Alright babes, let’s talk about an essential we all love but can sometimes take totally for granted: false lashes. Like, how fire do they make your eyes?? False lashes can turn your look from cute to baddie real quick and have you fluttering those eyes like a pro. But… how long do they actually last? Are you supposed to just toss them after one use? Or can you get more out of ’em? Spoiler alert: the answer lies in how you take care of them (and no, I’m not just talking about ripping them off at the end of the night and chucking them on your bedside table 🫠).
So, let’s break it all down today. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly how to extend the life of those falsies from one night out to multiple slay-filled days (and maybe even weeks, girl 👀).
How Long Can You Keep Rocking Your False Lashes?
So, if you’re out here wondering, “How long can I actually use the same pair of falsies?” the answer is: it depends on the type of lashes and how you treat them. Some lashes are like disposable cups at a party—cute for one time and that’s it. Others? They’re more like your fave pair of jeans that you’ll wear again and again if you love them enough 😌.
Strip Lashes
These are the most common and the ones we all probably have stocked in our makeup drawers! They are reusable but girl, reuse with care. If you’re using lightweight, synthetic lashes, you can usually rock them about five times (if you’re careful). With high-quality mink or faux mink lashes? You could potentially reuse them up to 20+ times if you give them the TLC they deserve.
High-quality lashes like mink or faux mink can last through 20+ wears if treated right!
Individual Lashes
Okay, individual lashes are kind of a different story 🤔. They’re those tiny clusters or single strands that you can strategically place on your lash line. These can last like one day unless you’re using semi-permanent ones put by a professional. If you’re doing individuals for a special occasion and you’re doing them yourself, be prepared to say goodbye after one use 😩.
But don’t worry, they’ll give you a flawless, natural vibe for as long as you need them for that day. Just don’t expect them to last you longer without some time-consuming touch-ups.
Magnetic Lashes
Oh, the magnetic lash trend! If you haven’t tried these yet, know that they’re seriously making waves because there’s no glue required (yeah, WILD, right?). With the right care, magnetic lashes can last between 20-30 wears. The magnets are sturdy and reusable, but only if you don’t damage the magnetic strips. So, keep ‘em clean and don’t yank them off like a pair of earrings at the end of a long day. Treat them gently and you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
Keeping ‘Em Alive: How to Extend Lash Lifespan
This is where most of us mess up! If you toss your lashes onto your vanity after every use and let them sit there until next time? Babe, you’re cutting their lifespan way short. Let’s give your falsies a little love so they repay you with a longer lifespan!
Clean ‘Em Up Right
Number one rule!! If you’re not properly cleaning those lashes, you’re gonna be ruining them wayyy before they’re ready to go. Glue buildup is a thing, trust. And I’m not just talking about lash glue but also that mixture of glue, eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner… You know what I mean!
- Remove any glue: After wearing your lashes, take a pair of tweezers and carefully pull off the old glue from the lash band. No need to aggressively yank it. Just gently pluck it off.
- Clean with an oil-free makeup remover: Oil-based products can ruin the lash band (And keep you from sticking them on properly the next time). So, use something that’s oil-free! Dip a clean cotton swab into the remover and wipe across the lash band gently to remove leftover makeup.
- Let them dry: Please don’t store wet lashes in their box (y’all, they’ll just get gross). Let them air dry before putting them back in their home 💅.
Never leave old glue on your lashes 🤢. Seriously, your lashes can’t last if they’re looking crusty.
The Right Way to Store Your Lashes
If you’ve just been chucking your lashes into your makeup bag after a night out… first of all, yikes. Second of all, that’s why your lashes aren’t lasting. Proper storage is key, babes! After you clean your lashes, put them back into the original packaging. It’ll help the lash band keep its shape. Plus, it’ll stop them from collecting dust or getting bent or damaged.
Your lash box is not just for looks. Keep your lashes comfy in their OG homes when they’re off-duty!
Skipping Mascara on Falsies
Okay, I know we all want some extra volume, right? But adding mascara to your false lashes is a recipe for disaster. It clumps them, makes them look less natural, and it’s actually harder to clean off. Instead, if you want the most volume, use mascara on your natural lashes and then pop on your falsies. Trust me, you won’t need that extra coat once they’re on.
Apply mascara on your natural lashes, but skip it on your falsies! This way, they’ll last longer and won’t get clumpy.
How to Remove False Lashes Without Wrecking Them
The worst thing you can do to your lashes is rip them off like a sticker at the end of the day. Just… no! Not only can you damage the lash band (making it unusable next time), but you’ll likely pull out your own natural lashes 😬. Don’t be that girl! Here’s how to gently take them off without causing damage:
- Start with an oil-free makeup remover: Take a Q-tip or clean cotton swab, dip it into your remover, and lightly dab along the lash band. This will help loosen the glue without weakening your natural lashes.
- Give it a little time: Let the remover dissolve the glue for a couple of seconds before trying to take the lashes off. Please stop yanking them—with a little patience, they’ll come off smoothly.
- Peel from the outer corner: When you’re ready, gently grab the outer corner of your lash (that’s the end closest to your ear) and slowly peel it off. Don’t pull from the inner corner or go too fast. You want steady, light pressure.
Your lashes are worth the extra 30 seconds of care during removal, trust me!
How to Tell When It’s Time to Mourn Your Lashes
Even with TLC, there comes a time when your lashes need to retire (😭). Here’s how to tell if they’ve had enough of doing the most:
- The band is coming apart: Once the lash band starts tearing, it’s a sign that it’s goodbye time. A broken lash band won’t sit right on your lashes and could irritate your eyes.
- Hairs are falling off: Lol, if your lashes are shedding more than your hairbrush, it’s time to toss them out. There’s no coming back from that.
- They’re starting to lose shape: If your lash band refuses to hug your lash line like it used to, it’s officially become disrespectful 😂.
Pro tip: Always have a backup pair on hand just in case your lashes decide to pass on mid-prep 🥲.
Quick Lash Lifespan Cheat Sheet
Okay, because we all love easy breakdowns, here’s a quick table that’ll remind you how long your falsies typically last:
| Type of Lash | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Synthetic Strip Lashes | 5-8 uses |
| Mink/Faux Mink Strip Lashes | 20-25 uses |
| Individual Lashes (DIY) | 1-2 uses |
| Magnetic Lashes | 20-30 uses |
Hopefully, this chart makes it easy for you to remember when to replace and how much life you can get out of each type!
Keep Slaying with False Lashes!
Okay, so let’s wrap this up: take care of your false lashes and they’ll keep serving looks for a long time. And honestly, you’ll save money by not constantly needing to stock up on new pairs, which means more money for concealer and highlighter, right?? ✨ To make them last, just make sure you’re cleaning them, storing them right, and being gentle when removing.
Once you start taking those extra few minutes to care for your lashes, you’ll see just how much longer they stay fresh and wearable.
And please, for the love of all things glam, don’t forget to replace them when they start looking busted—no amount of mascara can save a pair of overworked falsies 😂
