Can You Use Mascara With Lash Lift?

Here are a few tips on using mascara with lash lifts:

In general, it’s recommended to avoid mascara for the first 24 hours after a lash lift as the adhesive is still curing and mascara could irritate.
After 24 hours you can apply a light coat of water based or waterproof mascara to enhance the lash lift results without weighing them down.
Go very lightly with the wand and don’t apply too much product. Mascara could overload the lashes and cause them to droop or lose curl prematurely.
Opt for a volumizing or lengthening mascara versus thick heavy formulas that might weigh down the lifted lashes.
Remove mascara thoroughly every night with an oil based cleanser or micellar water to avoid residue buildup on lifted lashes.
Give your lashes a break from mascara 1-2 times per week to let the lash lift treatment last longer between appointments.
Avoid waterproof and tubing mascaras, as these can be difficult to remove cleanly from lifted lashes.

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Is It Alright to Wear Mascara with Lash Lifts?

Wearing mascara after a lash lift is perfectly fine as long as you follow some basic guidelines. Lash lifts use a special curling solution to gently bend the lashes upwards and give the appearance of thicker longer lashes without extensions. However, it’s important to take proper care of your lifted lashes to make sure the results last as long as possible.

Some key things to keep in mind when using mascara after a lash lift:

Always wait at least 24 hours after your lash lift treatment before applying any makeup including mascara. This allows your lashes adequate time to dry and set in their lifted position properly.
Stick to water based mascaras instead of waterproof formulas. Waterproof mascaras can be harsher to remove and increase the risk of disrupting the curl from your lash lift. Some good options are L’Oreal’s voluminous lash paradise mascara and Maybelline lash sensational mascara.
Gently apply mascara in thin layers using a light hand and short strokes from the base to the tips of your lashes. Too much product or rubbing can cause lifting.
Opt for a conditioning mascara that won’t dry out your lifted lashes like Clinique high impact mascara or Benefit they’re real mascara. Nourishing lashes helps them stay curled longer.
Remove mascara every night using an oil based eye makeup remover or micellar water on a cotton pad. Gently sweep across your lash line and avoid rubbing.
Exfoliate eyelid skin regularly to prevent flakes and oil from disrupting the curl over time. Try a soft exfoliating mitten when cleansing.

With a Lash Lift, Which Mascara Should You Use?

When it comes to choosing the best mascara to use with lash lifts opting for a water based formula is essential. Waterproof mascaras are much harder to remove and could potentially pull on your lifted lashes. Some top performing water-based mascara picks include:

Maybelline sky-high mascara

This cult favorite contains fine fibers that attach to lashes and create length and volume without clumping or flaking. The lightweight formula keeps lashes curled all day.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

At a bargain price, this mascara delivers dramatic volume and length. The brush separates lashes beautifully for a wide-eyed look.

Benefit they’re real! Magnet mascara

Loaded with conditioning jojoba oil and vitamin E, this mascara nourishes lashes as it coats them in deep pigment. The curved brush makes precise application easy.

Lancome hypnôse drama mascara

Formulated with argan oil derivatives, this luxurious mascara strengthens lashes while amplifying their natural curve. Multiple coats create fullness without drying out lashes.

MAC in extreme dimension 3D black lash mascara

The curved brush wraps around each lash to intensify the lash line three times over. Expect a false lash effect without clumps or flakes.

Ways to Make Lash Lifts Last Longer

Taking excellent care of your lashes after a lash lift is important to extend the treatment’s longevity. Here are some effective tips trusted by lash professionals:

Avoid wetting lifted lashes for 24 hours

Keep lashes dry during the first crucial day while the formula fully sets the curl. Resist water, sweat or humid weather.

Exfoliate eyelid skin weekly

Gently sweep away dead skin with a smooth mitt or microdermabrasion tool. Buildup can weigh lashes down over time.

Apply conditioning treatments nightly

Nourish lashes with growth serums like RapidLash or RevitaLash to keep them flexible yet strong.

Use gentle eye creams

Harsh formulas could prematurely disrupt the curl. Opt for rich yet lightweight hydration like La Mer The Eye Concentrate.

Gently comb through with a spoolie

Distributing natural oils along the lash line prevents breakage that leads to drooping.

