Eyelash extensions are one of the most common ways to make our Asian eyes appear larger while framing our eyes. They are a great way to draw attention to our beautiful eyes but there’s a catch – they can be a little pricey. Thus, you would want to protect them and retain their gorgeous curls.
With that, here are some tips on how to take care of and lengthen the lifespans of your eyelash extensions.
Avoid water for the first 24 to 48 hours
When you first get your eyelash extensions done, you should let the glue set in for the first 24 to 48 hours. Thus, you should keep your lashes as dry as possible. That means, it is ideal if you don’t wash your hair during this period. If that is not possible, only use lukewarm water and avoid the eye area.
You should also avoid steamy environments like very hot showers, spas and saunas for at least 24 hours. In addition to that, try to stay out of the heat, especially on hot and humid days.
When cleansing your face, you should only wash around the eye and not wash the lashes directly within the first 48 hours. Use an oil-free makeup remover if you have to clean makeup off.
All these will allow the glue to set in so that your lashes will last as long as possible.
Avoid Getting Oil on Them
Be it avoiding touching the lashes with your hands to avoid using oil-based products, you should avoid getting oil on these lashes as much as possible. As oil breaks down the glue that holds up the lashes, you should steer clear of the oil cleanser and makeup removers.
Instead, you can use a gel-based remover like NARS Aqua Infused Makeup Removing Water to avoid dissolving the glue. Another option is to use micellar water. Besides removing makeup, you can use micellar water to keep the lashes clean and remove debris from them. The Clarins Cleansing Micellar Water aids in cleansing the skin while respecting skin microbiota.
You should refrain from touching the lashes as the natural oils will be transferred from your fingers to your lashes. That includes rubbing your eyes and picking or pulling on your lashes. Besides the natural oil loosening the lashes, the act of touching, picking, and rubbing at them will cause these lashes to drop out due to friction.
Those with an oily skin type should also try and control their sebum production as much as possible such as using blotting paper, mattifying lotions or oil-control moisturiser.
Do not Use Waterproof Eye Products
Avoid waterproof or oil-based mascara and eyeliner. This is because the removal of waterproof makeup often requires the use of an oil-based cleanser. As mentioned in the previous point, one should avoid getting oil on the eyelash extensions as much as possible.
In fact, as the extensions offer a similar effect to the typical eye-enhancing makeup, mascara and eyeliner are not needed. However, if you prefer to wear a typical eye look, you should use non-waterproof eye makeup for easy removal.
Cleanse Them Properly
After 48 hours, you should clean them properly with a foam lash cleanser or a small amount of baby shampoo. This will not only aid in removing the residue build-up on the lashes but it will help you reduce the risk of getting an eye infection.
To clean your eyelash extension, take a small amount of foam lash cleanser and apply them to both eyes, one at a time. Gently splash the water over closed eyes to rinse the cleanser out. Take note that you should not rub them like you are washing your hair as that will cause the eyelash extensions to fall out.
After cleansing them, you can use a clean spoolie or lash brush to brush them out. Place a spoolie at your lash line and gently brush downwards to the end of the lash. Avoid brushing the base of your lashes to prevent loosening the bond between your skin and the lash.
You should clean your lashes a few times a week, preferably every 3 days.
Steer Clear of Mechanical Lash Curlers
Although mechanical lash curlers are the easiest way to make your eyes look bigger, you should steer clear of them when you have your eyelash extensions.
According to celebrity makeup artist, Katie Jane Hughes, “You might get a bend that won’t go away.” Plus, you might even accidentally damage your extensions or pull them out.
Additionally, as eyelash extensions already have a beautiful curl to them, there is no need for the use of a mechanical lash curler.
How To Take Care of Your Eyelash Extensions
From avoiding water in the first 24 to 48 hours to steering clear of mechanical lash curlers, the route to maintaining the perfect lashes requires lots of dedication and care. If you are interested in other beauty treatments, check out this article where you can get a nose job without going through surgery.
