Alright besties, let’s talk about false lashes. First of all, we need to give these little beauties the recognition they deserve: a total game-changer. They can instantly take your lewk from “cute” to “POP OFF, QUEEN.” But here’s the thing: have you ever wondered exactly how many times you can wear them before they’re ready to retire and live their best gluey lives on some makeup wipes?
Let’s just get straight into it: lashes are magical, but they aren’t made from unicorn tears. They have limits and eventually—no matter how much we love them—they’ve got to be replaced. But the answer to how many times you can wear false lashes depends on two major things: how you wear them and how you take care of them. Yup, you heard that right: it’s all about the TLC (lash-loving care).
Brand Matters, Babe
I know, I know—I feel like sometimes it’s super tempting to grab the cheapest lashes on the drugstore aisle. I feel you! But just like with any fave product, not all falsies are created equal. Some brands are going to last longer and give you more wears.
Let me drop some names real quick: brands like Lilly Lashes, House of Lashes, and Velour are popular for a reason! They usually make their lashes from high-quality materials like mink or synthetic fibers. That means: better durability. These are the kinds of lashes you can wear multiple times without them turning into a hot mess after one night.
On the other hand, some of the super-affordable brands might only last 3-5 wears. Cute for a one-time party look, but maybe not something you wanna rock on a regular basis.
The quality of your lashes can affect how many times you can wear them, so invest wisely, girl!
How Many Times Exactly?
Alright, here’s what you want to know. How many times can you reuse those bad boys before they get all crusty? Well, it kinda depends on what lashes you’re using and how well you take care of them. Take a look at this little guide I made for you:
| Lash Type | Wearable Times (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Drugstore Synthetic Lashes | 3-5 wears |
| High-End Synthetic Lashes | 10-12 wears |
| Mink Lashes | 20+ wears |
So yeah—drugstore synthetic lashes might give you 3 to 5 wears if you take care of them like a responsible lash-queen, but those luxe mink babies? Oh honey, they can last 20 times or MORE.
But let’s not get it twisted. It’s not just about how good the lashes are; it’s also about how much love you’re giving them along the way (aka how you clean and store them).
Be Gentle, Hunny!
Your lashes are fragile, so be gentle with them. When you take them off at the end of the day (which can be lowkey the most satisfying moment EVER), don’t just yank them off! Giiiirrrl NO. Instead, grab a cotton swab, dip it into an oil-free makeup remover (something that won’t completely mess with the glue), and run it along the lash line. This way, the adhesive will get all soft and gooey so they’ll slip off without ripping all your precious natural lashes with them. Don’t be savage with your falsies and expect them to still look poppin’ later.
Once they’re off, get rid of that leftover glue. Just tweeze that stuff off carefully or peel it off gently. You want your next application to be smooth and not have leftover chunks of old glue just chillin’ on your eyes.
CLEAN YO LASHES
Okay, storytime: back when I first started wearing lashes (like, in high school), I thought I could just take them off, shove them in the tray, and be done with it. I didn’t clean them properly and was honestly kinda nasty about it. Then I wondered why my lashes weren’t lasting longer and started to look like tiny, sad spiders. Crusty glue buildup? NO THANK YOU.
Here’s the deal: to make them last, you’ve gotta clean them. Especially if you’re using mascara on your falsies. DO NOT LET THAT GUNK JUST SIT THERE.
Here’s a super quick cleaning routine you can do after wearing your lashes:
1. Peel off old glue. Like I said, if you leave that old glue, it’ll just build up and make your lashes look crunchy.
2. Dip a cotton swab into makeup remover and gently wipe down the lashes. This will get rid of any lingering mascara or eyeshadow that might have gotten all up in there.
3. Let them air dry on a clean towel. No scrunching them up in a little ball at the bottom of your purse!
Now, some people be like, “But what if my lashes are fancy and delicate?” If you’re dealing with mink lashes, you’ve got to be extra cautious, since they’re literally made from real fur. I like to just use a bit of micellar water and be super soft and patient with them. No tugging. No pulling. Just vibes.
Storing & Not Smushing
If you’re like me, you’ve probably lost more lashes to bad storage than rough wear (sigh). I’ll admit it… I’ve tossed lashes back into the drawer, only to find them later bent out of shape or covered in random makeup. Keeping them in their original tray is the best (but least exciting) tip for making sure your lashes keep their natural shape.
But we’re a creative crew, so other options are totally valid too. Basically, you want them laid out flat and not squished by anything else in your makeup bag. Keep them chill!
Your storage game is key to keeping those lashes lookin’ fresh. Bent lashes are NOT the vibe.
Signs Your Lashes Have Thrown in the Towel
Okay, so here’s how you KNOW it’s time to let your lashes go (RIP to the real ones who served multiple iconic looks). Honestly, there comes a point where it’s more trouble than it’s worth to keep cleaning and applying them.
Here are some signs it’s time to kiss your lashes goodbye:
– The lash band is permanently misshapen. That band will get bendy if you’ve applied and removed your lashes a ton.
– They no longer stick well, even when you use a good lash glue. At some point, they’ll lose their grip. If you find yourself reapplying adhesive five times before they stay on, girl… it’s time to say goodbye.
– Start to develop fuzz or are missing chunks. It’s lowkey gross when your lashes start shedding fibers and there’s this weird fuzzy texture. This means they’ve reached the end of their good lash life.
If you’re tempted to hold onto them and keep stretching out a few more wears, just go check out some fab new lashes from your fave brand! Using lashes past their prime is not cute.
Is Mascara on Your Falsies a Crime, or… Nah?
Okay, so here’s a BIG debate in the lash world. Should you put mascara on your false lashes? Some people say a hard NO, while others are like, “Why not?”
Honestly? If you’re using synthetic lashes (especially drugstore ones), it’s not the end of the day if you throw a little mascara on them. Personally, I like to focus on my real lashes first with mascara and then pop on my falsies later to keep things clean. If you’re wearing mink, though… avoid the mascara! You’re doing the fancy fur dirty, and it will shorten their lifespan.
Here’s a pro-tip:
If you must put mascara on them, do it AFTER you’ve already applied them and just use a light hand to blend your real lashes into the falsies without gunking up the fibers with extra product.
Quick Lash-MD Level Tips
- Use luxury lash glue like Duo Brush-on Lash Adhesive for that strong but easy-to-use stick. Trust me, using cheap glue can ruin lashes fast.
- Don’t sleep with lashes on, babe! Not only is it uncomfortable, but it also wrecks your lash line and the falsies themselves.
- Use tweezers to apply and remove lashes for more control and so you don’t accidentally stab yourself in the eye with your pinky nail (been there!).
And there you have it, boo. False lashes are honestly everything, but only if you know how to treat ‘em right. Paying attention to quality, cleaning, and storing your lashes like they’re your precious babies will have them lasting multiple wears. So when someone asks you how you still have the same pair of falsies after 15 uses… you’re welcome for the insider tips.
Keep those lashes flirty, fluttery, and fabulous! 😘
