Can you wear makeup with eyelash extensions?

The good news about having eyelash extensions is that you look amazing without any makeup. But even when we have extensions, we sometimes want to pump up the drama even more! So, what are the rules for applying makeup with eyelash extensions without damaging them? 

We’ve put together a list of dos and don'ts for you so you can enjoy wearing your extensions and your makeup too!

Makeup with eyelash extensions: Rule of thumb

1. Avoid oil-based products

Eyelash extensions are sensitive to oil. Oil can cause the glue in your extensions to break down, so you should always look for oil-free makeup products. In addition to using oil-free makeup, you need to make sure that your makeup remover and daily skin regimen are oil-free (or with the lowest possible oil content) as well. 

2. Avoid waterproof products

Avoid using waterproof mascara or eyeliner at all costs. The problem with waterproof eyeliner or mascara is that they are near impossible to remove without oil-based makeup remover. The oil will disturb the lash adhesive and cause a premature falling out of your extensions!     

Can you put mascara on eyelash extensions?

It is possible, but wearing mascara on eyelash extensions can jeopardize the life of the extensions if you’re not careful. When wearing lash extensions, the worst thing you can do is rub your eyes as this will cause the extensions to fall out.

In that regard, removing mascara involves pulling and rubbing that can cause shedding of both the natural lashes and the extensions. 

Wearing mascara on eyelash extensions can come in handy for filling in the gaps where some of your lash extensions have come off. So, yes, you can wear mascara on lash extensions but avoid water-proof kinds and choose a thin, lash-extension-friendly mascara that is easily washable to minimize the damage.

Choose a lash-extension friendly mascara like BL Noir Mascara:

Eyelash extension without Mascara:

Eyelash extension with Mascara on:

As your eyelash extensions reach the end of their life and begin to shed, you can fill in the gaps or correct the directions of lashes with mascara.

For the best way to apply the mascara without causing any damage to the extensions, we recommend gently brushing your lashes with a spoolie first to separate and groom them.

After removing the excess mascara from the tip of the wand, be sure to only apply the mascara from the middle of the lashes to the tips to avoid any disruption to the extension adhesive bond.

If you have a fluffy volume set DO NOT use mascara over the fans. Applying mascara over them will make your beautiful volume lash fans close up.

If your natural lashes are not dense enough to achieve your desired volume, consider trying a lash growth serum instead of mascara. A serum can be used with or without lash extensions.                                 

Is eyeliner safe to use with eyelash extensions?

To be honest, you don't really need eyeliner when you have lash extensions as the extensions already create a beautiful eyeliner effect on the lash line. However, if your love for the cat eye is non-negotiable, we recommend a water-based ink eyeliner that is easily washable.                 

Pencil liner has a sticky consistency that can dissolve the eyelash glue and cause lash fallout. Gel and cream eyeliners are very difficult to remove as they leave sticky debris on extensions and lash glue,  so no pencil or gel eyeliners, please!   

When removing the eyeliner, it’s best to clean with a lint-free cotton swab soaked in makeup remover. Make sure the cotton swab doesn’t rub or touch the lash extensions too much.

Use a lint-free cotton swab to remove the makeup:

How to apply eyeshadow with eyelash extensions

Choose a matte powder eyeshadow (no cream-based shadow, please!) and apply it with a tight-bristled eyeshadow brush. Remove excess powder from your brush so that it doesn’t fall and get trapped in your extensions. 

If eyeshadow falls on your lashes, it’s best to clean them as soon as possible with a lint-free cotton swab soaked in oil-free makeup remover. If remained uncleansed, it could get trapped in your extensions and cause skin infection.

Keeping the eyeshadow as compact as possible is best for your extensions. 

Best makeup remover to use with eyelash extensions

In K-beauty philosophy, we firmly believe that removing makeup the right way is the most important step to achieving healthy, glowing skin. The same goes for eye makeup.   

Keeping your eyelash extensions intact and as fluffy as day one comes from cleansing them properly.

Here is our three-step lash cleansing tip, the K-beauty way.

#1 Remove stubborn ‘point’ makeup - lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow

The first step for removing makeup is to start with heavy color makeup, like lipstick, eyeliner, and eyeshadow (in Korea, we call this point makeup). 

Normally to remove this kind of stubborn pigmented makeup, you would need oil-based makeup remover. However, for long-lasting lash extensions, you should opt for oil-free makeup remover with a strong cleansing formulation like BL Lip & Eye Makeup Remover. 

This oil-free makeup remover is one of the top sellers in the aftercare category for its ability to remove makeup residue without affecting the lash extensions. 

Designed to cleanse, soothe, and nourish natural eyelashes, Pure Clear Lip & Eye Makeup Remover removes makeup from the sensitive eye areas with no irritation. Packed with soothing natural ingredients like lotus flower extract, the skin remains moisturized after the makeup is removed.

How to Use

Soak a lint-free cotton q-tip swab with makeup remover and wipe off the eye makeup. Why a lint-free? Cotton pad or cotton balls with lint can get caught and tangled in lash extensions and make the extensions fall out. 

#2 Remove makeup in the larger area - foundation, concealer, bronzer 

Once you remove the ‘point makeup’, the next step is to remove makeup in the larger area. This includes upper, under eyes, eyebrows, nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin. For this larger area of the face, use a pre-soaked pad makeup remover. The BL oil-free Eye makeup remover pad is a lash extension-friendly, hassle-free makeup remover. 

How to Use

With the included tongs, pick up a remover pad and place it on your eye or any facial areas for a few seconds, then use it to wipe your makeup off.

#3 Deep-cleanse between lashes

During the eyelash extension procedure, when your lash technician adds a strand of eyelash extensions to your natural lashes, she doesn't apply it directly on your skin but 1-2 mm away from your lash line (applying lash glue directly to the skin can cause burns or glue allergy). 

Over time, this gap between the lash line and lash extensions can collect excess oil from the skin, makeup debris, and dirt, which will make your eyelash line more responsive to bacterial growth. That's why cleaning your lashes and eyelids regularly with a lash extension cleanser is super important.

The lash extension cleanser can be used every day on lashes with or without extensions. It keeps lashes clean and healthy without compromising the eyelash extension bond.

How to Use

1. Wet your face or eyelashes with water
2. Apply a small amount of Lash Cleanser to a cleansing brush
3. Gently lather the foam cleanser to your lashes and right down to your eyelid for at least 5 seconds.
4. Rinse thoroughly with water
5. Gently pat dry with a lint-free towel
6. Brush your lashes with a mascara wand

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Read more:

Lash Coating Sealant: Do I need it?

How long should your eyelash extensions last?

Step by step guide: How to clean lash extension