As an eyelash extension seller, I face this question from my clients and friends all the time:
“Can I wear mascara with Eyelash extensions?”
Here, I am finally answering all mascara and faux eyelash questions with my “it depends” answer to make sure you don’t end up ruining your perfectly done extensions.
The answer to wearing mascara on eyelash extensions is debated. Actually, the whole point of getting lash extensions is that you don’t have to wear mascara anymore! But people who want extra dramatic eyes or have a habit of wearing mascara may wonder if they can put mascara on their lashes.
In my opinion, you can or cannot! Read ahead to understand the basics of wearing mascara without messing with your lash extensions. I am also going to suggest mascaras that you should avoid and those that are safe to use with At-home lash extensions.
What Could Go Wrong with Mascara on Lash Extensions?
If you can avoid wearing mascara on your eyelash extensions, you should! It adds strain to your natural lashes as well as lash glue bonds. If you are thinking, “It’s just mascara, what possibly could go wrong?” Read this:
- Added Weight: Your natural lashes are lifting the weight of the extensions and the lash glue, and you are adding more weight to them by using mascara. Wearing mascara is still okay if you have classic lash extensions because this style has a gap between the lash strands. However, there is no point in applying mascara to volume and hybrid lash extensions.
- Tugging the Extensions: Mascara gets sticky on the second and third strokes. Combing your lashes with a mascara wand can tangle the lashes, causing tugging. You need to be really careful with the resistance while brushing your lashes with a mascara wand because this way, your fans can come out along with natural lashes.
- Closing the Volume Fans: We get volume lashes for extra fluff and density. Applying mascara to volume fans will make lashes stick together, ending up closing the fan. Your lashes will end up looking like classic lashes with a thick diameter. You never want that to happen, do you?
- Difficult Removal: Oil-based and waterproof mascaras are difficult to remove, even from natural lashes. The more you rub your lashes, the more friction you will cause, and finally, your extension will fall out, wasting your money.
- Impact of Mascara on Lash Glue: Oil-based mascaras are a big NO on lash extensions because they weaken the bond between your natural lash and glue. You shouldn’t also use oil-based eye creams and sunscreen on your extensions. Instead, you should be using water-based mascara and eye creams.
Mascaras to Avoid on Eyelash Extensions
Oil-Based Mascara: Contains oils that break down the adhesive, causing poor retention and premature shedding.
Waterproof Mascara: Hard to remove and requires excessive rubbing, which damages extensions.
Tube Mascara: Difficult to remove due to water-resistant polymers, leading to excessive rubbing.
Fiber Mascara: Contains fibers like nylon or rayon that can entangle and damage lash extensions.
What Are the Alternatives?
- Choose an oil-free, glycol-free, and water-based mascara.
- Go for pigmented lash sealant designed specifically for lash extensions.
- Use black-colored glue to achieve an eyeliner look with extensions.
Can You Use Mascara on Lower Lashes?
Yes! Mascara on lower eyelashes is a big yes. Eyelash extensions are only applied on upper lashes, so using mascara on your lower lashes is perfectly safe. However, it’s best to avoid oil-based or waterproof mascaras as they can require stronger removers that might compromise your extensions.
How to Remove Mascara from Lash Extensions?
If you’ve decided to apply mascara on your lash extensions, the removal process must be gentle to avoid losing lashes. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare Your Tools: Use a lash extension brush, a makeup remover cloth, and an oil-free makeup remover. These tools are available in every Lash Bath Kit.
- Saturate Lashes with Makeup Remover: Use the brush to apply the oil-free makeup remover to your lashes and saturate them.
- Gently Wipe Away Mascara: Use the soft cloth to very gently wipe away the mascara, avoiding any harsh rubbing or tugging.
- Clean with Lash Extension Shampoo: Follow up with a dedicated lash extension shampoo to thoroughly clean your lashes.
- Rinse with Cool Water: Rinse your lashes with cold water to remove any remaining product and refresh your lashes.
Final Thoughts
While I don’t recommend applying mascara to eyelash extensions, I understand that you may want to. So, you need to choose a water-based and oil-free mascara and be careful with its removal to make it less damaging to your lashes.
If you are looking to buy At-home eyelash extensions and their tools and accessories, you must explore my products. My unique black-colored lash extension glue helps you achieve a perfect lash look, minimizing the need for mascara. Start exploring now!
