes prioritize flexibility and a subtle profile, whereas older styles prioritize a strong frame. Both use safe, common lash materials (no actual metal touches your skin – the magnets are tiny and embedded in the band).

Aesthetic Finish & Natural Look

If “natural” is your goal, soft magnetic lashes are usually the best bet. They’re designed to blend seamlessly with your lashes. The hairs are arranged in a staggered, wispy pattern so they look like an extra layer of your lashes. Calailis describes their look as a unique “wispy look” with “featherlike fibers” for a barely-there feel. Even Lashview’s comparison praises soft magnetic styles as “soft, wispy lash designs” that give a fluttery, natural boost.

Traditional magnetic lashes often go bolder. The rigid band supports a denser lash strip, so you get lots of volume and length. That can look stunning on a night out, but it’s more made-up. One site notes hard-magnet lashes give a “dramatic, bold volume” (great for glam looks). In other words, if you want mega-lashes, the older style shines. If you want a softer upgrade for daily wear, the new soft magnets win. Traditional lashes still have tons of style options available (mink, silk, colored, etc.), but the gap is closing – magnet lash makers are catching up with more natural styles all the time.

Pricing & Value for Money

Magnetic lash kits aren’t cheap, but remember, you’re paying for reusability. Soft magnetic lashes often carry a higher price tag because of the new technology. For example, Calailis’s Soft Magnetic Eyelashes retail around $46 (but are often on sale for $25!). Other soft-magnet brands run $30–$50 per set. This can feel pricey up front, but since you can wear one pair 100–300+ times, it breaks down to just pennies per use.

Traditional magnetic lashes are usually in a similar ballpark. You might find some kits (including liner or multiple strips) for $20–$30. They, too, last a long time – at least dozens of wears. In general, sources agree: magnets cost more initially but save money over time. For example, one comparison notes that magnetic lashes are “more expensive upfront but are cost-effective in the long run”. Meanwhile, a pack of glue-on falsies may be $5–$10, but you might only reuse them once or twice before the band gets gunked or misshapen. So even if soft magnets seem steep, they pay off by replacing many single-use lashes and expensive lash appointments.

Tip: If budget is tight, keep an eye out for sales (like Calailis’s) or starter kits. But beware: very cheap knockoffs may fall apart or have weak magnets. Quality matters here.

Why We Love Calailis Soft Magnetic Lashes

After all that comparison, the soft magnetic lashes from Calailis stand out – and we wholeheartedly recommend them (especially for beginners and anyone who values comfort). Calailis offers styles like Frisky Flutter and Silky Puff that showcase all the benefits above. Their lashes are fluffy and lightweight, giving that wispy, natural lift. They use premium soft magnets so you get a strong hold and a 30% more flexible fit.

Most of all, Calailis makes it so easy: their kit includes a nifty applicator and instructions to get salon-worthy lashes in seconds. There’s no glue fuss or learning curve. Plus, Calailis promises 300+ wears – meaning one set goes a very long way. And did we mention they’re waterproof and have hassle-free returns? All that adds up to a great value for beginners who want to start strong.

In summary, soft magnetic eyelashes (especially Calailis’s line) check all the boxes: comfortable to wear all day, a breeze to put on and take off, super safe for sensitive eyes, and they look beautifully natural. If you’ve been hesitating about magnetic lashes, give Calailis’s soft magnets a try – your eyes (and wallet) will thank you.