6 Secret Tricks for Longer-Lasting Eyelash Extensions

Add staying power to your lashes with these tricks of the trade.

By NewBeauty Editors · Jan 15, 2016

Eyelash extensions are one of the biggest secrets in the industry. They give instant length and fullness and can totally transform the look of your eyes, making them pop. But, they don’t last forever—two to three weeks tops—which is why these expert tricks will help you prolong their life just a little bit longer.

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Keep your lashes clean.

Mae Manolo, lash extension specialist at 901too in Los Angeles says it’s important to clean your lash extensions. “Cleansing the lashes is important because it removes oil and dead skin. You should do it every time you wash your face. Personally, I like Bioderma ($20) for cleansing the lashes.”

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Brush them regularly.

One of the best things you can do to keep your extensions in tip-top shape is brush them with a clean mascara wand at least a few times a day. “Just like how it’s important to brush your hair to keep it healthy and tangle-free, the same concept holds true to lashes. Try brushing them when they are wet so you can set them by combing them through as they dry,” says Manolo. “You can also use cool air from your blow dryer (hold it below your face) to give your lashes a little lift as you comb them through.”

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Avoid waterproof makeup at all costs.

Waterproof makeup may have great staying power, but when it comes to removing it, it can be a pain. “Some waterproof formulas have ingredients in them that can damage the adhesive used for extensions,” says Manolo. “Also, if you can’t remove all of the makeup, you’re more prone to attracting debris to your lashes.”

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Take a good multivitamin.

While the benefits of a good multivitamin go without saying, surprisingly, they can make your lash extensions stay on even longer because they help to strengthen the lashes themselves.

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Try not to sleep on your lashes.

Courtney Buhler, CEO and president of Sugarlash, says that once you enter REM sleep, your eyes start moving and twitching. “If your lash extensions are pushed into the pillow, it will cause a ton of friction on the bonds.”

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Watch what you use near your eyes.

“Avoid oily products and anti-aging creams near your eyes. They can have oils in them that break down the adhesive bond, causing your extensions to shed prematurely,” says Buhler. “Just keep any oily products outside of the eye socket area.”