@georgieeisdell
In This Article
Be Extra Careful for the First 24 Hours
Put Down the Mascara or Eyeliner
Switch to Mineral-Based Makeup
Thoroughly Remove Your Makeup Every Night
Use an Oil-Free Makeup Remover
Ditch the Cotton Pads
Apply a Conditioning Serum
Protect After You Cleanse
Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
With major lift and length—and almost no effort involved—eyelash extensions have the power to give us that elusive makeup-free, wide-awake look were all after. But there are downsides with any long-term beauty treatment, and eyelash extensions are no exception: Namely, cleaning and caring for them can be tricky at best. (And downright difficult at worst.) Especially if youre new to the game.
So, to learn how to best maintain eyelash extensions, we went directly to the pros: lash artist Clementina Richardson, Iris + West founder Amanda Robinson, and Bella Lash marketing manager Lindsay Ford. From how to shop for makeup to the best ways to remove your eyeliner, read on for their expert tips and tricks for long-lasting lash extensions.
Meet the Expert
Amanda Robinson is the founder of Iris + West.
Lindsay Ford is the marketing manager at Bella Lash.
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Be Extra Careful for the First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours after a lash extension application are the most crucial. This is when the set is most sensitive to any interaction with external factors. Be careful not to touch them, as this can interfere with the root, and youll risk depositing natural oils from the skin onto the lashes. Keeping them dry is also critical, as moisture could degrade the adhesive. (And if you do have sensitive eyes, its best to skip this treatment altogether.)
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Put Down the Mascara or Eyeliner
"The best thing about extensions is that you can completely ditch your mascara and lash curler," Robinson says. Thats kind of the whole point of eyelash extensions: to make your lashes look bigger and fuller sans makeup. "I recommend not wearing mascara or eyeliner, as its hard to remove and will cause the bond to break," explains Richardson. "If you need to wear mascara on your lower lashes, avoid waterproof mascaras."
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Switch to Mineral-Based Makeup
If you just cant part ways with your eye makeup, switch to mineral-based options. "Oil-based or glycerin makeup products cause the adhesive [on eyelash extensions] to break down prematurely and eyelashes to fall out," explains Ford. She recommends using false lash-approved eyeliners and mascaras, as those that arent "tangle and damage extensions as well as the natural lash, adding too much weight to the hair follicle."
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Thoroughly Remove Your Makeup Every Night
If you decide to wear makeup, Robinson emphasizes the importance of carefully removing it. "My main rule for anyone wearing eye makeup with their extensions is to make sure you are taking it all off at the end of the day," she notes. "Letting makeup build up around your extensions can cause them to come off early [and can lead to] inflammation on your eyelids."
Makeup preferences and products aside, the first step in effective cleansing is using formulas specifically made for lash extensions. "Other products may contain ingredients that can weaken the bond of your lash extensions and cause them to shed prematurely," she says.
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Use an Oil-Free Makeup Remover
Ensuring any eye makeup remover or cleanser used near your extensions is oil-free is extremely important, considering some of the internets most popular cleansers contain oil. "Oil-based removers will weaken the extensions and cause them to break and shed," Richardson says. Once you find the perfect oil-free remover, "use a few pumps of the remover on a spoolie brush or a disposable mascara wand and brush through several times to help break down the mascara and remove any debris."
Reach for a cleanser specifically formulated for lash extensions. "Our Lash Detox ($23) and Lash Cleanser With Makeup Remover ($8) are popular aftercare products for a reason," Ford says. "They gently sweep away debris and bacteria to keep your eyes and lashes healthy and strong. These cleansers are perfect for removing makeup because they arent oil-based like most conventional makeup removers on the market."
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Ditch the Cotton Pads
Now that we know the experts suggest using clean fingers or a spoolie brush to gently clean extensions, its important to note that they advise against using cotton pads or swabs. "Do not use cotton around or on your lash extensions, [because] they snag and rip them out," Richardson explains. "So after brushing through with the makeup remover, dab with a tissue to remove the product. Repeat this step until all the mascara is gone."
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Apply a Conditioning Serum
Even if you dont have eyelash extensions yet (or maybe youre caught between appointments), its recommended that you use a conditioning serum. "Conditioning serums are great for people who want to get their natural lashes in better shape," Richardson says. "Our Luxuriating Lash Conditioner ($75) contains a unique blend of natural and botanical ingredients to help your lashes reach their full potential, creating both density and length. I highly recommended using it a few times per week to ensure the strength and health of the natural lashes."
Not everyone reacts to botanicals well, and some people may be highly sensitive or allergic. If you tend toward sensitivity, make sure to spot test.
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Protect After You Cleanse
Follow the theme of tender love and care right through to the end of your routine by finishing up with a protective product that will nourish your lashes and help keep your extensions in place. "Just like you are with your blowouts, be gentle with your lashes," Richardson says. "Apply a protective coating like our Envious Lashes Protective Coating ($30) 48 hours after service from base to tip."
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Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
Sometimes traditional pillowcases can tug on your lashes, something you dont want happening. Use a silk or satin pillowcase instead of cotton to avoid snagging your lashes while sleeping.
How do I brush my lash extensions with a spoolie?
When its time to brush your lashes, make sure to use a clean spoolie or lash brush each time. Youll want to place the spoolie at your lash line and gently brush downward to the end of the lash. Take care to avoid brushing the base of your lashes so you dont inadvertently loosen the bond between your skin and the lash.
How often should you brush lash extensions?
To help your lashes last longer, you should be brushing them daily (ideally in the morning) or any time they get wet.
Should you brush your lashes when they are wet?
You should not brush your lashes when they are wet. Instead, wait for them to dry or gently dab them dry with a clean towel before brushing.
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