Avoid rubbing eyes

Patting damp hands or tissue under lashes removes debris without disturbing the set shape.

Schedule fill-ins every 2-4 weeks

As lashes grow out naturally straight, quickly seeing your specialist maintains results longer versus waiting 6+ weeks.

Protect lashes from humidity

Seal lashes with a water resistant topcoat on beach days or wear wide brimmed hats.

Avoid extreme heat near the eyes

Steam rooms and hot yoga could cause lashes to relax before their time.

When Can I Use Mascara After A Lash Lift?

It’s best to wait at least 24 hours after a lash lift before applying any makeup to the eye area including mascara. This allows sufficient time for the perming solution to fully dry and set the new curl shape of the lashes.

Here are some more specific guidelines on when it’s safe to use mascara post lash lift:

24 hours: At the 24-hour mark after the treatment, it should be fine to gently apply a single coat of water based mascara.
1-2 days: At the 1-2 day point, you can layer on mascara more confidently as long as you’re still gentle.
3+ days: Once you reach 3 days post lift, mascara application is no problem. The curl will be fully locked into the lashes. You can wear it as usual.

It’s best to avoid waterproof formulas completely in the first week as they’re harder to remove and could disrupt the lash lift faster. Stick with water based options until your next recommended maintenance visit 2-4 weeks later.

As always take care to remove mascara thoroughly each night with gentle eye makeup remover. This helps lashes and the lift lasts as long as possible.

What Is The Best Mascara To Use With Lash Lift?

Here are some top recommendations for mascaras that play nicely with lifted lashes:

Lancome hypnôse mascara: Loaded with nourishing lipids and amino acids, this mascara keeps lashes supple and conditioned. Its hourglass shaped brush catches every lash.
Buxom lash mascara: Infused with peptides, panthenol and provitamin B5, this mascara plumps lashes skyward without weighing them down.
MAC in extreme dimension 3D black lash mascara: The specially shaped brush grips each lash individually for clump free, curl enhancing drama.
Clinique high-impact mascara: This classic lengthens and separates lashes without stiffness or flaking. A mild formula won’t disturb a lift’s curl longevity.
Estée Lauder’s sumptuous extreme lash-multiplying volume mascara: Creates a wide eyed look in just one coat thanks to its lash multiplying powers and lifted elongated effect.
Covergirl exhibitionist mascara: Infused conditioners deliver volume and length to lashes day after day without harshness. Unique brush hugs each lash.

For best results, opt for gentle, conditioning textures and tapered brushes that hug the lash line without rubbing. Avoid waterproof, plumping, or tubing mascaras on lifted lashes until your initial treatment begins to gradually fade. With the right pick lashes stay beautifully curled with or without makeup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does mascara ruin your lashes?

In general mascara alone does not permanently damage healthy lashes. However, it’s important to remove it thoroughly each night to avoid flakes and buildup that could lead to breakage over time.

Can I wear mascara before my lash lift?

It’s always best not to wear any eye makeup for 24 hours before a lash lift as mascara or other residues could affect how the perming solution sets the curl.

What happens if I put mascara on before 24 hours after a lash lift?

Applying mascara too soon within 24 hours of the treatment risks disturbing the perming solution as it fully dries and bonds the curl shape.

Final Thoughts

Wearing mascara is perfectly fine after a lash lift but proper timing and product selection are key to protecting your investment and results. Always wait 24 hours post treatment before applying any eye makeup. Then choose water based conditioning mascaras applied with a gentle touch.

Regular lash conditioning, gentle removal, and scheduling recommended maintenance appointments go a long way in maintaining your curled lashes between lifts. With a bit of care, you’ll enjoy gorgeous volume and lift whether makeup is worn or not.

If you stick to water based mascaras take time to learn delicate application techniques and schedule follow-ups, lash lifts can provide beautifully uplifted lashes for months. It’s a low maintenance alternative to extensions that still deliver glamorous eyes.

Mascara won’t ruin lifted lashes if properly removed. One of the perks of lash lifts is being able to wear subtle or dramatic eye makeup as desired. So enjoy showing off your new lashes, inside and out, whether mascara-clad or in their natural state. The confidence and beauty of lush, curled lashes is undeniable.