There’s probably someone who has drawn your attention because their eyelashes are always flawless.
Maybe it’s Beyonce’s signature lashes, which are designed to attract your gaze to her eyes, or Kate Middleton’s classic set that are a perfect complement to her timeless style.
Or perhaps you’ve seen this elegant look on a friend or co-worker who, no matter the season or time of day, consistently has striking, well-groomed eyelashes.
You might be partial to lash volume, curls, or length, or bringing a touch of glamour by adding a little something extra to your natural lashes.
In any case, your desired look can be achieved using various techniques to make your eyes sparkle, particularly when created by an expert who can tailor a custom look for you.
For instance, brow shaping has been shown to aesthetically enhance face shape.
On the other hand, LVL lashes make your natural lashes appear fuller, causing your eyes to appear brighter and more defined.
When applied professionally and maintained conscientiously, eyelash extensions can revitalise your style without compromising the health of your natural lashes.
However, it’s crucial to be aware of the essential do’s and don’ts of proper eyelash extension application and care.
By following our best eyelash extension practices, you can:
- Protect your natural lashes from damage
- Preserve the longevity of your eyelash extensions
- Maintain optimal eyelash cleanliness and neatness
- Ensure your comfort during and after the eyelash extension application
- Stay up-to-date and apply expert eyelash extension advice
Ready to take your eyelash game to the next level?
1 - Do Choose a Certified and Experienced Lash Artist
Entrusting your eyelash extension application to a certified expert is crucial to ensuring they are applied correctly and with care.
The process of attaching natural-looking eyelash extensions to your own lashes requires a high level of precision and attention to detail, which can only be provided by a qualified lash artist.
In addition, a lash specialist can offer experience-based guidance on different lash styles, lengths, thicknesses, and curl definitions to enhance your natural beauty while also ensuring your comfort.
Take these measures when selecting a skilled lash technician:
Look Into Their Training
Ask about the lash artist’s training for applying eyelash extensions, and check out the institution or specialist who provided the certification to learn about their reputation.
Understanding the eyelash technician’s training background can help determine if they are the right fit for you.
For example, if their instructor prioritised precision and hygiene protocols, they very likely instilled these values in the lash tech.
Find Out About Their Experience
Working with an experienced eyelash artist can help you guard against the risk of damage to your natural lashes.
To get an idea of the professional’s experience, consider asking these questions:
- For how many years or months have they been applying eyelash extensions?
- How many clients have they worked with during that time?
- How many clients do they apply extensions to in a week or month?
The answers to these questions will help you determine not just their experience in terms of duration but also their hands-on experience with clients.
Check Out Their Reviews and Testimonials
Visit the eyelash technician’s Facebook Page and Twitter accounts to see what their past clients say about them.
Also, search their name or their business’s name online, and you may find other platforms where customers comment on their services.
One such platform is Yelp, where you can also have a look at the words the professional uses to describe their eyelash extension techniques.
For example, if they use a word like ‘impersonal’ and you’re more partial to a friendly approach, you’ll know to keep looking.
An online search will also help you find out to what degree clients are satisfied with the artist’s work.
Pay special attention to complaints relating to customer safety. For example:
- If the technician used their tweezers incorrectly and harmed a client
- If a client got adhesive in their eye
- If the technician failed to wait for the adhesive to dry before removing the eye pads
- If they failed to use eye pads altogether
- If the eyelash extensions felt comfortable to the client
Reviews with comments like these may demonstrate a neglectful artist who it is best to steer clear of.
Study Their Portfolio
Examine the lash artist’s portfolio to assess their skill level and to see whether their style aligns with yours.
Look through the before-and-after photos of previous clients and check if there is a variety of lash extension styles and lengths.
It is essential that the portfolio shows the artist’s ability to meet the diverse needs and preferences of various clients because different people have different lash curls, lengths and thicknesses.
A skilled artist should, therefore, have mastered the ability to personalise their techniques to each individual client rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method.
Check That They Follow Hygiene Practices
Hygiene is critical to the safe application of eyelash extensions.
Therefore, you must ensure that the artist follows effective hygiene practices to avoid potential infections.
