Clean False Eyelashes

False eyelashes can sometimes be pricey, so you may want to be able to use them more than once. If you want to reuse your lashes, you have a variety of options. You can clean the lashes with a q-tip or cotton swab. You can also use tweezers and a plastic container filled with makeup remover to slowly clean the lashes. When you're done, store the false lashes safely in a cool, dry place.

Steps

Cleaning with a Cotton Swab

  1. Gather your supplies. Before you begin cleaning your false eyelashes, gather the supplies to do so. In order to use this method, you'll need the following:[1]
    • Makeup remover, specifically designed to remove eye makeup
    • Rubbing alcohol
    • Cotton balls
    • Cotton swab/Q-tip
    • Tweezers
  2. Wash your hands. To start, wash your hands in clean tap water and antibacterial soap. You do not want to handle false eyelashes with dirty hands, as this can cause an eye infection.[1]
    • Get your hands wet with clear, running water. Lather your hands in antibacterial soap for about 20 seconds. Make sure to target areas like between the fingers, the backs of your hands, and underneath the fingernails.[2]
    • Rinse your hands in clear water and then dry with a clean towel.
  3. Remove your fake lashes. Before cleaning, carefully remove fake eyelashes. Use the pads of your fingers over your fingernails or something like tweezers, which can damage eyelashes.[3]
    • Firmly grasp the eyelashes with your thumb and forefinger.
    • Peel the band inwards slowly. The lashes should come off fairly easily.
  4. Soak a cotton ball in makeup remover and swab it along the fake lashes. Take a cotton ball. Soak it in some makeup remover. Move the swab along the fake lashes in gentle motions. Run the swab from the tip of the lashes to the end of the lashes, making sure to get the adhesive strip as well. Keep going until all the makeup is off.[1]
  5. Repeat on the opposite side of the lashes. Turn the lashes over. Get a fresh cotton swab and soak it in makeup remover. Then, repeat the process of moving the swab along the other side of the eyelashes. Once again, move from the top of the lash to the tip. Make sure to swipe the swab along the adhesive band. Make sure all makeup is removed.[1]
  6. Use tweezers to remove any glue. There will usually be some glue stuck on the lash band. You can use tweezers to remove this.[1]
    • Inspect the lash for any glue that's left on. If you find glue, take your tweezers. With one hand, pull off the glue with the tweezers. With the other hand, hold the eyelashes with the pads of your fingers.
    • Make sure to only pull with the tweezers. Pulling at the lashes could damage the fake eyelashes.
  7. Dip a fresh cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe down the lash strip. You want to make sure you get any remaining glue or makeup off of the lash strip. Dip your cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe it along the lash strip. In addition to removing glue, this disinfects the strip so you can safely use the eyelashes again later.

Using a Plastic container

  1. Gather your materials. Before you start this method, make sure to gather your materials. You will need the following:[1]
    • A plastic container, such as a small Tupperware container
    • Eye makeup remover
    • Tweezers
    • Tissues
    • An eyelash comb
  2. Wash your hands. As usual, you should wash your hands before you begin to prevent getting bacteria on your fake eyelashes. Make sure you wash for at least 20 seconds, using clean water and antibacterial soap. Do not forget to clean under your fingernails, between your fingers, and the backs of your hands. When you're done, rinse and dry with a clean towel.[2]
  3. Remove the fake eyelashes. Make sure to remove your fake eyelashes when you finish washing your hands. You should remove eyelashes with the pads of your fingers instead of your fingertips or tweezers. Grasp the eyelashes between your thumb and forefinger and pull the band inwards. The lashes should come off fairly easily.[3]
  4. Lay your fake lashes in your container. Simply place the lashes in the container. Lay them on their sides.[1]
  5. Add makeup remover to the container. Add about a tablespoon of makeup remover to the container. If your container is larger, you may need to use more. Use enough that your lashes can comfortably soak in the container.[1]
  6. Set the container aside for 5 minutes. Choose a safe place where the container will not be disturbed by children or pets. Make sure you do not leave the container out for more than 5 minutes. Any longer than this can damage the lashes.[1]
  7. Remove the lashes with tweezers. After 5 minutes have passed, gently pluck the lashes out of the container. Set them down on a clean piece of paper towel. Make sure the paper towel is sitting on a clean, flat surface.[1]
  8. Remove glue from the lashes with your tweezers. Pick up the lashes with your forefinger and thumb. Use tweezers to remove any bits of glue from the band. Remember to only pull with the tweezers and never pull at the lashes. Pulling at the lashes can cause them to tear.[1]
  9. Clean your container and add more remover. Rinse out your container thoroughly and then add more makeup remover. Do not add as much as before. Add just enough that there's a thin layer of remover at the bottom of the container.[1]
  10. Drag your lashes through the remover using tweezers. Take your tweezers. Use them to drag your lashes back and forth inside the container. Move the lashes from the left side of the container to the right. Then, flip the lashes over and repeat this on the other side.[1]
  11. Repeat until your lashes are clean. Keep emptying the container, adding new remover, and dragging the lashes back and forth with the tweezers. Continue doing this until the remover runs dry when you drag the lashes through. This is a sign the eyelashes are completely clean.[1]
  12. Set your lashes on a clean tissue and allow them to dry. Once your eyelashes are clean, set them aside in a safe place to dry. It's a good idea to place your fake eyelashes on something like a paper towel. Make sure they're in a safe place, where they won't be disturbed by children or pets.[1]
  13. Comb out your lashes with an eyelash comb. Take an eyelash comb and run it through your lashes. Do not skip this step. Combing out the lashes once after cleaning helps them retain their shape.[1]

Storing Your Fake Eyelashes Safely

  1. Allow lashes to dry completely before storage. You should not store your fake eyelashes when they're wet. You may have to set them aside for an hour or so before they're ready to store.
  2. Place your lashes back in the box. You should store your eyelashes in the box they originally came in. You do not want to leave fake eyelashes loose in a makeup drawer, as they can accrue dirt and debris. This can lead to an eye infection.[3]
    • If you don't have the original box, you can use a contact lens case. You can also purchase boxes for storing false eyelashes online.
  3. Store in a dark place. False eyelashes should be kept out of direct sunlight. This can change the color of the lashes. Make sure to store your eyelashes in a dark place to avoid warping the color.[3]

Tips

  • Be gentle. False eyelashes can be delicate.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 http://www.xovain.com/how-to/how-to-maintain-and-care-for-fake-eyelashes
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