10 Foolproof Ways to Make Your Eyelash Extensions Last Longer

How to Make Eyelash Extensions Last Longer

Many of you may know that I do my own eyelash extensions. However, regardless of whether you get your eyelash extensions professionally done or do them yourself, these 10 tips on how to make your eyelash extension last longer will work for you. Eyelash pre-care and post-care maintenance is essential to getting your lash extensions to last longer before your next fill, so keep reading to find more tips & tricks to longer lasting eyelash extensions.

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How Long Eyelash Extensions are Supposed to Last

Eyelash extensions are a great way to achieve fuller, longer lashes without using mascara or other cosmetic products. Extensions can last anywhere from two weeks to eight weeks, depending on a few different factors.

In my experience, depending on your maintenance, how oily your skin is, and your natural lash cycle, lash extensions will need to be filled every 2-4 weeks to keep a full and voluminous look.

Why Your Eyelash Extensions are Falling Out so Fast

First, since eyelash extensions are attached to your natural lashes, eyelash extensions will fall out as your natural lashes shed. At any given point, your eyelashes are in one of three growth phases so you are constantly shedding some lashes, regrowing others, or at full-growth.  Therefore, there will be some eyelash fallout per your natural lash cycle which will lead to gaps in your extensions.

Eyelash extension retention also depend on application.  The better the application, the longer your lashes will last. The base of the eyelash extension needs to fully attached to the eyelash extension using eyelash extension glue. In addition, the extensions should be positioned at the right angle on the natural lash so that they are secure, as well as, to avoid any dirt and oil getting trapped in the lashes which will cause the lashes to fall out.

Maintenance is essential to keeping the eyelashes clean. Dirt and oil will cause your lashes to fall out faster.

10 Tips for Longer Lasting Lash Extensions

Here are 10 tips and tricks to make your extensions last longer.

1. Clean your lashes

Cleaning your lashes regularly is essential to increasing how long your eyelash extensions last. You should clean your lashes before and after receiving your eyelash extensions.

There are many gentle eyelash extension cleaners that can be used on eyelash extensions to remove dirt, oil and makeup. I clean my lashes before applying eyelash extensions, and you can easily do this yourself as well if your eyelash professional skips this step.

Starting 24 hours after my eyelash extension application, I clean my eyelashes on a daily basis to help my lash retention.  

I personally use the Beau Lashes shampoo. This cleanser is free from alcohol, parabens, and sulfates so it’s perfect for sensitive eyes, and gentle for eyelash extensions.

Here are some highly rated eyelash cleansers (that come with a brush) to shop:

Steps to cleanse your eyelashes:

1. Pump the cleanser on the brush or in your hand.
2. With eyes closed, gently swipe the brush up and down your lashes.
3. Rinse your lashes with water
4. Pat your lashes dry.

2. Get the right eyelash extension length, weight and curl

The length and weight of your eyelash extensions should be dependent on the length and weight of your natural lash. Eyelash extensions should be not more than about 3mm-5mm longer than your natural lashes. The weight of your extensions will depend on the diameter of your natural lash.  Using a length or weight that is too heavy for your natural lashes will cause damage to your natural lashes, resulting in lash fall-out or breakage.

It is also important to choose a curl that is close to your natural lash. Not all curls will have the same retention. The curlier the lash, the retention will last shorter, because there is less the extension to attach to your natural lash.

3. Use an eye cover made for lashes when sleeping

You should sleep on your back as much possible to avoid rubbing your eyelashes against your pillow or bed which can cause your eyelash extensions to loosen and fall out. If you are someone that likes to sleep in other positions, or wants to be extra careful, I would recommend wearing an eye mask that is made for eyelash extensions to sleep. These masks are contoured so they have extra room in the eye area so that your eyelash extensions don’t touch the eye mask.

Here are some eyelash extension sleeping mask covers:

4. Use eye make-up made for eyelash extensions

Wearing eye makeup will negatively affect the retention of your eyelash extensions because of the residue and oil they leave on your lashes. Fortunately, there is eye makeup that is safe for eyelash extensions because they are oil-free.

Check out these mascaras made for extensions:

Check out these eyeliners made for lash extensions:

5. Apply a lash sealant

A lash sealant creates a protective barrier around your eyelash extensions, protecting them from oil, water, and sweat which will prolong your eyelash extensions. A sealant is recommended to use 48 hours after you lash application to allow the adhesive to cure.

Steps to use a lash sealant:

1. Apply a lash sealant daily to your lashes, starting 48 hours after your lash application.
2. Apply a thin layer evenly on your eyelashes.
3. Brush your eyelashes with a dry wand.

Try these sealants that come in black and clear:

6. Use an oil-free face cleanser and makeup remover

Using oil-free face products is key to helping the retention of your eyelash extensions. Oils break down the adhesive used in extensions so avoiding products with oil is essential. Along with oil-free eye makeup, be sure to also use oil-free face cleansers and makeup removers.

Try these oil-free cleansers:

7. Brush them regularly

Brushing eyelash extensions is important to remove dust, dirt and makeup buildup. Brushing your eyelash extensions should be a part of your daily lash extension maintenance to keep your extensions clean and help the retention last longer.

I keep these lash wands in my bathroom so I can brush my lash extensions every time after I wash my face and after using lash cleaner.

8. Don’t touch your lashes or eyes

You want to avoid touching your lashes and eyes as much as possible. Your hands have natural oils that will affect the adhesives used to apply your extensions.  The oils will cause the adhesives to break down, loosening the bond, and causing your lashes to fall off fasher.

You also do NOT want to pull or pluck your lashes or extensions off which can lead to pulling out your natural lashes, damaging them, and causing breakage or excess shedding beyond your natural lash cycle.

9. Avoid water and steam for 24 hours

Avoid water and steam for at least 24 hours after your extensions application. The water or steam will interfere with the curing of the adhesive which will dramatically decrease the retention of you extensions.  You should avoid water and steam from washing your face, the shower, sauna, rain, cooking, smoking or jacuzzis to name a few.

In order to avoid washing your face or showering for 24 hours, I would recommend washing your face and/or taking a shower right before your lash extensions.  Then, avoid wearing any makeup on your face so that you can avoid washing your face for 24 hours.  If you need to wash your face, I would suggest using face wipes so you can avoid any water near your lash extensions. 

10. Use a light-weight eye cream

Using a light-weight or oil-free eye cream around the eyes will help with your eyelash extension retention. Try these oil-free eye creams that are still efficacious but safe for lash extensions.

Try all of these tips above, and you will definitely have longer eyelash extension retention.  Most importantly, avoid water and oil near your lashes, and clean and brush them regularly to make your lash extensions last longer. 

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