To begin with, check that their workspace is clean and sanitary.
An example of a potential red flag would be if the technician has an open food container in the workspace, as this would indicate that they are not meticulous about keeping their workspace sanitary.
Secondly, the lash artist must use sterilised tools.
Ask about their protocols for disinfecting eyelash extension tools before each use, and how they store them to keep them dry.
Thirdly, the technician should wear gloves throughout the process.
Questionable behaviour would be if, for instance, the professional picks up their phone while in the middle of the procedure and then attempts to return to the extension application without putting on a fresh pair of gloves.
While researching and selecting a certified lash specialist might seem time-consuming, it is an essential investment in your beauty care and well-being.
So, do your due diligence to find a professional who will meet your needs and apply your eyelash extensions with accuracy and attentiveness.
2 - Do Prepare for the Appointment
Preparing for your eyelash extension appointment helps to ensure a smooth application process.
It facilitates accuracy because the artist can clearly see and access each lash. As a result, your eyelash extensions are even and natural-looking.
Preparation also ensures longer-lasting results because if your natural lashes are clean, the eyelash adhesive used to apply the extensions can bond better with them, so the extensions can last for several weeks.
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“Of all the eyelash glues I’ve used; this one is the best. It doesn’t irritate my eyes at all and I have really sensitive skin. It also isn’t messy and the lashes hold really well! Definitely buy it.”
– Veronika, Verified Buyer, Australia
Follow these preparation tips for eyelash extensions to help make your visit to the technician comfortable and efficient:
- Take out your contact lenses before the appointment so that they won’t interfere with the process by moving around or becoming dislodged altogether
- Remove all your makeup and gently clean the area around your eyes
- Be careful to eliminate any dirt or oil from your eyelashes, making it easier for the extensions to adhere to them
- Avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol before your appointment, as they may cause your eyes to twitch or flutter during the process, potentially compromising accuracy
3 - Do Communicate Your Desired Look and Your Circumstances With Your Technician
Communicating your desired look with your lash artist is essential to achieving chic and elegant eyelash extensions.
Even if you do not have a specific length or curl in mind, you can let the technician know what look you’re going for, e.g., classic, mega volume, cat-eye, doll-eye, etc.
You can give the technician a clear visual by bringing reference photos to your appointment, and the specialist will advise you on the style that’ll help you achieve the effect you’re aiming for.
It is also important to discuss your lifestyle and daily activities e.g., involvement in water sports like swimming or snorkelling, physical activities that cause you to sweat a lot, and eyewear you use regularly.
This information will help the lash artist recommend a personalised care routine based on your unique needs.
Also, talk with your lash tech about any allergies or sensitivities you have, as this helps to guide the decisions they’ll make regarding what eyelash extension products and techniques to use.
For instance, you can let the professional know of any past reactions you’ve had to lash adhesives or extensions, however minor they might seem.
Even if you’re unaware of any sensitivities, it is a good idea to go in for a patch test 24 to 48 hours before your appointment to check for reactions to the adhesive or extensions.
Make sure you also share any relevant medical conditions that could have a bearing on the eyelash extension application or its outcome.
For instance, if your eyes develop styes, or you have blepharitis (a condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids), the eyelash technician can take precautions to avoid causing further irritation.
4 - Do Follow Proper Aftercare Instructions
Careful eyelash extension aftercare helps to maintain their appearance and comfort, prevent infections, and protect your natural lashes from damage.
To achieve these goals, our lash and beauty salon advice is to:
Keep Your Lashes Dry for the First 24–48 Hours
This means protecting them from water, steam and heat.
Keeping your lashes dry for the first two days after application allows the adhesive to bond with your natural lashes, preventing unevenness and loss of extensions.
Only Use Compatible Products
Go for oil-free and alcohol-free makeup removers, moisturisers, cleansers, etc.
Oil and alcohol can penetrate the lash adhesive and break it down over time, causing your extensions to fall out prematurely.
Sleep on Your Back
Protect the area around your eyes from friction that could damage your extensions by sleeping on your back or using a silk pillowcase.
