When I pay good money for my lash extensions, I want to ensure they last as long as possible. In this article, I’ll share the 6 most important tips you can start doing today to make your eyelash extensions last longer.

Follow these tips and you’ll be able to keep your lashes looking gorgeous for weeks on end!

Let’s get started!

How to Make Lash Extensions Last Longer

#1 Be Gentle!

Ok, I’ll admit this might seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people are not gentle with their lash extensions.

Avoid rubbing your eyes or pulling on your lashes, as this can cause them to fall out prematurely.

Be careful when applying makeup and cleansers around the eye area, as well. One of the main reasons that people’s lash extensions start to fall out prematurely is because they’re not being gentle enough with them!

#2 Use an Eyelash Extension Sealer

Consider a lash sealant your insurance policy. Swiping an even layer on every morning helps lock your extensions in place much longer.

If you need a little more help understanding the application process, here are the three easy steps:

1. Remove Excess: You may notice excess product on the brush. Get rid of it by sliding the brush across the tube’s opening — a little goes a long way!
2. Go along the top: Position the lash sealant brush along the top of your lash line before gliding it along the bonded area (i.e., where your natural lashes meet your lash line).
3. Finish underneath for long-lasting eyelash extensions: If you have ultra-voluminous lash extensions, apply another light layer under your lash line. I suggest sticking to a dabbing method here rather than a sweeping motion.

There’s simply too much choice when it comes to sealers for lash extensions. But luckily, I’ve tested many over the years, and had good results with these two:

• Blink Black Diamond Sealant — It contains acrylic and hyaluronic serum to ensure your extensions stay adhered and conditioned. Black Diamond Sealant
• BL Crystal Drop Eyelash Coating Sealant — Enriched with essential B vitamins and acids, it forms a barrier around your delicate eyelash extensions and protects against potentially damaging elements (sweat, water, etc.). 

#3 Skip The Waterproof Mascara

I typically recommend avoiding mascara altogether for longer-lasting eyelash extensions, especially on volume lashes. Why? Because it’s much trickier removing eye makeup with extensions attached — you risk tangling them!

However, if you feel you want to add even more drama to your look, avoid waterproof mascara and eyeliner at all costs. The amount of rubbing needed to remove the products at the end of the day (or night) can cause ultra-premature lash extension loss and poor retention. Who wants that?

#4 Sleep on Your Back

Apologies to my pillow-smooshing ladies out there — your sleeping habits aren’t helping your lash extensions last longer.

For superior maintenance, try your best to sleep on your back. Moreover, I recommend investing in a silk pillowcase. That way, if you do roll over, your lashes are less likely to get tugged out. 

Pro Tip: Check out my article on how to sleep with eyelash extensions for more tips to preserve them while you zzz.

#5 Use Oil-Free Makeup Removers

An oil-free makeup remover is the only way to go with eyelash extensions. Using anything else is a one-way ticket to extension losses. Why? Because the oil breaks down the adhesive, causing your extensions to fall out.

The same goes for using oil-based cleansers and serums on your face — keep them well away from your lash line!

#6 Clean and Brush Your Eyelash Extensions Daily

Ultimately, the most effective way to have good lash extension retention is to keep them clean. If you’ve already got a skincare regime up and running, you’re already halfway there!

But the best way to keep your lashes clean and secure would be to add an oil-free, extension-safe cleanser into your morning and night routine.

Pro Tip: If you want to know which cleanser I recommend, check out my article on the best eyelash extension cleansers here.

I’d also suggest brushing your lashes daily with a clean mascara wand or a spoolie brush after your cleansing regimen. During sleep, your lashes can tangle, so giving them this extra bit of TLC can seriously make them last longer.

These are the types of brushes I normally use.

Why Your Lash Extensions Didn’t Last?

There are generally two main reasons that would explain why your eyelash extensions didn’t last as long as expected:

• Poor application quality from the lash tech.
• Aftercare routine that wasn’t up to par.

I will make some general assumptions below based on the amount of time that passed after you got your lash extensions applied.

My Eyelash Extensions Only Lasted a Day

If you got your lashes applied less than 24 hours ago and they’re already falling, then it’s likely that there’s something wrong with the glue that was used to affix the extensions to your natural lashes.

In most cases, the glue might have been old or improperly stored, causing it to dry out too quickly and not bond effectively. Another reason would be using too little or too much glue.

In this case, I would contact my lash artist immediately so that she can take a look at it and find the cause. Most lash techs would re-apply a new set if the extensions didn’t last more than a day.

My Eyelash Extensions Only Lasted 1 Week

If your eyelash extensions lasted only a week, the likelihood of a suboptimal aftercare routine increases.

For example, you might have been sleeping with your face on the pillow, used an oil-based cleanser, or not washed your extensions daily. All these faux pas can have a drastic effect on the longevity of your lash extensions.

If you’re in this situation, I would still contact my stylist so that she can see the lashes first-hand and provide more specific advice based on how the lashes are.

My Eyelash Extensions Only Lasted 2 Weeks

Yes, 2 weeks is not great retention, but it’s not unheard of.

If you’ve been following a good eyelash extension aftercare routine, then a possible culprit could be an improper isolation of the natural eyelash when the lash technician applied an extension. This common mistake causes several eyelashes to stick together and disturbs the natural growth cycle.

At that point, I would book a refill and ask my lash artist to take a closer look. This way, she can ensure that each individual eyelash is isolated properly and help find the root cause of the issue.

Ideally, you want to reach a 3 to 4 weeks retention before needing a refill appointment.

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