Eye Makeup & Lash Extensions: Crucial Tips

1. Steer clear of oil-based items

Lash extensions react negatively to oil, which may weaken the adhesive. Opt for oil-free cosmetics, and ensure your makeup remover and daily skincare routine contain minimal or no oil.

2. Avoid using waterproof products

Refrain from using waterproof mascara or eyeliner. These products necessitate oil-based makeup removers, which can disrupt the lash adhesive and lead to premature extension loss.

While possible, applying mascara to eyelash extensions may shorten their lifespan if not cautious. Rubbing your eyes is the worst thing you can do, as it causes extension loss. Mascara removal entails pulling and rubbing, which can lead to shedding of both natural lashes and extensions.

Mascara can be useful for filling gaps when some extensions have fallen off. So, it’s acceptable to use mascara on lash extensions, but avoid waterproof types and opt for a thin, lash-extension-friendly mascara that’s easily washable to minimize damage.

As eyelash extensions near their shedding phase, you can use mascara to fill gaps or adjust lash direction. To apply mascara without damaging extensions, first gently brush your lashes with a spoolie to separate and groom them. Remove excess mascara from the wand tip and apply only from the middle of the lashes to the tips to prevent weakening the adhesive bond.

Do not apply mascara on fluffy volume sets, as this will cause the volume lash fans to close up. If natural lashes lack density for desired volume, try using a lash growth serum instead of mascara. Serums can be used with or without lash extensions.

Lash extensions themselves provide a lovely eyeliner-like appearance, so eyeliner isn’t always necessary. However, if you’re devoted to the cat-eye look, choose an easily washable water-based ink eyeliner.

Pencil liner’s sticky texture can weaken eyelash adhesive and lead to lash loss. Gel and cream eyeliners also pose a challenge, as they leave difficult-to-remove, sticky residue on extensions and lash glue. So, avoid pencil and gel eyeliners.

For eyeliner removal, use a lint-free cotton swab dipped in makeup remover. Be cautious not to rub or touch the lash extensions excessively while cleaning.

Step 1: Remove stubborn ‘point’ makeup – lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow

Start by removing heavy color makeup (called point makeup in Korea) like lipstick, eyeliner, and eyeshadow. Typically, oil-based makeup removers are needed for these pigments, but for maintaining lash extensions, opt for an oil-free makeup remover with strong cleansing properties.

After removing ‘point makeup,’ focus on larger areas, including upper and under eyes, eyebrows, nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin. You should use a pre-soaked pad makeup remover, like HERSQUEEN Lash Makeup Remover Cleaning Pads,which is lash extension-friendly.

Step 2: Deep-cleanse between lashes.

During the eyelash extension process, adhesive is applied 1-2 mm away from your lash line to avoid skin contact. This gap can collect excess oil, makeup debris, and dirt, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.

Regularly clean your lashes and eyelids with a lash extension cleanser. Lash extension cleansers can be used daily on lashes with or without extensions, keeping them clean and healthy without compromising the bond.