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“Bought these for my sister who is sensitive to abrasive fabrics. She loves these pillow cases so much! Most importantly though, her face skin is calmer and less red and she says it feels lovely and smooth and cooling on her face. She looks forward to going to bed.”
– Jennifer, Verified Buyer, Australia
Keep Your Lashes Clean
Clean your extensions regularly using a mild, oil-free cleanser and a gentle brush to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue that could otherwise build up and undermine the health of your extensions.
Did You Know? You can remove your eyelash extensions at home. Our previous blog post covers how to and more.
5 - Don’t Attempt to Apply Extensions on Your Own
Unfortunately, attempting to apply eyelash extensions by yourself can lead to numerous complications.
In addition to lacking the skills and experience necessary to execute the procedure safely and achieve your desired, polished look, you might make mistakes that damage your natural lashes.
Some risks associated with attempting this process yourself include:
- Infections due to unsterilised tools, unsanitary conditions or incorrect application
- Allergic reactions as a result of using low-quality or incompatible products
- Uneven or unnatural-looking lashes due to a lack of precision
- Damage to your natural lashes caused by improper application and maintenance, which can lead to your eyelashes tangling, twisting or matting
6 - Don’t Use Waterproof Mascara
It is okay to use certain types of mascara on your eyelash extensions, but you must be careful to choose one that won’t harm your lashes.
Avoid using waterproof mascara because it can cause your extensions to clump and get stuck together, leaving them looking messy and neglected.
Because this kind of mascara is difficult to remove, you might also end up rubbing and pulling at your eyes in an attempt to remove the product, which can cause damage, not just to your extensions, but also your natural lashes.
Also, keep in mind that waterproof mascara is thicker than its regular counterpart, so it may be heavy on your eyelash extensions, making them droop in an unsightly way and adding an unnecessary weight to your lashes.
Instead, if you’d like to apply mascara on your extensions, select a water-based product. These kinds of mascara are suitable because you can remove the product from your lashes by gently rinsing them with warm water.
Remember to also check the list of ingredients to ensure that the mascara does not contain any oil or alcohol.
Action: Enhance the longevity of your extensions by avoiding waterproof mascara and embracing water-based alternatives.
7 - Don’t Rub or Pick At Your Extensions
You might feel an instinctual need to rub your eyes, or a temptation to pick at the extensions, but doing so can negatively affect their beauty and longevity.
Rubbing and picking can misalign the extensions, especially if you do it within the first couple of days of application.
It can also damage your natural lashes by causing them to get tangled in the adhesive.
To keep from touching or pulling on your extensions:
- Groom them using a soft, clean brush designed for eyelash extensions to help maintain their alignment so that you won’t attempt to detangle them with your fingers
- When they’re wet, gently pat your extensions dry or allow them to air dry rather than rubbing them with a towel
- Remember to clean your eyelash extensions correctly so that irritation from dirt buildup won’t cause you to rub your eyes
8 - Don’t Use Eyelash Curlers or Perm the Extensions
While you may have used eyelash curlers on your natural lashes to instantly brighten your eyes and get them to look more lifted and curled, you must not use them on your extensions.
If you do, you risk altering the structure and bond of the extensions, leading to potential damage such as bending or breakage.
Curlers also put pressure on the adhesive, which can weaken it and cause the extensions to loosen and detach from your lashes.
On the other hand, the chemicals used in eyelash perming may not be compatible with the materials in the extensions.
Therefore, the process can degrade the adhesive bond, leading to extension loss.
Fortunately, using a curler or getting a perm is not necessary since eyelash extensions are designed with well-defined curls that the eyelash artist can optimise to complement your lashes.
Why This Matters: Protecting your extensions from potential damage ensures a longer-lasting and beautiful result.
Stay Connected to Your One-Stop Online Eyelash Advice Resource
Adhering to eyelash extension do’s and don’ts:
- Keeps the health of your natural lashes intact
- Enhances the longevity of your extensions
- Enables you to join the ranks of those whose lashes you find to be truly gorgeous
From our experience in the brow and lash industry, we are committed to providing you with experience-based, invaluable advice and best practices at Eyelash.com.au, helping to bring back the glamour and comfort that makes your eyes pop.