Any beauty routine involves time and money, including false eyelashes. If you're lucky enough to find a style and brand of falsies that you love that suit your lifestyle and budget, you might wonder if you can extend their lifespan by reusing them.
The answer is… MAYBE. It all depends on the type of lashes you use and how you look after them. Here's a quick rundown of the different kinds of false eyelashes and how to get the most out of them.
Different Kinds of False Lashes Available
Synthetic Lashes
Synthetic lashes are the most affordable false lashes, made from plastic fibres. They're also the least durable, so you'll only be able to get one or two wearings out of them before they start to look tatty.
To clean synthetic lashes, gently remove any glue residue with a cotton bud soaked in oil-free makeup remover. Be careful not to pull on the lash band, weakening it and making it more likely to snap. Once all the glue is removed, use a mild soap (like baby shampoo) to lightly cleanse the lashes, taking care not to get the band wet.
Pat them dry with a clean towel and place them back in their tray or case until you're ready to wear them again.
Silk Lashes
Silk lashes are made from… you guessed it, worms! Those little silk worms work day and night to bring us the luxurious threads that makeup silk lashes. They look very natural and are more durable than synthetics, but also more expensive.
You can usually get around 4-5 wears out of a pair of silk lashes before they need to be replaced.
To clean silk lashes, follow the same process as synthetic ones. Gently remove any glue residue with a cotton bud soaked in mild soap, silk lash cleaner or oil-free makeup remover, taking care not to get the band wet.
Pat them dry, or blow them lightly with a hair drier on a cool, slow setting, and place them back in their box or case until you're ready to wear them. Don't, whatever you do, feed them after midnight (the worms, not the lashes).
Human Hair False Lashes
These are the most expensive and luxurious of all the false eyelash types, made with (you guessed it again) human hair. They're very natural looking but also exceptionally delicate, so you can only wear them around three times before they need to be replaced.
Soak a cotton bud in an oil-free makeup remover to clean human hair lashes and gently rub away any glue residue. Don't use water or soap on these lashes, as washing with soap can damage the hair.
Instead, use a mild cleanser designed specifically for human hair lashes, which you can buy online. Gently brush the lashes with a clean spoolie brush or mascara wand and air dry them before placing them back in their case.
Animal Hair Fake Lashes
Real animal hair is used to make these lashes, usually mink or fox fur. They look very natural and are the most durable of all the false eyelash types, so you can get around 10 wearings out of them before they need to be replaced.
Soak a cotton bud in an oil-free makeup remover to clean animal hair lashes and gently rub away any glue residue. You can then use a mild soap (like baby shampoo) to lightly cleanse the lashes without getting the band wet. Or you can buy a lash cleanser designed for cleaning animal hair lashes online at a specialist lash site.
Magnetic Lashes
Magnetic lashes are a newer type of false eyelash that uses magnets instead of glue to attach to your lash line. They're easy to apply and remove and can be worn multiple times. That said, they're also more expensive than traditional false eyelashes. You can usually get around 10-15 wears out of a pair of magnetic lashes before they need to be replaced.
To clean magnetic lashes, gently remove any residue with a cotton bud soaked in oil-free makeup remover. Be careful not to pull on the lash band, which can weaken the magnets and make them less effective. Once all the residue is removed, use a mild soap (like baby shampoo) to lightly cleanse the lashes, taking care not to get the magnets wet.
Pat them dry with a clean towel or allow them to air-dry before placing them back in their tray or case, be careful not to store them with other magnets as they could lose their magnetic properties.
Keep them away from your fridge magnets ;).
Investing in Your False Lashes
When it comes to false eyelashes, you really do get what you pay for. Cheaper lashes are typically made from synthetic materials that don't look as natural and don't last as long. Mid-range lashes are usually made from silk or human hair, which look more natural and can be worn multiple times. And high-end lashes are usually made from animal hair, which looks the most natural and can be worn the longest.
So, if you're looking to invest in a good pair of false eyelashes, expect to pay anywhere from £10-£100, depending on the type of lash and the brand. Remember, a great budget-friendly alternative is magnetic false lashes.
Here are our top ten magnetic fake lash recommendations based on independent reviews… Click here to buy Magnetic Eyelashes.
- Ardell Magnetic Lash in Demi Wispies
- Eylure Opulent Accent
- House of Lashes Iconic Lite Magnetic Liner & Lash Kit
- Lash'd Up! Magnetic Lashes
- Lilly Lashes 3D Faux Mink Lash in style Bombshell
- Red Cherry False Eyelashes in style DW
- Kiss Magnetic Lashes - Crowd Pleaser
- Tempt - Kiss Magnetic Eyeliner and Lash Kit
- Lola’s Lashes - into U
- Lilly Lash Click Irreplaceable
Let's not forget the accessories you need to ensure a perfect application technique.
Important accessories for the perfect fake lash routine…
- Lash adhesive
- Tweezers
- Lash curler
- Mascara
- Makeup remover
- Lash cleanser (optional)
- False eyelash Applicator (optional)
- Spoolie brush or clean mascara wand
With all the different styles and trends, it's ideal to have a lash set for every occasion. Whether you're looking for a natural look or something more dramatic, you have a false eyelash style. And with so many options on the market, you're sure to find a pair that fits your budget and beauty needs.
What if you're looking for something different? We've checked out the latest weird and totally wonderful trends, and this is what we have come up with...
Weird and Wonderful Eyelash Trends
Over the years, there have been some weird and wonderful lash trends, from feathered to glittery to jewel-encrusted.
And with party season just around the corner, we thought we'd look at some of the most outrageous lash looks to inspire your costume this year. Here are our top picks:
- Feathered False Lashes - these lashes are perfect for a glam disco queen costume or a '70s-themed party.
- Glitter False Lashes - add some sparkle to your look with these glittery lashes. They'll make you stand out from the crowd, no matter your costume.
- Jewel-Encrusted False Lashes - Try these jewel-encrusted false lashes for a truly opulent look. They'll make you feel like a million bucks, even if your costume is just a regular ol' witch or cat.
- Neon False Lashes - these bright and bold lashes are perfect for a 90s rave or an '80s-themed party. Just be sure to wear plenty of eyeliner to make them pop.
- Animal Print False Lashes - Try these animal print false lashes for a wild night out. They'll add some serious sizzle to any costume, from a sexy cat to a fierce leopard.
- Russian Doll Lashes - the traditional Russian nesting dolls inspire these false lashes. Full-on Delux they'll add sex appeal to any outfit.
- Light-Up False Lashes - These light-up false lashes are sure to turn heads, no matter your party. Just be sure to have extra batteries on hand if they start to dim during the night. Disclaimer here - these don't exist. We just put these on the list to see if you're still awake.
- Feather and Jewel Encrusted False Lashes - If you want to stand out from the crowd, try these feather and jewel-encrusted false lashes. They say MORE is always more. They'll make you look like a million bucks, ready for any party or event.
So, in answer to your question, can you reuse false eyelashes? The answer is clear: Yes, NO, sort-of, maybe, possibly, and YES.
Please consult your lash artist or retailer if you have any questions or concerns. They will be able to help you with any questions that you may have. Don't bother us, as we are too busy preparing for party season, testing new styles of falsies and brainstorming our costumes. We hope you have as much fun as we do. It's a tough job, but someone (me) has to do it!
