Whether or not it is safe to apply mascara to lash extensions, lifts and fake lashes. Putting mascara directly on extensions can damage them and cause premature shedding as the oils and waxes in mascara disrupt the adhesive bond over time.
For lash lifts mascara should be avoided for a few days afterward to allow the perming solution to fully settle. Primer and serum options made for extensions are safer alternatives to condition lashes without risking removal. Applying mascara lightly along lash lines may be fine for strip falsies after bonding but products like brow gel provide a more natural look with less buildup.
Put Mascara on my Lash Extensions
Putting mascara on top of lash extensions is generally not recommended as it can damage the false lashes and cause them to fall out prematurely. Lash extensions are designed to last 2-4 weeks without additional products applied to them.
The adhesive used to apply lash extensions needs to stay clean and dry to bond properly to natural lashes. Mascara contains ingredients like oils, waxes, and preservatives that can interfere with the bond if they come in contact with extensions. Over time these ingredients may cause the extensions to loosen at the base or fall out completely.
Put Mascara on after the Lash Lift
While a lash lift involves curling and tinting natural lashes rather than applying false ones, it’s still best to avoid mascara for a few days after a lift treatment.
Lash lifts use a perming solution and heat to shape lashes into an upward-curled position. Right after a lift the perming solution is still active on the lashes and mascara could cause it to process improperly. This could result in a less dramatic curl or even damage to natural lashes.
It’s recommended to wait 2-3 days post-lash lift before applying any products. This allows time for lashes to settle fully into their lifted shape before introducing additional elements. A single coat of clear mascara or lash serum may be fine after a few days but heavy or waterproof formulas are still best avoided.
Put Mascara in my Lashes to make it Less Dry
While mascara can add volume and moisture temporarily repeated use of it on lash extensions risks pulling them out early. A better option is to use an eyelash primer or serum specifically formulated for use with extensions.
Look for primers containing hydrating ingredients like glycerin, panthenol or jojoba oil. d Apply a small amount carefully along the lash line with a lash primer or serum. These condition lashes without disrupting the bonds of individual extensions.
Some popular primers safe for extensions include:
- Lancome Cils Booster XL Mascara Primer
- Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara Primer
- Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Lash Primer
Using a primer daily keeps lashes soft without risking the removal of extensions. Be sure to avoid water lines and direct application to extensions themselves.
Put Mascara on Fake Lashes
For strip or individual fake eyelashes, mascara can safely be applied after they are fully bonded onto natural lashes using lash adhesive. Just be gentle and don’t saturate lashes with too much product.
Applying a single thin coat of water-resistant mascara to fake lashes helps blend them in more naturally with natural lashes for a more seamless look. Go lighter on any formulas containing fibers, as these could create buildup that separates falsies from real lashes over time.
But for the most natural appearance, consider just using an eyelash primer or tinted brow gel on fake lashes rather than traditional mascara.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mascara poses a risk of pulling out eyelash extensions prematurely if applied directly on top of them.
Generally, it’s best to avoid applying any mascara directly to lash extensions.
To remove mascara accidentally applied to extensions, use a gentle oil-based makeup remover on a cotton swab and slowly wipe away the product from each false lash without pulling.
For strip or individual lashes applied with adhesive, mascara alone may be used after full bonding as long as applied lightly along lash lines and not to the false lashes themselves.
Final Thoughts
Applying traditional mascara directly to lash extensions or freshly permed lashes risks damage and premature shedding. A better option is to use mascara-free lash primers and conditioning serums made specifically for extensions. They hydrate lashes without disrupting adhesive bonds.
For strip falsies, mascara alone may be carefully applied along natural lash lines after full bonding. But brows gels or other lightweight alternatives blended in produce the most natural appearance with minimized product buildup. With a little care, false lashes can last their full lifespan looking lush without needing extra mascara.
