So let’s get to the heart of the matter – how to wash your eyelash extensions correctly, without irritating your eyes or weakening the glue!
Step 1 – Gather Your Equipment
To wash your extensions effectively, you will need an extensions-safe cleanser, a soft, round cleansing brush, and a cloth to dry the area around the eyes. The problem with most face wash products is that they’re made with strong cleansing agents that can compromise your lash glue. Plus, products designed for the face are more likely to sting if they get into your eye, while lash extension cleansers are usually designed to be tear-free.
To eliminate guessing games, we created a full Lash Bath Kit that includes all the basics you’ll need to wash your extensions. Our tear-free Lash Shampoo is gentle and effective, and it’s excellent for both Lilac St. DIY lash extensions as well as professionally-applied ones.
Step 2 – Remove Makeup
Before you can wash your extensions, it’s important to first remove all makeup around the eyes. For best results, you can use a soft makeup remover cloth like the one in our Lash Bath Kit, or opt for an oil-free makeup remover.
Be careful to wipe the skin around the eyes without wiping over your lashes, since any friction can lead to lash loss. If you wore eyeliner close to the lash line, use a cotton swab to wipe it away carefully.
Step 3 – “Shampooing” Your Lashes
Now, your extensions are ready for washing! Dispense a pump or two of your lash cleanser of choice in a cap or the palm of your hand. If necessary, add a bit of water and swirl your lash cleaning brush to foam up the cleanser.
Then, close your eyes, and gently use the brush to wipe the lashes. There doesn’t need to be too much cleanser on your brush. In fact, if you use too much you’ll have a harder time rinsing it away.
You’ll probably want to wash one eye at a time, while keeping the other eye open so you can see what you’re doing.
Wipe at your lashes in gentle, downward motions. If you’re wearing DIY lash extensions, make sure to clean both from above and from below. With professional extensions, cleaning just from above will probably suffice.
If you don’t have a cleaning brush, you can use your ring finger as long as you’re careful not to apply any pressure. The goal as you’re cleaning is to glide over the lashes without pulling.
Step 4 – Rinse
Once you’ve finished washing your lashes, it’s time to rinse away the foam. Cup a bit of water in the palm of your hand and splash it against your eye. All of the foam should disappear easily, and if it doesn’t, you’ve probably used a little too much cleanser.
Step 5 – Dry
Now that your lashes are washed and cleansed, it doesn’t mean that you’re totally done. Your next step should be to dry the area around the lashes carefully. Using your softest towel or microfiber cloth, gently pat at the area around your eyes.
Avoid rubbing; patting is kinder to the delicate skin around your eyes, and it’ll also minimize the risk that you’ll accidentally pull off some lash extensions.
As for the actual extensions, it’s better to let them air dry since any contact while they’re damp can lead to some lash loss.
This isn’t an issue if you’re rocking DIY extensions from Lilac St., though. You can pat them gently with our makeup towel to speed up the drying time.