How to Store False Eyelashes

Last Updated: March 8, 2021

False eyelashes add instant drama to a makeup look. To make your false lashes last as long as possible, it is important to store them properly. Before you store them, make sure that your lashes are clean and dry. Then, store them in an appropriate container away from harmful elements like sun, moisture, and dirt. By taking time to properly clean and store your lashes, you can enjoy wearing them for years to come.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Washing Your Lashes Before Storing Them

1
Remove your false eyelashes. Always remove your false lashes with your fingertips. Never use a tool such as tweezers or even your fingernails to remove them. Otherwise, you may poke yourself in the eye. Just use the pads of your fingertips to gently peel off your false eyelashes.^{[1]
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- Start at the outer edge of your eyelid and grasp the edge of the false eyelash band. Then, pull gently at the band moving in towards your nose until the false lash is completely off. Repeat for your other false lash.
2
Peel off any excess adhesive. After you remove the lashes, there may still be some of the lash adhesive stuck on the lash band. Check the bands of your false lashes and gently peel away any leftover adhesive.^{[2]
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- Use two fingers to peel away the leftover adhesive.^{[3]
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  [v161376_b02]. 26 May 2020.} Using tweezers may result in damaging your lashes if you accidentally grab the band and pull too hard.
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3
Clean the lashes. Use a cotton swab and some eye makeup remover to clean the lashes. Apply a small amount of the makeup remover to your false lashes and then wipe it along the edges of the lashes to remove any makeup that may have gotten on them, such as mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow.^{[4]
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- Place the lashes on a clean towel, paper towel, or piece of tissue while you are cleaning them.
- Move the cotton swab from the band of the lashes to the tips. After you have done a few swipes, turn the cotton swab around, wet it with makeup remover, and continue cleaning the lashes. Keep doing this until no more makeup appears on the cotton swab.
- Consider skipping the mascara on your falsies altogether—this will keep the lashes from clumping together, and you'll be able to skip the makeup remover.^{[5]
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4
Let them dry completely. Place the lashes on a clean towel or paper towel to dry. Do not try to press them dry or use a hair dryer on them. Just allow them to air dry on the towel until they are completely dry.^{[6]
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- Don’t place the lashes in sunlight to dry either. This may cause them to lighten or change their shape.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Storing Lashes to Preserve Them

1
Place them back in the half-moon tray. False lashes usually come with a half-moon tray that help to preserve the curve of the lashes. The easiest way to store them is to place them back into this tray after you have cleaned them and they are completely dry.^{[7]
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- Make sure that you place the lashes against the half-moon shapes in the tray to help them retain their natural curve.
- If you have individual lashes, then store them in the tray they came in.
2
Use a bead box if you have multiple pairs. You can get a bead box in a craft supply store. These boxes have several small chambers that are the perfect size for a pair of false lashes. If you have several pairs of false lashes, then this might be a good storage option for you. ^{[8]
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- You can pick one of these bead storage containers up at a craft supply store for under $5. Try to find one that has extra small storage slots so you can fit as many lashes into the container as possible.
3
Close the container tightly. It is important to keep dust, dirt, and moisture away from your false lashes. This will help to preserve them and make them last as long as possible. To protect your lashes from these elements, close the lid of your lash storage container tightly.^{[9]
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- If you are using the container that your lashes came in, then make sure to close the lid tightly.
- If you are using a bead box or another multi slot storage container, then close the lid tightly as well.
- Be sure not to stack anything on top of the lash container, as the lashes could become warped.^{[10]
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4
Keep them in a dark, cool, dry place. Avoid storing your lashes anywhere that is hot, moist, or bright. These elements can change the shape of your lashes and may even make them unwearable. Instead, keep your lashes somewhere that is cool, dark, and dry.^{[11]
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- Try keeping your lashes in a dresser drawer or on a shelf in a hallway closet.
- Avoid keeping your lashes in your bathroom or in direct sunlight.

Expert Q&A

Question

How should I store my eyelashes?

Alicia D'Angelo
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles.

Alicia D'Angelo

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Try to keep your lashes in a place where they won't collect dust or get warped. The easiest thing to do is place them back into the packaging they came in. You can remove glue from the band by gently pulling at it with two fingers. In general, try not to soak the lashes in water, as it may affect their shape. In fact, you should try to avoid letting them get wet.
Question

When placing the lashes back in the half moon tray, do you use eyelash glue to adhear them to the tray? Would they be able to stay on by themselves?

Community Answer

Don't glue them to the tray. It is a waste of glue. If you place them back on the tray and put the tray in a place that it will not be tipped or moved, then you will have no trouble keeping your lashes.