Why Eyelash Extensions and Oil Do Not Mix

(Updated March 2nd, 2021.)

 So imagine this....
You just got your eyelashes done!
You're excited, and can't wait to show off your lashes to the world.
You have an event to attend to tomorrow night, and can't wait to get dolled up.
The next day, you decide you want to go a little heavy with the eye make up, including mascara.
Whats the bid deal.... you got your lashes done over 24 hours ago, you should be good to go.
Once you're satisfied with your look, you leave for the party.
By the time you get home, your exhausted.
You switch to pjs and wash your face with your favorite make-up remover and/or facial cleanser.
Before you know it, you're snoozing Z's.

You wake up the next morning, and take one look in the mirror.

You have few left! How can this be!? A night, and suddenly a lot of lash extensions are missing!
You freak out, and call your lash tech...

Now STOP right there.

We give every client an aftercare pack, which includes a mascara wand (to help detangle), instructions, a business card, and usually a coupon. We usually answer any questions about maintenance before or after your appointment. But, we are only human :). We too can forget or be slammed with clients giving us not enough time to tell you all the instructions ourselves. Our aftercare card and packs help with that. Our aftercare card instructions states, "only use oil free make-up remover, face cleansers, makeup, etc." It also states,"Do not use oil based products on or around the eye lash/lid area." Meaning, avoid getting sunscreen, face cleansers, moisturizers, eye creams, etc. that contain oils on the lids or lashes. Avoid heavy eye make-up or make-up that has oils in them, this includes mascara, and other products.

Nooooooooooooooooo Oil, mineral oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, etc.

Now that you have the "no oil" theme down,

You're probably wondering WHY? 

Eyelash Extensions, when applied correctly and with good product, feature adhesives that are medical grade. Almost all lash extension adhesives are "oil based."
Anytime you add oil and water, they repel.
However, if you add oil and oil they combine.
That's where our problem begins.

Oils can break down the bonds of lash extensions bonded to natural lashes individually.
Making lashes either slip off faster, and or lashes becoming loose, and able to stick to other or neighboring lashes/lash extensions. This can create a mess, making a fill and/or corrective appointment come sooner rather than later.

Again, to avoid all of the heartache and mess....... no oil!

Make sure any products that DO have oil, that you can not live without, are applied away from lashes and eyelid.

Examples:
Sunscreen, moisturizers, masks etc.:
apply on the face, avoid eye area (in red.)
Make sure when you wash your face, that you avoid the eyes when using a oil based facial cleanser.
Use a water based make up remover or facial cleanser to remove any debris or excess product, oils, make-up etc. Using qtips that are lint free or a soft microfiber washcloth, can be helpful to remove excess product. Avoid using any cotton or q-tips that have lint, the lint can get snagged on the lashes. Be gentle, no pulling, tugging, or rubbing when cleaning lashes.

Eye creams, concealers, eye, under eye make-up:
Apply with a finger, dabbing the product to the skin around the eye are, desired skin. Make sure to avoid the eyelid lashes. Once applied. Give 2-5 minutes, unless otherwise directed to "dry" or absorb".

Eyeshadow, eyeliner, etc.:
*This can be tricky, considering that most of the problems come from liquids or cream based make-up. Make sure when applied, it's applied thinly and had sufficient time to dry /absorb.
Apply with desired brush, sponge, finger, etc. Avoid the lid, or can lightly dust on the lid. Make sure to not get on the lashes.

Mascara:
Water based mascara only. (Most mascaras now-a-days are water or clay based.) 

No oil based or waterproof. Check out our post on top 5 favorite water based mascaras that are eyelash extension friendly. Mascara should only be applied to the tips of the lashes, and/or bottom lashes. The base of the lashes can build up product, making it more a mess to clean, but it's up to you.

(Avoid any growth for lashes & or vitamins if possible.)
Note:Make sure if  any creams, eyecreams, etc. are applied at night, that the product is completely dry/absorbed. If you sleep on you stomach or side, lashes can have product transfer the oils from the skin once the eyes are closed.

Make sure to follow your lash extension aftercare card.

Our techs give you one after every appointment, 

if you did not get one, make sure to ask for it. 

  

Stay tuned for eyelash extensions tips and tricks #1-10!
Happy July! :)