by AUDREY NOBLE UPDATED 04/24/19
Eyelash extensions are a great option for those wanting to elevate an eye look for more than just a night. They last anywhere from six to eight weeks and make it so that you don’t even really need eye makeup. “The eyes are so opened with lash extensions, the clients find themselves wearing less makeup,” says Blink Brow Bar brow- and lash-extension expert Sabah Feroz.
Upkeep isn’t too taxing either (thank the beauty gods for that), but there are some general rules to keep in mind. We asked Feroz and celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes about how to keep eyelash extensions in tip-top shape long after we get them done. Read below to see their tips.
Avoid Water For The First 24 Hours
You want the glue to really set in so that your lashes last as long as possible. Feroz tells clients to wash around the eye when cleansing their face and to use an oil-free makeup remover if they have to clean makeup off.
Avoid Oil-Based Products
According to Hughes, oil breaks downs the glue that holds up the lashes. So she encourages clients to avoid oil-cleansers, oil makeup removers, and anything that is oil-based.
Avoid Waterproof Eye Products
Waterproof anything is really tough to get off. It usually takes a strong oil cleanser and a lot of rubbing to remove it. Both Feroz and Hughes say that you don’t even need mascara or liner when your lash extensions are in, but in the event you still want to wear them, it’s better to go the non-waterproof route so that it’s easy to remove.
Try Not To Curl
“You might get a bend that won’t go away,” says Hughes. If you do end up curling your lashes with an eyelash curler, Hughes says to do a very light pulse as opposed to a big squeeze.
Groom Occasionally
“The rule of thumb is to only brush them out when needed,” says Feroz. Hughes agrees. “I would curl [lashes] with an eyelash comb,” she says.
Don’t Pick Or Pull Lashes
Feroz encourages clients to resist that urge to play with their lashes throughout the day or while cleansing. It not only can pull out the false lashes, but it can also end up damaging your natural lashes.