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How to Make Your Eyelash Extensions Last Longer

Product suggestions and tips from the best in the business.

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How to Make Your Eyelash Extensions Last Longer

For those of you who have had eyelash extensions, you know how tough it can be to properly follow all of the post-care instructions. Some eyelash specialists warn against getting facials, using oils (cleansers included!), hitting the steam room, or sleeping on your face—in other words, everything we love to do. By now we have been told so many dos and don’ts that we’re confused as hell. This confusion led us to reach out to Gloria Ting, owner of Beverly Hills Lashes, and celebrity lash artist Yris Palmer (he counts Kylie Jenner as a client), owner of Star Lashes. The two of them gave us some guidance on how to properly care for lash extensions, what products to avoid, and best practices for cleansing. Thank ’em later for keeping your lashes looking top-notch.

 


The one time oils and mascara aren’t your friends:

“You should avoid all oil-based products. Don’t let moisture-rich products get onto your lashes—heavy creams or anything oil-based will loosen the adhesive. Liquid-based eye products can also be damaging to the extensions. Try to stay away from mascara, as it leaves the extensions crusty and damaged. If you really want to use mascara, gently apply water-based mascara only to the tips of your lash extensions, and make sure it is water-washable instead of waterproof.” —YP

 

But if you really can’t live without oils:

“Be more mindful when using facial oils. I highly suggest to use a wash towel with oil cleansers; that way when you’re rinsing off, [the oil] doesn’t get into your lashes. Plus, [the wash towel] exfoliates your skin!” —GT

 

What happens if an oil-based product does end up on your lashes?

“Wash your lashes immediately, dry them with a blow-dryer on low speed, cold temperature. Dry-brush through them once so that they don’t stick together. You can also just wait until they air-dry; just make sure you brush them with a disposable mascara wand.” —YP

 

Tips for cleansing your face:

“When it comes to cleansers and moisturizers, I tell my clients to use what is best for their skin. Just be very careful around the eye area. If using eye moisturizer, use it an hour before sleeping so that lashes are not lying on it.” —GT

“Speaking from a personal and professional standpoint, the best product to use to take off makeup while you have eyelash extensions is the Neutrogena wipes. They are oil-free and gentle on the eyes and lashes. We also love to use baby shampoo as a cleanser; it is also oil-free and gentle on the eyes. After using cleansers, or when your lashes are wet from the shower, always pat them dry—avoid rubbing them with your towel.” —YP

 

Don’t forget about cleansing your lashes, too:

“We recommend our clients wash their lashes daily (gently) and every two to three days if they don’t wear makeup. For lash cleansers, we like Ocusoft Eyelid Scrub—it’s nice and gentle and foamy, which distributes evenly throughout your lashes.” —GT

 

Pro tip:

“Lash serums are great to use with extensions. When lash extensions are applied properly, they should not be damaging to your natural lashes—no harm in giving your natural lashes the extra boost of growth serum to help [them] grow stronger and thicker! Lash extensions are addictive! Every time a client comes back for their fills, they always ask for more or longer extensions. So when your natural lashes are strong and healthy, the more we can add on, since we only put on what we feel your natural lashes can handle.” —GT

 

Gloria Ting’s Top Product Suggestions:

 

Yris Palmer’s Top Product Suggestions:

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