Do you put mascara on fake lashes or do they not need the added boost? In this article, we’ll take a look at what beauticians recommend and what the best practices for fake lashes and mascara are.
So you’ve decided to revamp your whole look and glam up your lash game to get a dramatic jumpstart. Nothing makes you feel ten times more gorgeous than a fresh-looking dolled-up face and a set of lengthy, God-given eyelashes. Many people do believe that the eyes are the most beautiful part of a person’s body since, after all, they’re the windows to the soul. And what better way to frame those soul windows than with some beautiful long lashes?
Headturner eyelashes that steal the scene and complement our faces have always been a prized beauty mark through the centuries and in many cultures. Since a lot of us weren’t born with this type of lashes (blame the totes unfair genetic lottery), we can always recourse to using gorgeous false strip lashes to provide that same charm and allure natural ones give. Whether one opts for the classic, volume, or hybrid extensions, these styles all make a difference in highlighting and complementing one’s features.
But strip lashes aren’t the only thing that brings out the beauty of the eyes. There are the ever-handy eyeshadows, eyeliners, primers, and of course, your trusty mascara. They add extra definition and drama to the eyes and the lashes, giving you an entirely different look.
Should you Put Mascara on fake eyelashes
The short answer to that is, technically, YES (but with some reservations)
Technically speaking, you can use both of them at the same time. The standard recommendation is to apply one thin coat of mascara to your natural lashes before having your lash extensions applied, especially if you’re getting a classic lash set. Learn more about the differences between classic, hybrid, and volume lash extensions.
Once the false lashes are already in place, you can then put on another thin layer of mascara to the lower, natural lashes as you normally would to complete the look, adding the desired wide-eyed/dramatic effect. It’s advisable to use products with water-based solutions formulated for lash extensions so as to boost the extensions’ length and volume, but at the same time, prevent any unsightly clumps, flakes, and smudges,
You can go and do likewise at your own risk. Most stylists don’t usually recommend doing so in any form. Why? There are always a few problems along the way. Some types of mascara, particularly waterproof mascara or any oil-based kind, will tend to loosen and dissolve the bonding agent, effectively shortening the lifespan of your eyelash extensions. Not only that, but the force of the mascara brush rubbing on the lashes can also potentially stretch a few fibers here and there and may even cause them to be in disarray, be damaged, loosened, or worse, fall off.
At any rate, thickening the lashes in that way would already be unnecessary since lengthening your natural lashes with dark, volume-filled lash fiber will already do the job, so there’s really no need to use it along with the falsies.
But what about eyeshadows and primers?
Compared to applying mascara, it’s much more recommendable to use eyeshadows or primers with the lash extensions since these products don’t really affect the falsie fibers that much. Applying eyeshadow to the eyelids helps make the person’s eyes stand out or look more attractive. Using primers prevents your eyeshadow from creasing or falling off throughout the day.
Stick to powdered products at all costs and avoid using oil-based products and brands. The oil can dissolve the lash adhesive, not just the glue adhesive that binds the lash band to the lash line but also the one that attaches the actual lash fibers to the band itself. The same can be said about primers. Oil-based ones don’t jive well with lash extensions; the oil in the product tends to seep through the lashes and dissolve the adhesion, causing the lash strips to fall off! Definitely one cringey embarrassing situation that will haunt you.
Shadows that are cream-based aren’t good for the falsies, either. They also dissolve the adhesive band and damage the fibers. Ones that aren’t can weigh down on the strips, making them heavier and uncomfortable to wear.
And eyeliners?
Perhaps, the least problematic makeup tool on our list today. You can use your eyeliner with your lash extensions, and it greatly redefines the overall look. It’s best to touch up with your eyeliner after the eyelash extensions have already been put in place, as the process of applying the lashes can seriously mess up the line. Afterward, you can apply some more eyeliner just above the lash band as you please.
To prevent unsightly brouhahas, be sure to use non-waterproof liquid and gel eyeliners, provided they’re oil-free. Be extra careful with using crayon or pencil eyeliners since if you use these with too much force, they can drag and pull the lash strip away from the lid where you are applying it.
What to avoid?
As mentioned, all oil-based products are a no-no. If you’re committed to the lash game, you might want to ditch any of your oil-laden beauty products for a while. Makeup removing products should also be avoided if you’re wearing falsies since almost all brands contain do oil (unless specified).
How to clean your eyelash extensions
Even if they’re falsies, one should keep their extensions cleaned every day. Our natural eyelashes keep airborne dirt, dust, lint, and other debris from reaching the eye tissues. The falsies also assume this responsibility, so it’s important to keep them clean at all costs to prevent any bacteria buildup.
- Gently rinse your lashes with water.
- Using a small cleansing brush, apply a tiny amount of lash shampoo on each lash and work through a downward motion over the eyelid and the lash line.
- Rinse again carefully with water.
- Pat the lashes gently with a lint-free tissue or cloth.
- Use a clean mascara wand and gently curl up and fluff the lashes.
If you’re wearing makeup before cleaning the lashes, be sure to remove the makeup first before proceeding to make the lash cleanup process easier and mess-free.
Lash extensions are an excellent way of revamping and reinventing your look. With or without any makeup products, they can already make you stand out and make you be the best version of yourself. While they steal the show and make heads turn, wearing and maintaining them is a meticulous commitment. Taking great care of them ensures longer lifespans and more fabulous pasarelas.