Eyelash extensions are a great way to bring attention to your eyes and accentuate their color. Your daily mascara struggles are left behind as you get to wake up with beautiful, voluminous lashes that can last for weeks.
However, if they’re not properly taken care of, eyelash extensions can fall off earlier than expected, wasting all that time, money, and effort put into applying them in the first place. Maintenance is key, so learning how to wash your face with eyelash extensions is very important.
Read this article to discover proper ways to clean your face and take care of your new set of lashes, plus some product suggestions to make the whole process easier!
Can You Wash Your Face with Eyelash Extensions?
Yes, you most certainly can and should wash your face and eyelash extensions regularly.
Although you shouldn’t get your lashes soaking wet or wash them directly under running water, you still need to clean them and your face every day in order to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil.
The best option when washing your face is to use a gentle, oil-free cleanser. To lower the risk of bacteria buildup, giving your lash extensions a nightly lash bath is a must, plus it is also beneficial for their longevity and overall appearance.
Image source: Instagram @kateandersenesthetics
How to Wash Your Face with Eyelash Extensions?
Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to wash your face with eyelash extensions:
- Start by gently removing your eye makeup with a cotton pad and an oil-free makeup remover.
- Wet your face with lukewarm water and apply a small amount of oil-free cleanser to your forehead, nose, chin, cheeks, and eye area.
- Gently massage the cleanser into your skin using your fingertips in a circular motion, or by using a soft makeup brush. Be careful not to scrub the eye area since this can lead to premature lash extension loss.
- Rinse your face without splashing water directly on your eyelash extensions. Instead, wash the bottom half of your face as you usually do, and use a damp cloth to clean the eyes and forehead.
- Now wash your eyelash extensions with a suitable cleanser and a brush. Learn how to do that properly and which cleanser to use here.
- Pat your eyelash extensions dry with a clean towel or dry them with your hair dryer on a low setting with cool air.
- Gently brush your lashes using a spoolie after they have completely dried. Be extra careful during this step not to pull on tangled lashes.
Image source: Freepik
What Happens If You Get Your Eyelash Extensions Wet?
In the first 24h after the procedure, you should avoid getting your lash extensions wet since the lash adhesive didn’t dry completely. This means not taking long showers, avoiding steam, swimming, and excessive sweating.
If you get them wet, there is a risk of your lash extensions falling out prematurely. If this happens by accident, make sure you pat them dry as soon as possible, and hope for the best.
After the first 24 hours have passed, you won’t damage your lashes if you get them wet when you shower or wash your hair, but it is important to dry them right after with a hair dryer set on cool or by gently dabbing them with a towel.
If you still have some doubts and want to keep them secure when showering, we recommend wearing swimming goggles while showering.
What Products to Use When Washing Your Face with Lash Extensions?
After getting your eyelash extensions, there are a few things to know before washing your face:
- First, you shouldn’t get your freshly done lash extensions wet for at least 24 hours after the procedure, or until the lash adhesive dries completely.
- Second, you shouldn’t use any oil-based products when cleaning your face and lashes, as oils tend to break the bonds between the extensions and your natural lashes, causing them to break and fall out early.
To help you narrow down your choice when picking lash-safe products to use, here are some of our recommendations:
1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is the best option for sensitive skin.
A dermatologically tested formula that is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and most importantly, oil-free which makes it the perfect gentle cleanser for your face and your lash extensions.
2. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
The Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser features an oil-free, soap-free, hypoallergenic formula specially designed for sensitive skin.
It is essentially a foaming cleanser that is less likely to irritate your eyes than a cream or gel-formulated cleanser, plus it is a great option for keeping your lash extensions bacteria-free.
Final Thoughts
Whenever you decide to get eyelash extensions, rest assured that soon after the procedure you will get back to your regular skincare routine.
Washing your face with eyelash extensions is not at all complicated when knowing which products to use and which to avoid.
The key to long-lasting extensions is to avoid oil-based products around the eye area and when removing makeup, to be careful with running water, and to be consistent!
Learn more about cleaning lash extensions here.
Cover image source: Freepik
