False eyelashes are fun and exciting, but taking them off is almost the opposite. How can you remove eyelash glue without damaging your lashes or making a mess?
The good news is that there are some easy, painless methods to remove eyelash glue without damaging your lash line or your natural lashes. The method you choose depends on the types of false eyelashes you are wearing. We list all the best eyelash glue removal methods for professional extensions, DIY extensions and strip falsies. Read on to find your ideal method!
Table of Contents
METHOD 1: OIL BASED CLEANER
An oil-based cleanser is a great choice for removing all kinds of eyelash glue, including extensions. You can choose any eye-safe oil cleanser to do the job. The biggest advantage of oil cleansers is that you can wash them off easily by adding a little water and scrubbing.
STEP 1: First, soak a cotton ball in oil and gently hold it over your lash line for 5-10 seconds. You can also use it to remove your eye makeup if necessary.
STEP 2: If you are trying to remove eyelash extensions, you will need to hold the cotton in place for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can simply coat your lashes with oil and then wait.
STEP 3: Gently sweep the cotton pad down over your lashes. This may be enough to get your false eyelashes off.
STEP 4: Then dip a cotton swab into the oil. Use the cotton swab to clean the remaining glue from your lash line. The cotton swab will remove the false eyelashes if they haven’t come off yet.
STEP 5: Finally, use some water and gently massage your eyes to emulsify and wash away the oil cleanser.
STEP 6: With extensions, you may need to repeat this process a few days in a row, as the glue is a bit stronger. Also consider steaming your lashes first, per Method 4.
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METHOD 2: CIAO FOR NOW DIY EYELASH REMOVAL
Tired of DIY eyelash extensions? The removal of Lilac St. best achieved with our dedicated Ciao For Now Lash Remover. It’s designed to break down both long-lasting Pro Glue and our classic glue, freeing your lashes from stickiness. It will also work well to remove fake eyelash glues (especially non-latex ones) from other brands!
STEP 1: Using the brush side of the applicator, saturate both the top and bottom of your lashes with the remover and let it sit for about 30 seconds.
STEP 2: Then use the brush to gently rub back and forth along the base of the lash line, which will peel off your extensions with minimal impact on your natural lashes.
STEP 3: With the extensions removed, you can now use the comb side of the Lash Remover wand to comb your lashes well to remove any lash glue residue.
STEP 4: When finished, wipe the applicator gently with a dry cloth or cotton to remove any glue from it and put it back in the tube.
STEP 5: Finally, remove any makeup remover residue from your lashes with a cotton pad or a soft makeup remover cloth like ours Eyelash Bath Kit. You can also just clean your face or use micellar water.
Here is Carmencita demonstrating the complete process.
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METHOD 3: remove eye makeup
Do you have a favorite eye makeup remover? It can also help remove eyelash glue! Depending on the remover, you may be able to use it to get rid of both eyelash glue and extension glue.
Note that some oil-free makeup removers are too gentle for strong extender adhesives. If you’re wearing DIY or professional extensions, look for dual-phase formulas. They are effective even though they do not contain oil.
STEP 1: Put some makeup remover on a cotton ball. Hold it above your lash line to start the glue dissolving. You can dab it above the lash line with a cotton ball and then let it sit.
STEP 2: Gently wipe down to remove glue and fakes.
STEP 3: With a cotton swab, finish the job, wiping off the remaining glue.
STEP 4: You can also use the cotton swab to remove the lashes if they haven’t come off on their own.
I’m watching our video to see the process in action.
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METHOD 4: SOLVENT PROFESSIONAL GRADE EYELASH GLUE
A professional grade glue solvent is better than oil if you are doing professional eyelash extensions. Besides, this product is specially designed to break down the expansion glue. It will work faster than the other methods, but remember that it can sting a bit if it gets in your eye.
STEP 1: Apply a cotton ball under your lash line and close your eyes. It is important to keep your eyes closed during this time.
STEP 2: Using a cotton swab, gently dab the glue remover over your lashes, being careful not to let it come into contact with your lash line.
STEP 3: Let the thinner sit on your lashes for a while.
STEP 4: Then gently wipe the lashes with a clean cotton swab. They should come off very easily!
STEP 5: Once you’re done with one eye, clean off the glue solvent with a cotton pad saturated in cool water.
STEP 6: Finally, repeat the process on the other eye.
SUGGESTION: Work with only one eye at a time.
Checkout This video to see how a professional eyelash technician does it.
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METHOD 5: REMOVE THE GLUE with steam
If you are removal of eyelash extensionssteaming the glue can work extremely well.
This method works best as a first step, followed by a more thorough removal. Steam your extensions before trying methods 1 or 2 for better results!
You can also try it to loosen regular eyelash glue, which can save you the need for removal.
STEP 1: To remove the steam from the eyelash glue, you can simply step into the shower. Let the water run hot enough to steam (but not hot enough to burn). Do not put your face directly under the current. Just let the steam do its job of loosening the eyelash glue.
STEP 2: If you don’t have time to shower, use a commercial facial steamer or make a steam bowl.
STEP 3: To make a steam bowl, fill a bowl with hot water. Place your head over the bowl and then place a towel over your head. This will loosen the glue and is also great for cleaning the sinuses.
STEP 4: Regardless of the steam source, keep your lashes exposed to it for 5-8 minutes.
STEP 5: Test your lashes to see if the glue comes off easily with a gentle pull of the finger. If not, wrap things up with one of the other methods we’ve outlined.
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METHOD 6: REGULAR OIL
When you don’t have special makeup removers or cleansers at home, whatever oil you have on hand can protect your lashes! We recommend choosing a cosmetic or food grade oil such as mineral oil, baby oil, coconut oil, or grape seed oil, but most oils will do just fine. You can even try using petroleum jelly with this method!
STEP 1: Using a cotton ball or bud, saturate your eyes with oil. Let it sit over your lash line for 20-30 seconds to let it dissolve the lash glue.
STEP 2: Gently sweep down to loosen the lashes. Use a cotton ball (or two) and a little more friction if you’re wearing extensions.
STEP 3: Once the lashes are removed, apply more oil if necessary and use a cotton pad to remove any remaining lash glue.
STEP 4: Finally, wipe off any remaining oil and consider using micellar water or a facial cleanser to remove any residue, especially if your skin is acne-prone.
WHAT TO AVOID WHEN REMOVING EYELASH GLUE
To keep the process simple and your eyes and lashes safe, here are a few things you should definitely avoid when removing eyelash glue.
- Do not try to use water-based cleansers or micellar water to remove eyelash glue. Water-based cleansers aren’t great at breaking down lash glue, so you’ll end up using too much scrub or irritating your eyes.
- Do not use harsh products such as acetone, alcohol or nail polish. Some articles online recommend using such products, and while they may help break down the eyelash glue, they can also irritate and seriously damage your eyes. You can use alcohol to clean your false eyelashes when it’s not in your eyes.
PRO TIPS TO MAKE REMOVAL EASIER
We have some pro tips to make your eyelash glue removal process safer and easier!
- If the remover gets in your eyes, use eye drops to clean it.
- Once you remove the eyelash glue, treat your eyes with cool water and a nice layer of eye cream or eyelash serum.
GO GLUE
With several different methods for removing eyelash glue, you don’t have to worry about sticky messes around your eyes. If you take your time, stay patient and keep things clean, your eyes and lashes will thank you.