A lash lift treatment curls and lifts lashes without extensions or false wares. It’s okay to wear mascara as long as it’s water based or water resistant and removed properly each night. Use gentle mascaras wait 24-48 hours after the procedure and follow aftercare tips to help your lash lift last its full 4-6 weeks.
It is a popular eyelash treatment that curls and lifts lashes for a wide eyed look without extensions or false lashes. Many wonder if they can wear mascara after this treatment to further enhance their lashes. Let’s explore the ins and outs of mascara use with lash lifts.
With a Lash Lift, Which Mascara Should You Use?
The key is choosing a water based or water-resistant mascara that won’t disrupt the lifting serum and glaze applied during the lash lift procedure. Waterproof and oil-based formulas are too harsh and can cause lashes to droop prematurely. Some gentle mascaras that work well include:
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara
This water-resistant mascara delivers volume without stiffness or flakiness.
BareMinerals Strength & Length Serum-Infused Mascara
Formulated with lash conditioning coconut oil this mascara nourishes lashes daily.
Benefit They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer
This priming mascara frames eyes perfectly without clumping or flaking.
Always start with a light touch of these mascaras applied with a gentle hand and make sure to remove it thoroughly with a water-based makeup remover each night.
Is It Alright to Wear Mascara with Lash Lifts?
In general, it’s okay to wear mascara as long as it’s water-based or water-resistant and removed properly each night.
Here are some guidelines:
- Wait 24-48 hours after the lash lift procedure before applying mascara to allow the perm solution to be fully set.
- Gently sway the mascara wand from root to tip without rubbing to avoid disturbing the perm.
- Opt for water based tubes or wands over hard bristled brushes that could damage lifted lashes.
- Be especially careful not to tug or pull lashes when removing mascara. Use gentle motions with water based makeup remover on cotton balls.
- Avoid using eyelash curlers which can disrupt the lifted shape. Stick to light-handed mascara application for extra curl if desired.
As long as proper care and suitable mascara are used wearing makeup should not diminish the lift’s results within the first 2-4 weeks.
Is It Okay To Wear Eye Makeup With Lash Lift?
It’s fine to wear other eye makeup like eyeliner, eyeshadow and brow products after a lash lift. The treatment only involves the eyelashes so other cosmetics won’t interfere. Just keep in mind a few tips:
- For the first 24 hours minimize eye rubbing and try to keep eyelids as still as possible while the perm sets.
- Remove all eye makeup thoroughly each night with a gentle cleanser to keep lifted lashes free of buildup.
- Be delicate when applying products don’t tug on skin or lashes. Light feathery strokes are best.
- As with mascara avoid waterproof formulas that could pull on sensitive lifted lashes during removal.
By taking extra care with application and removal techniques most eye makeup can be worn safely after a lash lift without affecting results.
When Can I Use Mascara After A Lash Lift?
It’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours after the lash lift procedure before applying any products to the lashes. This gives the perming solution time to fully set and avoid disruption that could ruin the lifted shape.
Some key points about using mascara post-lash lift
- 24-48 hours: You can start with a light application of water-based mascara.
- 1 week: It’s generally safe to wear regular water-resistant mascara.
- 2-4 weeks: This is the window when the lash lift results will last their longest before any regrowth occurs.
- 6-8 weeks: Natural lash growth will begin diminishing the effects of the perm. Stick to natural mascaras or consider a lash tint to maintain the look.
Always carefully remove mascara each night and listen to your lash artist’s guidance on what’s best for your lashes as they adjust.
What is the Best Mascara to use with Lash Lift?
As mentioned above water based or water resistant formulations tend to work best with lash lifts especially in the first month as lashes adjust to their new curled shape. Some top mascara picks are:
- GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum: This nourishing serum combines lash-conditioning peptides, vitamins and propolis extract to hydrate and strengthen lashes long term.
- Milk Makeup Kush High Volume Mascara: Its unique fiber free formula delivers definition without weight or flakiness that could disrupt lifted lashes.
- L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara: A classic volumizing mascara that layers color without clumping or flaking for naturally lifted definition.
- Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara: The affordable drugstore option that gives lashes lush volume comparable to high-end mascaras.
For best results apply a single light coat with a soft bristled brush and only keep mascara on lashes for the recommended 2 months post-procedure.
Ways to Make Lash Lifts Last Longer
Maximizing a lash lift’s longevity takes some careful maintenance.
Here are some effective tips:
- Apply lash conditioners or serums daily to strengthen lashes against water and product damage over time. Grandelash and RevitaLash are top rated options.
- Gently comb through lashes with a clean spoolie brush before bed to train the curl and prevent breakage as they sleep.
- Use only water based or water resistant makeup and meticulously remove it all at night especially during the first month when lashes adjust.
- Limit steam exposure from showers, styling tools and facial treatments which can cause lashes to relax faster.
- Return for fill in appointments every 4-6 weeks as new growth comes in to maintain balanced curling throughout the lash line.
Committing to this healthy lash care regimen helps stretched out results last 6-8 weeks, sometimes even up to 3 months with consistent maintenance.
How To Make Your Lash Lift Last Longer?
Here are some additional tips to extend the lifespan of your lash lift:
- Avoid eyelid rubbing: Be careful not to rub, tug or pull on your lashes with your fingers as this disrupts the perm.
- Remove all traces of makeup: Use an eye makeup remover designed for lash lifts to dissolve any residue that could weigh lashes down.
- Limit water exposure: Steamy showers can loosen the perm more quickly. Consider quick rinses.
- Air dry lashes: Avoid using towels to dry lashes as friction may disturb the curl.
- Use lash conditioners: Gently brushing a lash boosting serum onto lashes each night helps keep them healthy and protected.
- Book fill-in appointments: Returning every 3-4 weeks as new growth comes in sustains lifted results longer term.
- Protect lashes from sun damage: Invest in an SPF-rated lash primer for added shielding during the day.
With proper aftercare lash lifts can maintain their shape for 4-6 weeks or longer when cared for diligently.
When Can I Wear Mascara After?
Here are the guidelines for wearing mascara after a lash lift:
- 24-48 hours: You can start using a light water based mascara once the perm solution has dried.
- 1 week: Most lash techs say water-resistant mascara is fine at this point.
- 2-4 weeks: This window gives the best lift results before natural regrowth impacts it.
- 6-8 weeks: Lash growth will diminish effects so opt for natural mascara or consider a tint.
Differences Between a Lash Lift and Lash Extensions
While lash lifts and extensions both aim to enhance natural lashes, they utilize different techniques:
Lash Lift
- Involves curling, perming and sealing lashes for an uplifted look.
- Uses no false lashes or adhesive.
- Lasts 4-6 weeks before natural regrowth impacts it.
- Allows lashes to maintain a more natural texture.
- Lower cost than extensions with less maintenance.
Lash Extensions
- Bonds individual synthetic fibers to each natural lash.
- Creates a fanned out dramatic lash line effect.
- Lasts 2-4 weeks before a fill is needed.
- Involves more potential damage to natural lashes over time.
- Requires more costly fills and potential lash loss if not removed properly.
Most opt for lifts if wanting a subtle enhancement between full extensions. Both achieve gorgeous eyes when done by professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
A lash lift is a non-surgical procedure that uses a chemical solution to temporarily curl or perm, the natural eyelashes upward and outward for an instantly open eyed effect.
In moderation with the right formulas mascara alone does not ruin lashes when removed properly each night. Harsh tugging or pulling lashes when applying could cause damage.
It’s best not to wear any other products on lashes before a lift treatment as residue could impact.
Final Thoughts
When handled carefully, wearing light mascara and other eye makeup poses minimal risks to a fresh lash lift. Choosing gentle water based products and meticulously removing all residue each night helps lashes retain their beautifully lifted shape longer.
Committing to proper aftercare like limiting water, re-implementing lash conditioners and booking follow-up appointments every 4 weeks further extends lash lift benefits. With some simple precautions you can enhance your natural eyes with both lash lifts and products to enjoy show stopping lashes anytime.