Why no mascara
This is the one makeup rule I do not bend. My aftercare list says it plainly: no mascara, especially waterproof [1]. There are three reasons.
First, you do not need it. A set already does what mascara does. Even a Classic, the most natural set I do, looks like your own lashes, longer and darker [3].
Second, mascara does not sit well on extensions. It contains waxes that cling to the fibers and clump them together [4], and on a set made of fine fibers it gets between them and cannot be washed out properly [5]. Clumped extensions look heavy and pull on each other.
Third, it has to come off. The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises removing all eye makeup at night, especially mascara that can stick to the lashes [6]. With a set on, that nightly scrub is the problem. Rubbing, tugging or pulling can fracture your natural lashes [7], and it loosens extensions long before they are ready to shed. Waterproof mascara is made to stay on, which is exactly what you do not want when it has to come off a set.
What about bottom lashes?
Your bottom lashes are not extended, and people ask about them a lot. My rule is no mascara, and the simplest way to keep it is none at all. If you really want some on your bottom lashes, keep the wand well away from the top set and pick a formula that comes off without oil. Take it off gently every night [6].
Eyeliner with lash extensions
Eyeliner is fine with a set on, with two conditions. It has to be oil-free, because oil-based products near your eyes break down the adhesive [1]. And it goes on outside the lash line. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says to always apply makeup outside the lash line, away from the eye, to avoid blocking the oil glands of the upper or lower eyelid [2].
- Liquid and winged liner: fine on the lid above the extensions, as long as it is oil-free and you let it dry before you open your eyes wide.
- Pencil and gel liner: some are waxy or oily. Check the label, and keep them off the bases of the extensions.
- Waterline liner: I would skip it. It sits inside the lash line, right where the AAO says not to put makeup [2].
- Waterproof liner: skip it for the same reason as waterproof mascara. Leftover waterproof liner leaves an oily film that glue will not hold through [8].
Eyeshadow, primer and everything else
Powder eyeshadow is the easiest thing to wear with extensions. Creams, primers and anything that feels slippery are worth a look at the label, because rich creams and cleansing balms near the lash line break the bond down faster [4].
A few habits the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends for anyone, set or not [2]:
- Be careful with glitter. Flakes can fall into the eye, get into the tear film and irritate your eyes.
- Throw away eye makeup after three months and get new products.
- Never share eye makeup, even with family or close friends.
- Before applying makeup, be sure your face and eyelids are very clean.
Your makeup bag at a glance
| Product | With a set on | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mascara | Skip it | Clumps the extensions, and removing it every night means rubbing |
| Waterproof mascara or liner | Skip it | Made to stay on, and leftovers leave an oily film |
| Liquid or winged liner | Fine if oil-free | Goes on the lid, outside the lash line |
| Pencil or gel liner | Check the label | Some are waxy or oily; keep them off the bases |
| Powder eyeshadow | Fine | Nothing oily near the lashes |
| Cream shadow and primer | Check the label | Rich creams near the lash line break the bond down faster |
| Makeup remover | Oil-free only | Oil breaks down the adhesive |
| Cleansing oils and balms | Skip them near the eyes | Oil breaks down the adhesive |
Taking makeup off with a set on
From the day after your appointment, clean your lashes every day with a gentle, oil-free lash cleanser [1]. That same cleanser takes your eye makeup off, so it is one step, not two. My step-by-step washing guide shows the whole routine: foam on a soft brush, gentle downward strokes, a good rinse, then pat dry [9].
- Use an oil-free remover or cleanser. Skip cleansing oils, balms and oily micellar water around your eyes [9].
- Do not use cotton pads, cotton balls or makeup wipes on the set. The tiny cotton fibers snag on the extension bases and pull at your natural lashes [9].
- Rinse the remover off your eyelids completely to avoid irritating your eyes or lids [6].
- Brush the lashes with a clean spoolie once they are dry [1].
The first 24 hours
No water or steam on your lashes for the first 24 hours: no showers directly on the lashes, no sauna, no heavy sweating [1]. The easy way to keep that rule is to leave eye makeup off for the first day, so there is nothing you need to wash off.
Before your appointment
Have clean lashes when I get there: no makeup and no oils. It is the one part I cannot do for you, and if there is anything on the lashes the extensions will not hold, so we would have to move you to another day. A wash the night before is usually all it takes [1]. If you wear waterproof mascara, take extra care that none is left at the roots.
Every set with me includes the aftercare walkthrough, so we go through your own makeup bag before I leave if you want to [3]. Sets start at $140 for a Classic, and a $25 deposit holds your time. Reschedule with more than 24 hours notice and your deposit moves to the new time at no charge. Cancel inside 24 hours and the $25 deposit is not returned, plus a $20 cancellation fee.
First time booking a full set? Use code FIRST20 at checkout for $20 off. One per client, and it comes off the balance you pay on the day, not off the deposit. It does not apply to fills.
Questions about mascara and makeup with lash extensions
Can you wear mascara with lash extensions?
It is best not to. My aftercare says no mascara, especially waterproof. Mascara clumps the extensions, and taking it off every night means rubbing and removers right at the glue. A set already does what mascara does.
Can you wear eyeliner with lash extensions?
Yes, if it is oil-free and goes on outside the lash line, not along the waterline or pressed into the bases of the extensions. Take it off with an oil-free remover or cleanser, without rubbing, because oil breaks down the adhesive.
What makeup remover is safe for lash extensions?
An oil-free one. Oil breaks down lash adhesive, so skip cleansing oils, balms and oily micellar water around your eyes. A gentle, oil-free foaming lash cleanser takes off eye makeup and cleans the extensions in one step. Rinse it off completely and pat dry.