How to Wash Your Face with Eyelash Extensions

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase.

After getting a full set of eyelash extensions, you’ll most likely be advised by your lash tech to refrain from wetting your eyelash extensions for the first 24 hours. 

But what happens after that? Do you know how to wash your face with eyelash extensions? Can you wash your face with lash extensions?

Yes! You can and should wash your face regularly, even when you have them on. 

But you need to know how to properly wash your face with your fake eyelashes on. This way, you’ll make them last longer without damaging them. 

To learn these essential tips for washing your face with eyelash extensions, read below!

Can You Get Your Eyelash Extensions Wet?

Do you want to wear your eyelash extensions longer while keeping them intact?

Here’s a pro tip: The longer you retain the lash adhesives used on your extensions, the more you can improve their longevity. 

Oil and water are the main culprits that cause the lash bonds to weaken and break down, which can be troublesome since our face naturally produces oils. 

Maintaining your lash extensions can be difficult, especially if you sweat a lot, are active, have oily skin, or don’t know how to wash your face with fake lashes on properly.  

Thankfully, the restriction of not getting eyelash extensions wet only applies to freshly applied sets, which usually last for about 24 to 28 hours after your lash session, according to lash experts. 

Since most lash adhesives are not water-soluble, you can have your lash extensions wet without problems once the lash adhesive is totally cured.

In fact, our natural lashes require some amount of water to be rehydrated, keeping them strong and healthy. 

If your lash line is healthy, you can get as many lash extensions as possible without any problems!

But remember that you cannot wash your face as you used to if you have lash extensions on. 

Allowing running water directly on your lashes or splashing water on your face is a major no-no. Doing so will only make your lash fall off sooner than you expect. 

The secret is to wash your face regularly in a way that cares for your lashes and skin, which is what this article is all about!

Should You Regularly Wash Your Face and Extensions?

Washing your face regularly and knowing how to do it properly is crucial to remove makeup, excess oil, and dirt on your skin while taking care of your eyelash extensions — if you have any. 

A proper skincare and face-washing routine with lash extensions will help prolong your lash extensions, unclog your pores, and keep your skin radiant, clean, and fresh. 

Removing debris and sebum regularly is necessary to avoid clogging your pores and eventually breaking down the lash adhesive bonds.

As a result, your eyelash extensions won’t fall out prematurely. 

How to Wash Your Face with Eyelash Extensions?

Now that you know the importance of washing your face even with your fake lashes, you might be wondering by now how to wash your face with fake eyelashes on.

Check out this complete beginner’s guide for you:

Pro Tip: Avoid using oil-based products when washing your face if you have lash extensions. Otherwise, the lash glue bonds between your natural lashes and extensions will break and fall out. 

Instead, use oil-free and lash-safe products specially made for sensitive skin, like Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. 

1. Remove Your Makeup

If you wear a lot of eye makeup, you need to remove that first before washing your face. 

Since oil-based products can cause your lash glue bond to break down, choosing an oil-free makeup remover like Neutrogena Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is crucial.

Apply your chosen makeup remover to a soft cloth and gently remove all your makeup. While doing so, pay close attention to the area around your lash lines and eyes. 

Do not tug or rub these areas as much as possible to avoid ruining your lashes as you remove your makeup. 

Wash Your Lashes Using an Oil-Free Lash Shampoo

Remember to wash your eyelash extensions to remove the accumulated bacteria and dirt to avoid getting lash infections.  

Lash experts recommend cleansers formulated especially for eyelash extensions, such as Melao’s Gentle Eyelash Extension Foaming Cleanser/Shampoo.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to safely wash your lash extensions:

1. Shake your lash shampoo every time before dispensing. 
2. Apply one to two pumps of shampoo onto the head of the cleansing brush provided with the product.
3. Gently pat and wipe the cleanser to your eyelid for 30 seconds until all debris, oil, dirt, and makeup are cleansed away. 
4. Rinse the eyelid and lashes with clean water. 
5. Wipe the soap away with a moist, lint-free towel.
6. Repeat on the other eye.

NOTE: Never rub your eyelashes from side-to-side to avoid the chances of lash fallouts. 

2. Avoid Using Running Water on Face

As mentioned earlier, running water should be avoided at all costs when washing your face with eyelash extensions. 

