Can You Wear Makeup with Lash Extensions? Experts Weigh In

The good news about your eyelash extensions is that they look amazing. The bad news: Half your eye-makeup collection needs to go. True, eyelash extensions can last for up to six weeks, but wearing the wrong makeup with them can lead to lash fallout and extension damage, dramatically decreasing the length of time your lash extensions look full and fabulous.

Extensions are sensitive. When you're glamming up your face, you must be cognizant of your falsies or else. Not sure which makeup to keep using and which to avoid? Don't worry—we've got you covered. We spoke to the experts for their advice on preserving the life of your extensions, including what to wear and what not to wear when it comes to makeup. Keep reading for more on how to maximize the wear of your extensions.

Can You Wear Eye Makeup with Lash Extensions?

Fact: Technically, you can wear eye makeup like mascara and eyeliner when you have lash extensions, but the application and removal process will likely shorten their lifespan. Removing eye makeup properly is a must every time you wear it, and the risk you take when doing so is having your extensions fall out. While they won't fall out immediately after just one cleanse, they will shed more quickly than if you did not repeatedly use eye makeup removers and cleansers on your eyes. If you wear mascara, opt for a weightless formula like Tarte's Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara. It's a vegan, antioxidant-rich mascara made of Amazonian clay that won't damage your lashes.

In addition to causing lash extensions to fall out, Richardson also explained that wearing mascara on eyelash extensions "jeopardizes the life of the extensions in addition to putting strain on the natural lashes." She adds, "When wearing lash extensions, you should avoid touching them—this causes them to fall out. In addition to the weight on the natural lashes, removing the mascara involves pulling and rubbing, causing damage and shedding the natural lashes and extensions. Those who apply mascara over their extensions always return with 25 percent or less [lashes]."

For those clients who are looking for fuller lashes in between appointments, Richardson offers a couple of options available at her salon: "Clients that ask if they can apply mascara over their extensions are told that they should upgrade their sets. Another option would be to get a volume lash application, which creates three to six times the volume," she says.

Can You Use Eyeliner with Lash Extensions?

One weird consequence of having mile-long individual false lashes: They get tangled. And dragging a sticky pencil liner along the lash line—where eyelash extensions form their tenuous bonds—just worsens tangling and lash fallout. And there's the aftermath: Cream and gel eyeliners can leave a gummy residue on extensions, making removal an utter nuisance. You'll also want to avoid smudge-proof and budge-proof eye makeup, which includes water-resistant or waterproof liquid liner. A liquid eyeliner may seem innocent enough (it's not creamy or gel-like), but its long-wearing formula will require rubbing or repeatedly touching your lashes to remove it. All of which will shorten your extensions' lifespan.

Powder liner has been a beauty crutch for many over the years, and with good reason. With many formulas delivering exponentially on color payoffs that don't fade and an easy-to-apply method that's hard to muck up, this highly pigmented option guarantees your eyes have the dramatic look without the fuss. For the newbie (or veteran), stick to a fade-free formula like Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner and use a flat angled brush to glide powder liner smoothly along your lashline.

"Regardless of which liner product you choose, be mindful when removing eyeliner since it’s so close to the lash line," says Bedrossian.

How to Apply Eyeshadow with Lash Extensions

If you're going to wear eyeshadow with eyelash extensions, be cautious in the application process. "Apply shadows just like normal, but be aware of shadow droppings on top of the lashes," cautions Bedrossian. "You’ll want to dust off any excess that flies down." If you are unsure of using powder shadows, opt for a cream eyeshadow that can be applied with your fingers.

How to Safely Remove Makeup with Lash Extensions

Avoid Oil and Alcohol Based Eye Makeup Removers

Oil-based makeup removers are best for removing stubborn eye makeup, but they also loosen the glue that bonds extensions to your lashes, so avoid oil-based cleansers and makeup at all costs to preserve the life of your lashes. Shamban confirms: "Do not use any alcohol-based products or oil-based products, which will interfere with the adhesive while you are wearing extensions."

Opt for Micellar Water and Non-Oil Based Removers

To keep your lash extensions clean Shamban suggests, "Use micellar water or other non-oil-based super gentle cleanser daily for the eyes and lash area and clean nightly." A popular derm pick, Neutrogena's Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is a favorite, and we like Almay Oil-Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads, which are made with a soothing plant-based blend of aloe vera, cucumber, and green tea. Whatever you choose, be careful and gentle when removing your makeup, especially around your lash area.

The Final Takeaway

Richardson concludes that when wearing falsies, "Products around the eyes must be oil-free and easy to remove" (oil breaks down the glue bond, after all). Oil-based products will result in losing your lash extensions within one to three days.