Makeup For Lash Extensions: What Can You Use?

LuxeLuminous is reader supported. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

If you’ve got luscious lash extensions, then you know that they give your eyes a beautiful frame without needing to put on any other makeup.

However, there will be days when you’ll want to add more drama to your appearance to make your eyes really pop.

Are there certain rules that you need to follow for applying makeup if you have lash extensions?

There are definitely some things to know when it comes to applying makeup to lash extensions. In this article, we’ll share with you the dos and don’ts of wearing makeup for lash extensions.

Here are a few basics:

  • Mascara is fine, but not waterproof mascara
  • Don’t be tempted to put false lashes on top of extensions
  • Oil-based makeup removers can remove your extensions, too!

Let’s dive in with more.


Contents

Makeup For Lash Extensions

You’ll be pleased to know that if you want to wear makeup with lash extensions, you can certainly do so.

However, there are some rules that you’ll need to follow in order to make sure that your lash extensions aren’t damaged when you are applying and wearing the makeup.

In general, your eyelash extensions will last for around six weeks with normal wear. But if you choose to use the wrong makeup when you’re wearing them, not only is it possible that they’ll fall out, but they’ll also look terrible, and you could even ruin your natural lashes in the process.

Your eyelash extensions will last for around six weeks with normal wear. But if you choose to use the wrong makeup when you’re wearing them, not only is it possible that they’ll fall out, but they’ll also look terrible, and you could even ruin your natural lashes in the process.

So, what are the rules for wearing makeup with lash extensions?


1. Recoil From The Oil

The glue that was used to adhere your lash extensions to your lash line will break down if it comes into contact with oil. This means that any skincare products that contain oil, like many eye makeup removers, are items you really need to avoid. You need to be careful when you clean your eyelash extensions.

Any skincare products that contain oil, like many eye makeup removers, are items you really need to avoid.

If you need a recommendation for an oil-free eye makeup remover, then we suggest The Face Shop’s Oil-Free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover , which contains rice water extract that gently removes eye makeup and even stay-put lipstick.

Also containing vitamins A, B, and E, as well as amino acids, and other healthy components, this milky water makeup remover is vegan, free of parabens, and works to prevent cellular aging of the skin.

2. Water Water Everywhere

As you now know, eyelash extensions are very sensitive, so using products like waterproof mascara or eyeliner is a bad idea (however, you can wear non-waterproof mascara). That’s because these products are almost impossible to remove without using an oil-based remover, which will degrade the glue on your lash extensions.

Alluring Length and Volume Mascara  has been specially formulated to be used with eyelash extensions, and is gentle enough that you can even use it every day.

In fact, it’s so gentle that it can easily be removed with water.

Just don’t get caught in the rain on the days you wear it, and note that if you find yourself crying, your mascara will definitely run!

Alluring Length & Volume Mascara for eyelash extensions - oil free
  • This is for QTY of 1 Water-Based Length...
  • Lash Extension Compatibility: Created...
  • Oil-Free Formula: Our mascara is...
  • Long-Lasting Wear: Our mascara is...
  • Safe and Hypoallergenic: We understand...

3. All About Eyeliner

You may have noticed that your lash extensions can sometimes get tangled, so using an eyeliner pencil to drag along your lash line will only make this situation worse. Gel and cream eyeliners can leave a sticky glue-like residue, so using these would also be a no-no, along with smudge proof or waterproof formulas.

Therefore, if you want to wear eyeliner with your lash extensions, then it has to be a powder liner or something like LAshX , which is a long lasting smokable water-based liquid eyeliner that is safe to use with eyelash extensions.

This product is also free of oil, glycol, parabens, and sulfates, and is a peptide blend that comes in a range of five colors to suit your look.

When you remove your eyeliner (remember it has to be with an oil-free formula), you also need to take extra care, because of how close the product is applied to your lash line. Otherwise, you run the risk of ruining your delicate extensions!

When you remove your eyeliner (remember it has to be with an oil-free formula), you also need to take extra care, because of how close the product is applied to your lash line. Otherwise, you run the risk of ruining your delicate extensions!

4. Casting Shadows

When wearing eyeshadow with lash extensions, all you need to do is make sure that it’s not a cream-based formula. And also beware of dropping flecks of eyeshadow powder on top of your lashes.

If you do, then gently brush it off with a clean and tightly bristled eyeshadow brush, or a lint-free cotton swab dipped in your oil-free cleanser (see our recommendation below).

Otherwise, you run the risk of the powder getting trapped in your extensions, which can end up causing an infection.

5. Cleansing Deep

During the six weeks or so that you have your lash extensions in, you need to make sure that you keep them clean from excess pollution, dirt, or oil that accumulates on your face, whether you’re wearing makeup or not.

That’s because the more yucky buildup that accumulates along your lash line, the easier it is for bacteria to develop and cause an infection, which is something you definitely don’t want to deal with. So, cleaning your eyelids and lash extensions three to four times a week is extremely important.

Lashgame Eyelash Foaming Lash Extension Cleanser  works well to remove dirt, oil, chemicals, and other polluting contaminants in a special solution that contains natural citrus extracts with a light rose scent.

Eyelash Extension Foaming Cleanser with Cleaning Brush | Safe and Gentle Formula for Cleaning Dirt & Oil from Eyelash Extensions
  • ✅ PROVIDES NOURISHMENT: Foaming lash...
  • ✅SAFE AND EASY FOR YOU TO USE: Our...
  • ✅EASILY HYDRATE YOUR EYES: LASHGAME's...
  • ✅FREE EYELASH APPLICATOR BRUSH: The...
  • ✅ 100% AUSTRALIAN MADE: We are proud...

Designed for sensitive eyes, this foam cleanser is free from alcohol and sulfates, and it comes with an eyelash cleaning brush that doesn’t cause irritation to your skin, and works gently to cleanse your delicate eyelids and skin. And it won’t compromise the bond of the lash extension glue.

Just remember to use a lint-free cotton bud when you use this cleanser. And be gentle while you’re doing it.

6. Forget the Falsies

While you may be tempted to apply false lashes on top of your extensions in order to really amp up the lasehs, that’s just not a good idea. Regardless of whether you choose glue-on or magnetic false lashes, the extra weight on your natural lashes, already weight-down with extensions, will be too much. You run the risk of damaging your natural lashes, or ruining your extensions.

You need to choose one or the other: false lashes or extensions.


Conclusion

If you want to bring on the drama with your makeup look and you have lash extensions, then you can! However, you should follow the rules we’ve shared in this article about makeup for lash extensions so that the glue doesn’t break down, and they stay put.

Otherwise, you run the risk of compromising not only the extension themselves but also the health and strength of your natural lashes.

So, don’t lash out, and do the right thing!

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).