So be extra careful while showering. Use a handheld showerhead to avoid water on your face if you can. 

Other people even consider wearing goggles in the shower to ensure their lashes are protected from moisture. 

As you wash your face in the sink, make sure not to splash water on your face. Instead, use a clean, round facial sponge or facial cloth, particularly above the brow area. 

3. Wash Your Face in Sections

After you remove your makeup and clean your eyelashes, it’s time to wash your face with lash extensions the right way. 

How do you wash your face with eyelash extensions?

Start by dividing your face into two sections: (1) from your cheekbones down and (2) from your brow area and up. 

To clean your face, use a high-quality gel-based or water-based facial cleanser — preferably one that foams well, such as CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser.

First, start washing your face with your cheekbones and the areas below your eyes as you usually do. 

You can use a scrub brush or your fingers to apply your chosen oil-free facial cleanser. Use your water and cleanser from the sink for a more controlled approach, and avoid splashing water at all costs. 

After that, wash your brow area and up, which needs more care. Make a foam with your cleanser for this part, and gently cleanse this section. Make sure not to drip any foams or products on your lashes. 

Then get a round facial sponge, soak it with water, and squeeze out excess water. Use this to remove the cleanser without dripping any moisture on your lashes. 

Keep doing these steps until you completely remove the cleanser from your face. 

4. Pat Dry

Once you’re done cleansing your face, gently pat your face dry with a dry, clean face cloth without hitting your lashes. 

For this step, some people prefer using a clean disposable spoolie or a lash brush to brush their lashes. 

This step is crucial to ensure that any accumulated moisture on your lashes from washing your face is wicked off. Plus, it helps keep them clump-free and fluffed out. 

5. Moisturize

A proper skincare routine for the face won’t be complete without moisturizing. 

Keeping your skin moisturized and hydrated preserves vibrance, elasticity, and a youthful appearance. Aside from that, moisturizing helps prevent skin from premature aging. 

But if your eyelash extensions are on, avoid putting moisturizer on the areas close to your lash line. 

6. Apply a Lash Sealant

After your face is washed, dried, and moisturized, don’t forget to use an eyelash sealer as your last step. 

Lash sealants, like CALAILIS Lash Sealer, will help you protect your lash adhesive and lashes from the oils of humidity in the air and oils from your skin, which might naturally start to build up again after completing your skincare routine. 

Why Should You Regularly Wash Your Eyelash Extensions?

If you want to get effortlessly voluminous eyelashes, getting a set of lash extensions is an open secret. 

However, these extensions can be high maintenance, so you should understand the importance of washing your eyelash extensions thoroughly and regularly if you don’t want them falling off before they should. 

Here are some of the reasons why you should stick to an eyelash care routine after your lash appointment:

Premature Lash Fallout

Once your lashes have accumulated debris from your face, your eyelash extensions will get heavier and eventually fall off prematurely. 

But if your extensions are cleaned and maintained, the lash glue has a better chance of sticking to your natural lashes. 

Plus, it won’t interfere with the integrity of your glue, which can help the lashes last longer on you. 

Eyelash Infection

If you don’t regularly clean your extensions, one of the major problems you might experience is blepharitis, an eyelid inflammation. 

This inflammation happens when the hair follicle gets infected due to blockage. Since your skin naturally produces sebum that leaves a residue, your eyelids can get clogged up and infected. 

Droopy Eyelashes

Failure to properly groom your eyelash extensions can make them droopy and look sad. This usually occurs when dirt, old makeup, debris, and other residue are stuck on your eyelashes.  

Having dusty and clumpy lashes is probably not the look you were going for when you had your lash extensions done.

Conclusion

Whenever you decide to get eyelash extensions, consider all the tips and steps listed in this article. 

Never skip this crucial part of your skincare routine to avoid the possible risks of dirty eyelashes. 

Washing your face with eyelash extensions is pretty simple, especially if you know which products to avoid and which ones to use. 

Now that you know how to wash your face with lash extensions properly, you can enjoy your beautiful eyelash extensions for longer without worry!

Do you want to learn more about eyelash extensions?

Check these articles out:

• Cat Eyelash Extensions: Are They Perfect For Your Eye Shape?
• Allergic Reactions To Eyelash Extensions: All You Need To Know!
• What Are Wispy Eyelash Extensions? The Ultimate Guide