Mascara on Lash Extensions: What Works and Why

If you plan an infill, don’t wear mascara on lash extensions because it can affect how the new ones bond. If you let the set grow out without infills, you can wear mascara that isn’t waterproof. You’ll rarely need it. Extensions give your lashes more length and fullness, and make them look darker. If gaps are bothering you, I’d book an infill instead.

Why don’t extensions need mascara?

Extensions are made to look as though you’ve already put mascara on. Most people choose them because they want to leave mascara out of their usual routine.

I’d give a new set a chance on its own before buying mascara for it. You may find that you like the look without adding anything. That also saves you the job of taking mascara off the extensions each evening.

When might I still want mascara?

If you don’t plan to have infills, you might want a little more fullness for a special event. You can also use mascara that isn’t waterproof to blend a set as it grows out.

I understand the temptation to add another coat when a set starts looking less full. But mascara won’t fill the gaps with new extensions. If the gaps are what bother you, an infill will deal with them more directly. Leave mascara off if you’re booking one.

What does mascara do to extensions?

Mascara can clump extensions together. Oddly enough, that can make it look as though you have fewer lashes, even though you put it on for more fullness. Keep adding mascara and the extensions can get crusty. They can be damaged more easily, too.

The oil in most mascaras works away at the bond holding each extension in place. Mascara is also difficult to remove completely. You know those black smudges under your eyes in the morning, even after you thought you’d cleaned everything off the night before? Small traces can stay on the lashes too.

I clean your lashes at an infill, but I can’t be certain I’ve removed every trace of oil in the appointment time. New extensions don’t bond well over oil. They may not last as long, which means more frequent infills and more cost for you. That’s why I’d rather you arrive with clean lashes than ask me to work through mascara.

Which mascara can I use with extensions?

If you’re letting your set grow out without infills, choose a water-based mascara. Tubing mascara is fine too, as long as it isn’t waterproof. Avoid oil-based mascara and waterproof mascara, and keep oil-based make-up away from your extensions too.

Waterproof mascara clings to extensions like a needy ex. It’s hard to remove, and the products used to take it off can break down the adhesive bond. Your make-up remover needs to be oil-free as well. Lash serums are fine with extensions because they don’t affect the bonds. You don’t need a lash sealant. Once the glue has cured, it’s hardy enough to hold by itself. If you can’t find a suitable mascara and remover, I’d leave the mascara off.

What’s the best way to apply and remove it?

Start in the middle of the lash and brush towards the tip. Keep mascara away from the roots. A heavy coat from base to tip adds weight, pulls on the lashes and takes more work to remove. If one light coat gives you the look you want, stop there.

To take it off, soak a cotton pad in oil-free remover. Press it lightly against your closed eye, then lift it away. Don’t drag the pad or cotton wool across the extensions, and don’t rub. You can dip a cotton bud in the remover to clear make-up from the lash line. Brush through the extensions regularly with a clean lash brush to keep them defined.

What should I do before an infill?

Arrive without mascara. If you’ve worn it on your extensions, shower and remove all of it before the appointment. Otherwise, the glue may not hold and your lashes may shed much sooner. Most clients book an infill every 2 to 3 weeks, although the right point for you depends on your lashes and how you look after the set. Infills are for my existing clients only.

A classic infill costs £30 and takes 1 hour. A silk or cashmere infill is also £30 for 1 hour. A hybrid infill costs £35 for 1 hour 15 minutes, and a Russian volume infill costs £40 for 1 hour 15 minutes. If you want your set at its fullest before an event or holiday, a mini infill within one week costs £25 and takes 45 minutes. You can check the price list before you book.

What about lower lashes or wearing mascara every day?

Mascara on your lower lashes is fine. I don’t apply extensions to lower lashes.

If you love wearing mascara every day, extensions may give you more upkeep than you want. A lash lift and tint works with your own lashes. Leave mascara off for the first 24 to 48 hours after the lift, then a coat or two is fine. It costs £45 and takes 45 minutes.

I see one client at a time in my private room in Patcham. If extensions still sound right for you, see lash extensions for the treatment details, and keep the lash extension aftercare guide handy once you have your set.

Can you wear mascara with lash extensions?

Key facts

Why don’t extensions need mascara?

When might I still want mascara?

What does mascara do to extensions?

Which mascara can I use with extensions?

What’s the best way to apply and remove it?

What should I do before an infill?

What about lower lashes or wearing mascara every day?

More from my blog

Classic, hybrid or Russian lashes in Brighton: how to choose

Which lash extension style suits my eye shape?

Why do lash extensions shed faster in spring and autumn?

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