Eyelash extensions have the power to completely change a beauty routine and can give us such a boost of self-confidence. Instead of waking up looking tired and half still asleep, feeling the impulsive need to reach for an eyelash-curler and multiple coats of mascara, we can simply wash our faces and head straight out the door—no eye makeup necessary.
Somehow that extra length and volume added to our lashes makes us look like were not only half conscious and in desperate need of a large cup of coffee.
Having eyelash extensions are definitely convenient and time-saving however, like with all beauty treatments, maintenance and care is required. Of course you want your lashes to last as long as possible and you can do that by looking after them properly. So here’s my top tips for taking care of your eyelash extensions…
Keep them clean, I cannot stress this enough. You could have the most beautiful set applied but if you’re not keeping them clean and brushing them regularly then you’re just wasting your own time and money. At Graceful Beauty your given a little eyelash brush so that you can keep your lashes beautiful at home. So don’t lose it! Also it is so important to wash your lashes. Even though your told not to get them wet for the first 24hours after application that doesn’t mean keeping your eyes away from water the whole time you’ve got them on. After the 24 hours, when the lashes have been properly cured, eyelash extensions become relatively waterproof. Most people seem to think that you can’t ever get them wet when in fact you really need to in order to keep them clean.
Step by step- how to clean your eyelash extensions
- First, remove all makeup from around the eye area with an oil free makeup remover. (Products with oils in can break down the lash glue) I use a micellar water as its water based. Use a cotton bud to get close to the lash line. Avoid using cotton balls or pads as you’ll end up in a fluffy mess when they catch on your extensions.
- Create your lash wash with 3 parts water and 1 part baby shampoo in a foam pump bottle. Wet your eyes with cool water and take 1 pump of this solution on a makeup brush. Wash your lash line to remove all dirt and oil gently. Many eyelash extension brands sell their own specifically lash cleansers for eyelash extensions however this solution is an affordable alternative.
- Rinse with water, don’t rub them and dab to dry gently.
- Using your lash brush gently comb through your lashes to separate them. It doesn’t matter if they’re a little damp when you do this as brushing them with fan them back out again.
Do not wear mascara. This is just going to make your elegant eyelash extensions look like a clumpy mess and it’s also very unhygienic. Even if you cleaned them every day to attempt to get the mascara off, your never fully going to be able to clean all of the product out of your lash line as it can hide and get stuck at the base of your lash extension. It can actually lead to eye infections; which no one wants as it may mean you’ll have to remove your lashes until the infection has cleared up. As a lash technician it’s easy to see who’s been wearing mascara or who’s not been keeping their lashes clean.