Top 5 Mascaras that are Eyelash Extensions Friendly

(Updated March 1st, 2021)

I get asked by clients ALL the time about mascaras that can be used while wearing lash extensions. Eyelash extensions are already perfectly uniformed and curled, with practically no need for mascara. However some clients like the extra dramatic look, or to apply a bit on the bottom lashes (especially for our blondes.) I always tell my clients, as long as the mascaras they are using is free of any oil &/or mineral oil and they are not waterproof, they should be OK. But here are my top 5 favorite water based mascaras that are eyelash extension friendly.

Benefit: A Little Bit Bad Gal Lash Mascara

Color: Black

Formula: Water Based

Brush: Large brush/straight with thicker bristles that tapers at the tip

Tube size: Travel: .14oz Full Size: .30 oz

Cost: Travel: $10.00 Full Size: $19.00

Cruelty Free: Yes

Paraben Free: No

Availability: Benefit.com, Ulta, Sephora

Tarte: Lights Camera Lashes Mascara

Color: Black

Formula: Water Based

Brush: Medium-Small brush/straight

Tube size: Travel: .16oz Full Size: .24 oz

Cost: Travel: $10.00 Full Size: $20.00

Cruelty Free: Yes

Paraben Free: Yes

Availability: tartecosmetics.com, Sephora

Buxom: Buxom Lash Mascara

Color: Black

Formula: Water Based

Brush: Large brush/straight with thicker bristles

Tube size: Full Size: .37 oz

Cost: Full Size: $19.00

Cruelty Free: Yes

Paraben Free: Yes

Availability: Planet Beauty, Ulta, BareMinerals, Sephora

Urban Decay: Lush Lash Mascara

Color: Black

Formula: Water Based

Brush: Medium brush/straight with tapers at the middle

Tube size: Full Size: .37 oz

Cost: Full Size: $19.00

Cruelty Free: Yes

Paraben Free: No

Availability: Department stores: Macys, Ulta, Sephora

ilash Care: Eyelash Extensions Mascara

Color: Black

Formula: Water Based

Brush: Medium brush/straight with medium bristles

Cost: Full Size: $20.00

Cruelty Free: Yes

Paraben Free: Yes

When you apply mascara it should only be to the tips, but if you plan applying to the base or the bottom lashes, make sure the mascara you use is always water based. If you only apply to the bottom lashes, mascara can still transfer to the top lashes, every time you blink or close your eyes. If you apply to the base, bottom lashes, and/or both, the water based formula is gentler.

Let me explain: anytime you use mascaras with oil or mineral oil, the oil in these products can loosen the lash extension bonds. Making the lashes come off at a faster rate. Sometimes these oils can “loosen” the bonds, and once dried again, they can than stick to other lashes and bonds and start to clump.

The theme here is “water based everything” and no oil. That means no oil based mascara, be careful for eyeliner or heavy eye make-up with oil, oil based makeup remover, face wash etc.

My last bit of advice? 

Don’t purchase any of these products from grocery stores or swap meets. Usually the products sold there, including hair care, skincare, and cosmetics, are faulty, old, expired, etc. Beware of anti-diversion: read this:

http://www.xojane.com/beauty/why-you-should-avoid-salon-products-at-the-drugstoregreat article explaining this topic: