Getting eyelash extensions has become a huge trend in society today, especially amongst young women.
They help to bring the image of stunning, long, natural-looking eyelashes to get rid of the need for lots of mascara and eyelash curling.
However, if you want your eyelash extensions to stay looking gorgeous for longer, you’re going to need to take care of them and clean them regularly.
In the first 24 hours it’s important you don’t get any water on them, but after this it is crucial that you keep up with a good cleaning routine. Failing to do so can weaken the glue of your extensions, leading to your lashes peeling off a lot sooner than they should. Not only this, but if you don’t clean them properly, bacteria can build up on your extensions which can cause discomfort, pain and potentially infections.
So, if you’re wondering how to properly clean your eyelash extensions to keep them looking lovely for longer, then keep reading!
The Cleaning Process
Step 1: Remove Makeup
Remove your face makeup the same way you normally would but try to make sure the products you use are oil-free (there will be more on ‘why this is important’ later on).
Then, it’s time to remove the makeup from your extensions.
- Saturate one end of a cotton bud with oil-free makeup remover
- Rub the cotton bud gently along your upper lash line to remove any makeup or other residue
- You want to be rubbing the bud over your eyelid and going right into the corners of your lash line too
- Do the same on your lower lash line
- Flip the cotton bud over and dip that end into the oil-free makeup remover
- Repeat the same process on the opposite eye
- You need to really scrub along your lash lines to make sure all you get all the residue on your extensions
Step 2: Cleanse
- Take a cleanser that is specialized for eyelash extensions, making sure it is oil-free
- Get yourself a lash cleansing brush (looks a little like a thick eyeshadow brush), or any other similar soft brush
- Pour some of the cleanser into the lid (or other form of bowl)
- Dip your brush into the cleanser
- Gently work the product into your lash line with the brush using circular motions
- Then working up from the lash line, work the product into the actual lashes
- For this you want to do a gentle ‘swiping’ motion going from the base to tip of your lashes
- You may need to pull the eye closed with the opposite hand whilst doing this
- Feel free to dip into more product in the middle of cleansing
- You should work the cleanser into each eye for about 30 seconds to one minute
- Rinse your brush underneath a tap, wiping off excess water on a towel. You want the brush to be damp without excessive amounts of water on it
- Now, using the same motion and technique that you did for applying the cleanser, do this with the wet brush to wash off the cleanser
- So, rub the brush in circular motions across the lash line and then go in swiping motions from the base to the tip
- Do this a couple of times for each eye, running your brush under the tap and removing the excess each time
- Next, take a soft flannel and use this to gently dry your lashes
- To dry, do so using a dabbing or blotting motion. make sure you dry both the upper and underside of your lashes
- An extra thing you can do is take a hairdryer and, on the cool setting, wave it over your lashes
Step 3: Brush Your Lashes
Only brush your lashes once they are completely dry. You don’t want to be brushing them when they are wet because this is how you can damage them.
- Take mascara wand or eyeshadow brush (obviously one without any make up product on), hold it horizontally and roll it through your lashes going from the base to the tip
- Do this on the upper and underside of your lashes
- This helps to keep your lashes separated nicely, and in the position you want them to be
Extra Tips
So now you know how to properly clean your eyelash extensions, there are some extra little tips you need to know to keep your lashes clean and help prevent them from detaching too soon.
- When to Clean Them
You should try and get into the routine of cleaning your eyelash extensions about 2 to 3 times per week. Alternatively, if you wear lots of makeup on a daily basis then you should try to clean your extensions every night.
- Avoid Oily Products
Whatever product you choose to use on your extensions, it’s important that you make sure they don’t contain any oils. This also applies to anything you use on your face in general, such as makeup and cleansers.
Oils can break down the glue that’s holding your extensions in place. Therefore, it’s important to avoid oily products in order to keep your eyelashes on for longer.
So, when you are removing your makeup after the busy day, make sure you use oil-free products!
- Avoid Wearing Mascara and Eyeliner
Whilst you can put mascara on top of extensions, it’s best to avoid it. You shouldn’t really have much need for it as the extensions should make your lashes beautifully long and voluminous!
Mascara and eyeliner can clump up on your extensions, and even cause the glue to break down. So, to help keep your lashes clean and lasting longer it’s best to avoid using these sorts of makeup products if you can!
If you do really want to use eye make-up, there are certain types of mascara and eyeliners that are actually made to be used with eyelash extensions.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase
You might have heard about how silk pillowcases are great for keeping your hair silky and smooth. Well, they do the same thing to your eyelashes. Synthetic fabrics that lots of other types of pillowcases are made from can be harsh on your extensions and can make the glue break down quicker. They’re also more likely to make your lashes look clumpier and more dishevelled.
So, treat yourself to a nice silk pillowcase. I promise you your extensions will thank you for it!