Can You Wear Mascara With Eyelash Extensions?

Wearing the wrong makeup on your eyelash extensions can spell lash fallout and damage. Is wearing mascara one of them? Can you wear mascara after getting eyelash extensions in Melbourne? Let’s settle this question once and for all.

In this guide, we’ll talk about whether you can put mascara on your lash extensions, the pros and cons, the types of mascara you can use, and the ones you need to avoid. Read on.

Can You Wear Mascara on Lash Extensions?

The short answer is yes, absolutely. The long answer is yes, as long as you have the classic set, which is the simplest style done by applying one lash extension to one natural eyelash.

Please DO NOT use mascara on volume or hybrid lashes (a combination of classic and volume). That’s because the mascara makes the volume fans snap shut and clumpy. And we will no longer be able to fill them.

Whilst you can still wear mascara with classic lashes, in general, it’s best to avoid it. First, it may not be necessary because eyelash extensions in Melbourne already give you the mascara look. Second, any mascara adds extra weight to your lashes and makes them stick together, which can lead to damage and lash loss.

Here are the pros and cons for you to weigh in.

Pros of Putting Mascara on Lash Extensions

• It makes your extensions appear darker, bolder, and longer, making you look extra glamorous.
• It adds volume and colour to your lower lashes, creating a balanced look between your natural lashes and extensions.
• It fills in any gaps left by shedding lash extensions until your next appointment.
• Some mascara contains nourishing ingredients like peptides, vitamin E, biotin, and keratin. These can help grow your lashes and keep them healthy.

Cons of Putting Mascara on Lash Extensions

• Mascaras are usually heavy on lash extensions, and this can put a strain on your natural lashes.
• Most mascaras contain oils like sesame oil or eucalyptus oil, which can weaken the hold of the glue. This can cause lash extensions to fall off prematurely.
• Removing mascara can be a struggle. If you’re not extra careful, your lash extensions can break off.
• Mascara makes it more apparent that you got lash extensions in Melbourne on.

Types of Mascaras that are Safe for Eyelash Extensions

If you’ve already considered the benefits and risks and decided to wear mascara on your lash extensions, here are the least-damaging mascaras to go for.

Water-based or Oil-free mascara

Water-based or oil-free mascara doesn’t have oily or waxy substances or chemicals that dissolve the bond that holds your lash extensions on. They are your best bet for your eyelash extensions.

Check the list of ingredients, and if there are no oils listed, you’ve found a friend. Plus, water-based or oil-free mascaras are gentler for people with sensitive eyes.

Types of Mascaras to Avoid for Eyelash Extensions

Now, here are the types of mascara you need to stay away from.

Waterproof mascara

Steer clear of waterproof mascara at all costs. Here are several reasons: 1) It has waxes and silicones that dissolve the lash glue; 2) It’s hard to take off; and 3) The brush can pull on your lash extensions, causing them to loosen or break off altogether. In short, they’re a total nightmare for your lash extensions.

Fiber mascara

Whilst fiber mascara works best on natural lashes, it isn’t great for lash extensions. Fiber mascara contains dry fibers, such as nylon, silk, or rayon, that give you longer and thicker-looking lashes. But they are difficult to remove and thus can ruin your lashes.

Tube mascara

Tube mascaras contain polymers that wrap around each lash all the way around, forming a tube shape. Like the two mentioned above, it’s one of the hardest to remove, thus not safe for your lash extensions.

How to Put Mascara on Your Lash Extensions

You apply mascara on your lash extensions the same way you do with your natural lashes. But we have a few tips:

1. Wipe the excess product off the mascara wand using tissue paper so you don’t put too much of it on.
2. Use a soft brush.
3. Start from the middle of your lash line, gently press the mascara wand on your lashes (don’t wiggle it or move it from side to side), and move towards the tip.
4. Don’t apply mascara at the base.
5. Consider applying mascara only on the tips if you just want added length.
6. One coat of mascara is enough.

How to Remove Mascara from Lash Extensions

1. Use an oil-based makeup remover, a spoolie brush, and a lint-free cloth.
2. Dip the spoolie in the oil-based makeup remover and brush it against your lashes to break down the mascara.
3. Gently dab the lint-free cloth on your lashes.
4. Repeat the steps a couple of times if necessary.

Eyelash Extensions vs. Mascara

Now, another common question we see on the internet is: “Is mascara better than getting lash extensions in Melbourne?”

Mascara can add instant length, volume, and even deeper colour to your lashes. Applying mascara is also easy, less expensive, and allows you to play with different lash looks. However, the downsides are that you need to apply it repetitively, it can be difficult to remove, and not removing it properly can make your lashes breakable.

On the other hand, getting eyelash extensions in Melbourne gives you a put-together look any time of the day. You’ll spend less time in your get-ready routine, too. And lash extensions in Melbourne are customisable—you can choose the thickness, length, and curl of your lash extensions.

So, which is better? It depends on your preference. If you want something convenient, mess-free, and the “woke-up-like-this” look every day, eyelash extensions are your best bet.

Final Thoughts

You can still wear mascara as long as you have a classic set, but it’s totally off-limits for volume and hybrid lashes. However, in general, it’s best to avoid wearing mascara on lash extensions, as it can jeopardise their retention.

Maybe you still can’t ditch your old favourite mascara that easily; just remember to stick with a water-based or oil-free mascara and be extra careful when putting it on and removing it.

If you’re wearing mascara on your extensions for a fuller look, we recommend upgrading your classic set to either volume or hybrid extensions. Book a consultation here, and our lash experts will tell you more about it.