9 Easy Steps to Wash Your Face with Eyelash Extensions

Co-authored by Alicia Ramos and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: June 13, 2022 References

Want to keep your eyelash extensions in the best shape possible? Keeping them dry will make them last the longest, and we’re here to help you make some simple changes to your skincare routine. We’ll walk you through the best way to wash your face so you can rock your fake lashes for even longer!

1

Let your extensions set for 48 hours after getting them.

Getting your extensions wet right away could rinse away the adhesive. The glue for your extensions hasn’t set within the first 2 days, so your lashes could still pull out easily. Stay out of the shower and avoid putting any water on your face for a couple of days until the glue dries completely.^{[1]
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- In the meantime, use a face wipe when you need to clean your face. Just avoid touching your eyelashes with the wipe.
- Avoid doing any activities that make you sweat excessively or that involve steam, like relaxing in a sauna, since they can weaken the glue.

2

Wash your face in the sink instead of the shower.

Cleansers are more likely to run into your eyes and lashes in the shower. Even though your lashes are completely set now, exposing them to too much water can still make them fall out sooner. Either wash your face in the sink before or after you shower. If you need to wash your hair in the shower, tilt your head back so the water doesn’t run in your face.^{[2]
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- If you need to shower with your extensions, wear goggles so your eyelashes stay dry.^{[3]
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3

Clean off makeup with an oil-free remover wipe.

A remover wipe gives you more control of where you want to clean. Use an oil-free remover wipe since any type of oil can break the adhesive holding in your extensions. Gently rub your skin with the wipe to lift up all of your cosmetics. If one wipe starts to get dirty, pull out a new wipe and keep cleaning your face off until you’ve taken all of your makeup off.^{[4]
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- Avoid rubbing the wipes on your eyelash extensions so you don’t accidentally remove them.
- If you don’t have wipes, you can use a standard oil-free makeup remover applied to a lint-free applicator.

4

Wash your lashes with oil-free cleanser and soft brush.

A gentle wash helps clean out bacteria and debris in your lashes. Pick an oil-free eyelash cleanser and lather it onto the end of a clean soft eyeshadow brush. Start by closing one eye and gently moving the brush up and down over your lashes to clean your extensions. Gently scrub your lashes with the brush for about 30 seconds. Then, wipe the soap off with a damp lint-free cloth before you clean the lashes on your other eye.^{[5]
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- You can use baby shampoo instead if you don’t have eyelash cleanser.
- Avoid rubbing your eyelashes from side to side since it will weaken the adhesive and make them more likely to fall off.
- Run a dry eyelash comb through your extensions after you wash them to help separate them so they look fuller.

5

Scrub a gentle oil-free cleanser on your face.

An oil-free cleanser cleans your pores but doesn’t affect the adhesive. Wash your face in sections, starting with your cheeks and the areas right below your eyes. Lather an oil-free facial cleanser onto your skin with your fingers or using a scrub brush. Then, move on to wash your forehead and your upper eyelids.^{[6]
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- Work up enough suds so the cleanser doesn’t run down your face when you rub it in. That way, you’re less likely to damage the adhesive on your extensions.

6

Rinse the cleanser off with a soft facial sponge.

Wiping the cleanser with a sponge keeps it from running into your eyes. Wet a soft facial sponge with clean water and wring out any of the excess. Lightly wipe the facial cleanser off of your face, starting with your upper eyelids and forehead to keep it from running into your extensions. Rinse the suds off of the sponge and wring it out after each wipe to clean off your face.^{[7]
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- If you don’t have a facial sponge, use a damp lint-free cloth or towel instead.

7

Pat your face dry with a towel.

Rubbing your face with a towel could pull out your extensions. Take a lint-free towel and gently pat it on your skin. Keep drying off your face until you don’t feel any more moisture.^{[8]
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- If you feel nervous about patting your face too hard and ruining your extensions, try using a hairdryer on the lowest, coolest setting for a few seconds to dry your lashes.
- End your skincare routine by applying a facial toner to exfoliate your face and an oil-free moisturizer.^{[9]
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8

Protect your lashes with an eyelash sealant.

Eyelash sealant keeps oils and other debris out of your lashes. Take the brush out from the bottle of eyelash sealant and let the excess drip off. Start the brush at the base of your eyelashes and carefully comb it through your extensions to spread the sealant. Then, take a clean mascara brush and run it through your lashes again to separate them and make them look full.^{[10]
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- Using an eyelash sealant daily will help make your extensions last longer.

9

Lift natural oils around your eyes daily with blotting film.

Blotting your natural body oil keeps it from running into your extensions. Once a day before you apply any cosmetics, pat the blotting film against your skin, focusing on your forehead and upper eyelids. You can also pat the areas underneath your eyes and on your nose to absorb the oil off of your skin.^{[11]
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- Blot your face once a day to keep oil under control.
- Work carefully around your eyelash extensions so the blotting film doesn’t get caught or stuck in them.

Warnings

Avoid using waterproof cosmetics or mascara since they’ll require oil-based cleaners that could break down the glue holding your lash extensions in place.^{[12]
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