How to Reuse False Eyelashes

Co-authored by Tymia Yvette

Last Updated: March 3, 2023

False lashes can give you more dramatic, flirty lashes in an instant, so they're a must-have for plenty of makeup bags. They're not particularly expensive, but no one wants to be running out to purchase new lashes all the time. The good news is that even the most inexpensive lashes are good for a few wears if you take proper care of them. That means removing them with care, cleaning them thoroughly, and making sure that you have a clean, safe place to store them.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Removing the Lashes

1
Run a cotton swab with eye makeup remove across the lash band on your lid. When you’re ready to remove your lashes, wet a cotton swab or pad with an eye makeup remover. Gently run the swab over the lash band where it’s attached to your eyelid to help loosen the adhesive.^{[1]
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- It’s best to use an oil-free eye makeup remover because oils can leave behind residue that makes it difficult for lash adhesive to stick to the lashes the next time you use them.
2
Peel up the lash at the outer corner. Hold the lash firmly between two fingers and use the opposite hand to gently peel the adhesive off the band.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.} Make sure to peel up from the outer corner of the lashes where they tend to come loose most easily.
- Use the pads of your fingers to peel off the lashes. Don’t use tweezers or your fingernails because they can rip the lashes or stretch out the band.
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3
Pull the lash slowly to the inner corner to remove. Once you have the outer corner free, pull the lash off toward the inner corner.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.} Make sure to work slowly and carefully, so you don’t stretch the band or warp the lashes.
- If there are any areas where the lashes are still stuck, take a fresh cotton swab and wet it with eye makeup remover so you can run it over the spot before continuing to pull on the lash.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Lashes

1
Wipe the lash band with a cotton pad and eye makeup remover. When you’ve removed the lashes from your eyes, wet a cotton pad with eye makeup remover. Run the pad over the entire lash band to remove any eyeliner or mascara that may be on the lashes.
- Clean both sides of the lash band to ensure that you remove all of the makeup residue.
- If you’re using synthetic eyelashes, you can actually soak them in a little bit of eye makeup remover to help get rid of any makeup or other residues. Don’t soak mink or other natural false lashes, though, or you’ll damage them.^{[4]
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2
Peel off the adhesive with tweezers. After you’ve removed any makeup from the lashes, you should remove any remaining adhesive on the band. Hold the lashes between your forefinger and thumb, and gently pull at the adhesive with a pair of tweezers to remove.^{[5]
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- If there is a thick layer of glue, you may be able to pull it off with your fingers.
- In some cases, the adhesive will pull free in a single strip. In other cases, you’ll need to pull it off in pieces.
3
Apply rubbing alcohol to the band. To ensure that there is no bacteria on the lashes, it’s important to disinfect them before you wear them again. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol, and run it along both sides of the lash band to get rid of any bacteria and adhesive that may still be on the lashes.
- If any adhesive is left on the lash bands, it may irritate your eyes the next time that you wear them so it’s important to get all of it off.
4
Allow the lashes to air dry. You don’t want to put your lashes away while they’re still wet or they may become damaged or moldy before your next use. Lay the lashes on a towel or piece of paper towel, and let them air dry for 15 or 20 minutes.^{[6]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Storing False Lashes for Reuse

1
Save the plastic packaging that the lashes come in. To keep your lashes clean and dust-free for the next time that you wear them, it’s important to store them in a protective container. You don’t have to buy a special container, though -- save the plastic case that holds the lashes, as well as the tray with the half-moon shapes for the lashes to curl around.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.}
- If you lose or misplace the packaging from your lashes, you can purchase reusable protective cases from beauty supply stores and online sites. They often hold more than one pair of lashes, so you can store all of your lashes in one place.
2
Bend the lashes around the trays and close the plastic packaging. Take the dry lashes and place them on the half-moon trays, bending them gently to fit around the curve so they hold their shape. Next, place the tray inside the plastic case and close the container, so the lashes are protected from dust, dirt, and debris.^{[8]
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3
Place the lashes in a cool, dark location. Once the lashes are in their packaging, it’s important to store them in the right spot. Heat and strong light can warp the lashes, so you should keep them in a cool, dark spot, such as a dresser drawer, until you want to apply them the next time.
- Avoid storing your eyelashes in the bathroom, which often gets hot and humid.

Expert Q&A

Question

Where should I store fake lashes?

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Tymia Yvette

Makeup & Lash Artist

Expert Answer

Keep the package your lashes came in so you can store them inside it. This can keep your lashes clean and help them hold their shape.
Question

What's the best method for removing adhesive from false eyelashes so I can reuse them?

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Tymia Yvette

Makeup & Lash Artist

Expert Answer

To remove adhesive from false lashes, hold the lash firmly with 2 fingers, and use your opposite hand to gently peel off the adhesive, starting at one end of the band and working your way to the other. Then, place the strip lashes back in their original packaging and store them in a clean, dry area.
Question

For how long and how many times can you reuse false eyelashes by using this method?

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Tymia Yvette

Makeup & Lash Artist

Expert Answer

If you apply and remove your lashes properly, you can reuse them 2-4 times.

Warnings

You shouldn’t reuse lashes that haven’t been sanitized. If there is bacteria on the lashes, you may infect your eyes the next time that you wear them.

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