Can You Wear Eyeshadow With Lash Extensions? [How-to Guide]

As a lash artist, I often get asked makeup-related questions because my clients want to make sure nothing would interfere with those beautiful extensions.

Your eyes are your best asset, so why not make them stand out?

In this guide, I’ll show you how to apply eyeshadow with eyelash extensions, but also how to remove it safely!

How to Apply Eyeshadow With Eyelash Extensions

#1 Choose Powdered Eyeshadow

If you’re going to wear eyeshadow, you need to pick a formula that’s safe for eyelash extensions. There are many great formulas, but not all of them work well with extensions.

The 5 most common types of eyeshadows are: 

• Powder eyeshadow: These are the simplest to use, and you can get great results by simply applying them with a brush. These usually come in a solid color and have some glitter or shimmer in them.
• Cream eyeshadow: These have some shimmer but not much sparkle or glitter, and they’re a bit more difficult to apply than powder shadows. They usually contain a lot of pigments, so they’ll last longer than powder shadow products.
• Liquid eyeshadow: These are usually more expensive than cream shadows, but you can apply them with a dampened brush or sponge for a wet look on your lids.
• Pigment eyeshadow: This type is the most advanced, and it’s made of more than one color pigment that comes together to give it dimension and depth on your eyelids.
• Stick Eyeshadow or Crayon Eyeshadow: With this type of eyeshadow, you can create an allover wash of color that really pops against your face, and it’s also the easiest to use out of all of these products.

Amongst these various types of eyeshadows, you should opt for a powder one if you wear eyelash extensions.

From my experience, it is the easiest to remove. The harder an eyeshadow is to remove, the more chances you have of damaging your lash extensions.

Oil-based eyeshadows should be avoided at all costs. The oil can slowly dissolve the lash adhesive over time and create poor retention of your lash extensions.

#2 Choose the Right Brush

Using the right brush is one of the most important aspects to consider if you want to avoid eyeshadow fallout (when the eyeshadow falls and mixes with the cream products under your eyes).

So, which brush should you use?

My favorite method is to use a tight-bristled brush around the lash line!

It will be easier to apply your eyeshadow in the right places in a compact manner without anything going into your lashes.

#3 Remove Makeup With Care

Removing eye makeup with lash extensions requires extra care to avoid damaging both your extensions and your natural lashes.

Since extensions are attached to your natural lashes, tugging or using harsh removers can cause them to come off prematurely.

The biggest mistake to avoid is using oil-based makeup removers. Oils can break down the adhesive, leading to poor retention.

To keep your lashes intact, opt for oil-free, non-waterproof eye makeup, which is easier to remove and gentler on your extensions. Always use a gentle, patting motion when removing makeup to prevent any unnecessary stress on your lashes.

#4 Watch How-to Videos

Roxette Arisa posted a great video on her Youtube channel where she pulls a beautiful look using eyeshadow and eyelash extensions.

Check out how she does it below!

Best Eyeshadow for Lash Extensions (My #1 Pick)

One of my all-time favorites is Tarte Eyeshadow Palettes which contain no oils. For example, I have had great results with the tartelette™ Amazonian clay matte palette.

The matte palette allows you to pull any look and is great for lash extension wearers who are looking for more natural colors.

Frankly, there are plenty of other excellent powdered-based products available that don’t contain any oils.

How to Remove Eyeshadow With Eyelash Extensions

To remove your eyeshadow safely when wearing lash extensions, follow these simple guidelines:

1. Use a gentle cleanser such as micellar water. Anything with oils is a big No-No when having lash extensions. Oil is actually a solvent that can be used to remove lash extensions at home.
2. Dispense some remover on a lint-free paper towel and remove the eyeshadow using a pat-dry motion. Do not rub harshly using a left-to-right motion.
3. Cleanse your lashes using eyelash shampoo to complete your routine.
4. Make sure to clean your face daily. Do not go for several days with makeup on.

The key takeaway here is to always use an oil-free remover. Using this type of remover can break down the lash adhesive, leading to premature extension fallouts.

The Bottom Line

Wearing eyeshadow with lash extensions doesn’t have to be a challenge. Just follow these simple tips, and you’ll have eyes that pop without worrying about your extensions.

With the right products and a little care, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—beautiful lashes and a stunning eye look!

— Asako 🙂