Can You Put Mascara on Lash Extensions? My Top 3 Choices

My clients ask me this question all the time:

So, I finally took the time to write down my “It depends” answer to make sure you don’t end up regretting it.

I’ve also suggested a few oil-free and water-based mascara that I know won’t pose any problems.

Best Mascara for Eyelash Extensions

You should pick a mascara that is both water-based and oil-free. These formulations will make sure you avoid any problems I’ll be sharing in a moment.

Here are some of the best ones I found:

• GladGirl Lashe EnMasse Mascara
• The Lash Professional Mascara
• Maybelline’s Great Lash Washable Mascara

What Could Go Wrong?

In my experience, there are a few reasons why mascara could ruin your lashes if you’re not careful.

#1 Extra weight

The liquid itself adds weight to your natural lashes.

I know it’s not a lot, but for a tiny hair, it needs to be considered.

Imagine this.

Your natural eyelash is already stressed by the weight of the extension.

Now, a conscientious lash tech will leave a good margin by using an extension length and diameter that’s appropriate.

That’s why I always say, if you want to apply mascara on classic lashes, go for it.

You’re still well within that margin.

BUT.

What happens if you coat a volume fan with mascara?

You’re not adding weight to a single hair strand anymore… you’re adding weight to several of them!

Imagine you have a 7D fan (that’s 7 extensions per natural lash).

You’re basically multiplying by 7 times the weight added to a single hair strand.

And you should know that volume fans can go much higher than 7D. We sometimes use up to 16D for mega volume.

So my recommendation is to stay away from mascara if you have hybrid or volume lashes.

#2 Closing the Volume Fan

You got volume lashes because you wanted the extra fluff, the extra density.

If you then apply mascara, the fans will close and the lashes will be mingled together in mascara.

It will be as though you have classic lashes with a thick diameter!

Not quite what you were hoping for I’m sure.

#3 Hard to Remove

Some mascaras are notoriously hard to wash off.

And guess what.

Waterproof mascaras are the worst.

So what happens when you remove it at the end of the day?

You’ll rub and scrub your eyes, causing a lot of friction against your extensions.

Over time, this will lead to damage and some extensions falling out.

#4 Weakening the Adhesive

Oil-based mascaras can weaken the bond of the lash glue.

Instead, I always recommend using a water-based mascara.

In fact, any oil-based products are a big no-no when you wear lash extensions.

#5 Tugging

Because mascara can be quite sticky, the wand can tug on your extensions as you’re applying a coat.

You need to be careful and go very gently so that it glides smoothly.

If you ever feel any resistance, as little as it is, it’s best to stop your motion and untangle your lashes.

Types of Mascara to Avoid at All Cost

1- Waterproof

Their key ingredients are typically silicone derivatives like dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane that create a film around your lashes to repel water.

While great in theory, this is horrible for your extensions.

It makes it very hard to remove and you’ll inevitably rub your lashes harder than you should to remove it.

2- Oil-Based

They contain various oils such as mineral oil, castor oil, or lanolin, which nourish the lashes.

But what’s the problem with oil?

It will slowly break down the adhesive used to attach the extensions.

You’ll experience poor retention and premature shedding.

3- Tube

They typically contain water-resistant polymers that create a tube-like coating around each eyelash.

The problem here is exactly the same as for waterproof mascara.

Because they are very hard to remove, you’ll end up rubbing your lashes.

4- Fiber

They usually have ingredients like nylon or rayon, that adhere to the lashes to create the illusion of added length and volume.

Unfortunately, these fibers can catch onto and entangle with lash extensions.

In my experience, this causes a lot of clumping and it’s very hard to remove.

The Bottom Line

Most of my clients actually don’t see the need for mascara anymore.

Remember, one of the objectives of wearing lash extensions is to add thickness to your lash line.

I find it much safer and convenient to use a thicker extension (say 0.12 mm or 0.15 mm for classic) than applying mascara every morning!

Having said that, if you follow the tips I’ve given and want to add some “oomph” to your look, go for it!

— Asako