The right lash tape does three jobs. It holds the lower lashes out of the way, it lifts and stretches the lid so you can see the lash line, and it comes off without irritating the client's skin. The wrong tape slips mid-set, lets bottom lashes get glued to the top ones, or leaves sensitive clients red and sore.
Most lash artists keep two or three tapes on their trolley, because no single tape is best for every job. This guide compares the three professional tapes Posh Deluxe stocks, explains when to use each one, and shows how they work with hydrogel eye pads. For the taping technique itself, see our step-by-step guide to how to tape eyes for eyelash extensions.
The 3 Professional Lash Tapes Compared
All three are professional, skin-friendly tapes that tear easily by hand. The differences are the material, how strongly they hold, and how gentle they are on skin.
| 3M Micropore | Nitto Polyethylene Film | Skinergate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $5.95 (2 rolls) | $14.99 (2 rolls) | $14.99 (2 rolls) |
| Material | Paper tape, hypoallergenic, non-latex | Transparent, perforated polyethylene film | Flexible polyolefin film, moisture-permeable |
| Hold | Light to medium | Strong, and waterproof | Secure and flexible |
| On the skin | Gentle | Strong hold that removes without trauma | Extremely low irritation |
| Size | Not listed | 12 mm × 7 m | 12 mm × 7 m |
| Made in | Not listed | Japan | Japan |
| Best for | Everyday taping, glue dots and Superbonder domes | Stubborn bottom lashes, oily skin, lifting hooded lids | Sensitive skin and securing bottom lashes |
3M Micropore: the everyday all-rounder
Micropore is the classic lash tape. It's cheap, easy to tear and hypoallergenic, so it suits most clients. It also doubles as a work surface: stick a piece down to hold a glue dot or dome, or a drop of Superbonder. Its hold is lighter than the film tapes, so it can lift away on oily skin.
Nitto: maximum hold
Nitto polyethylene film is the strongest of the three. It's transparent, so you can see the lashes underneath, and it's perforated and waterproof, so it stays put even on oily skin or watery eyes. Despite the strong hold, it's made to come off without traumatising the skin. Reach for Nitto when bottom lashes keep escaping, or when you need a firm lift on hooded lids.
Skinergate: the sensitive-skin choice
Skinergate is made from a flexible, moisture-permeable film with a highly breathable acrylic adhesive. It's designed to be extremely low-irritant while still holding securely, which makes it the go-to for clients with sensitive or reactive skin.
Which Lash Tape for Which Job?
| Job | Best tape | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Securing bottom lashes under the eye pad | Skinergate or Nitto | Both hold firmly along the lower lash line. Choose Skinergate for sensitive skin, Nitto for stubborn lashes. |
| Lifting a hooded or droopy lid | Nitto | Strongest hold, so the lift doesn't relax halfway through the set |
| Clients with oily skin or watery eyes | Nitto | Waterproof, so it doesn't lose grip |
| Clients with sensitive or reactive skin | Skinergate | Designed to be extremely low-irritant |
| Glue dots, domes and Superbonder | 3M Micropore | Cheap, easy to tear, and a clean surface to work on |
| Quick fixes and everyday clients | 3M Micropore | Gentle and easy to reposition |
A Metallic Tape Dispenser ($19.95) keeps rolls tidy and gives clean, even cuts. It fits tapes up to 28 mm wide, but isn't suitable for foam tape.
Eye Pads: Why Hydrogel, and When to Add Tape
Eye pads cover the lower lashes and protect the under-eye skin. Basic foam or paper pads do the job, but hydrogel pads are softer, flexible, and shape themselves to the eye, so they're more comfortable over a two-hour set.
Posh Deluxe Hydrogel Eye Pads ($18.95 for 10 treatments, or 20 pads) are infused with collagen. They hydrate the under-eye area while you work, and they're lint-free and easy to reposition. They're made in South Korea, come in a resealable fresh-seal pouch, and are cruelty-free.
How to use hydrogel pads with tape
- Cleanse the under-eye area so the pad sits flat.
- Use clean tweezers to take out one pair, then reseal the pouch so the rest don't dry out.
- Place each pad over the lower lashes, keeping it clear of the eye and waterline.
- Check for lower lashes poking out above the pad. Tape them down with Skinergate.
- Add a strip of tape on the upper lid if you need extra lift.
- At the end of the set, check no lashes are stuck together before gently removing the pads and tape.
Pads are single use, so throw them away after each client.
Taping Clients with Sensitive Skin
Redness after a set isn't always an adhesive reaction. Sometimes it's the tape. Signs it's the tape: redness only where the tape sat, which fades within a few hours. Tape-related redness also tends to show up on the lower lid and outer corner rather than along the lash line.
- Switch to Skinergate for clients who mark easily.
- Use the smallest piece of tape that does the job.
- Peel slowly and low, holding the skin with your other hand, instead of pulling straight up.
- Patch test new hydrogel pads 24 hours before first use on clients with very sensitive skin, as the product label recommends.
If redness spreads, lasts more than a day, or comes with swelling or itching, it may be an allergy. Read our guide to lash extension allergy symptoms.
Common lash taping mistakes
- Taping too close to the lash line. Tape that touches the base of the lashes can get glued into the set.
- Stretching the lid too far. A strong lift changes the angle of the natural lashes, so extensions sit differently once the tape comes off.
- Using the same tape for every client. Oily skin needs Nitto, sensitive skin needs Skinergate.
- Reusing pieces of tape. Use fresh tape for each client and keep rolls in a covered dispenser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tape do lash artists use?
Most lash artists use medical tapes such as 3M Micropore, Nitto polyethylene film tape or Skinergate. Micropore is the everyday choice, Nitto gives the strongest hold, and Skinergate is gentlest on sensitive skin.
What is the best tape for bottom lashes?
Skinergate and Nitto both hold lower lashes securely under the eye pad. Choose Skinergate for sensitive skin and Nitto for stubborn lashes or oily skin.
Is Nitto tape good for eyelash extensions?
Yes. Nitto polyethylene film tape is strong, waterproof and transparent, and it comes off without damaging the skin. That makes it a favourite for securing bottom lashes and lifting hooded lids.
Are hydrogel eye pads better than foam pads?
For most clients, yes. Hydrogel pads are softer and more flexible, shape themselves to the eye, and hydrate the under-eye area during the set.
Can lash tape cause irritation?
It can, especially on sensitive skin or when removed too quickly. Use a low-irritation tape like Skinergate, use small pieces, and peel slowly while supporting the skin.
The Bottom Line
Keep at least two tapes on your trolley: Micropore for everyday work and glue dots, plus Nitto or Skinergate for bottom lashes, depending on your clients' skin. Pair them with hydrogel eye pads, and every set starts with a clean, comfortable, well-isolated lash line.
Stock up on the essentials. Shop the full Tapes & Eye Patches range at Posh Deluxe, shipped Australia-wide.
