To maintain your false lashes and ensure they last, you need to clean them! How to do it properly at home? We explain the steps to follow.

More and more of us wear them, false lashes (or synthetic lashes) are part of the daily routine for many beauty lovers. They add flair and offer an intense look to those whose natural lashes are a little too short. But do we really know the right way to care for them? While many have long considered false lashes to be a single-use beauty accessory, brands are increasingly emphasizing that they can be reused several times without any problems, as long as you know how to care for them. And that's rather good news, especially when you pay a certain price for them. Whether they are magnetic, magnetic, water-based, or glue-on, false lashes must all follow one and the same golden rule: they must be cleaned!

Discover also which false lashes to choose, thanks to our practical guide. 

The equipment you need before cleaning false lashes

To ensure clean lashes, before cleaning false lashes, you will need certain items so that the process goes smoothly and the false lashes remain in good condition. Here is the necessary equipment:

1. False lashes: Make sure the false lashes you want to clean are in good condition and are reusable. False lashes made from quality materials are generally more durable.

2. Cotton swabs or tweezers: These tools will help you gently remove excess glue or mascara from the false lashes.

3. Gentle makeup remover or facial cleanser: Choose a gentle makeup remover, preferably oil-free, to gently remove the lash glue, mascara, and any makeup residue..

4. Container or bowl: Use a small bowl or container to prepare your cleaning solution and soak the false lashes.

5. Warm water: You will need warm water to mix with the makeup remover or cleanser and to rinse the false lashes.

6. Tray or clean towel: Use a tray or clean towel to separate and let the false lashes dry after cleaning.

7. Cotton pads or paper tissues: Use cotton or paper tissues to gently pat the false lashes and remove excess moisture.

8. Eyelash brush: A small, soft eyelash brush can be used to gently brush the false lashes after cleaning to reshape them.

The steps to follow to clean your false lashes

If you are the type to regularly wear false lashes (doe eyes and an intense look, we love it) but you didn't necessarily know that they also needed regular cleaning, this little practical guide should be very useful to you.

P.S.: If you are looking for good advice on how to wear false lashes, we explain that too!

Cleaning lashes: make sure you have the right products

Before you start cleaning your false lashes, you need to make sure you have the right products and equipment at hand. For a successful cleaning, you need an eye makeup remover, alcohol (90°), makeup remover pads, a cotton swab, a clean spoolie, and tweezers.

Step one: set yourself up properly

Now that your equipment is ready, before you start the task of cleaning the false lashes, make sure your hands are clean. Any hygiene measure taken with your hands must be done under the right conditions. Remember that false lashes come into contact with your eyes, the most delicate area of the human body, so it is essential that they are properly cleaned. Wash your hands with neutral soap and thus ensure you avoid any risk of eye infection.

Step two: remove your false lashes

Effective cleaning follows the removal of the false lashes. Make sure you gently remove your false lashes without risking hurting yourself or damaging the adhesive band! Also check that no glue remains on your natural lashes or on the adhesive band. If so, pass a cotton swab soaked in 90° alcohol over the adhesive band; this should allow the glue residue to be removed once and for all, but also sanitize the lashes and allow for proper reuse. As for the area of the natural lashes, you can use the tweezers to remove the glue residue. If they are magnetic false lashes or magnetic lashes, simply be careful not to damage the magnetic points to facilitate reuse.

Step three: clean the false lashes

Now that the false lashes are removed, we can get down to cleaning them properly. Remember that they are a delicate accessory that needs to be handled gently. Pour eye makeup remover (preferably oil-based) into a small container. Briefly dip the lash band in it, then pass a cotton swab or a clean cotton pad over the false lashes soaked in makeup remover to allow the product to work properly. This will help remove makeup residue (such as eyeshadow) from the synthetic fibers, but also remove the dirt accumulated throughout the day. Now that this is done, you can leave the lashes to air dry on a paper tissue. Once the lashes are dry, brush them with the small clean spoolie so they keep a beautiful shape.

Once cleaning is finished, always make sure to store your false lashes in their original box; this helps keep them perfectly dry and, of course, keep them for as long as possible.

What are the risks if false lashes are not cleaned properly?

It is best to avoid experiencing it. Dirty false lashes can lead to eye infections of varying severity. Since the eye area is extremely delicate, if false lashes are not properly cleaned, they can carry harmful bacteria. Always remain extremely vigilant about the cleanliness of your false lashes; your eye health depends on it! If you are the forgetful type and cleaning (very often) slips your mind, opt for more natural methods to lengthen your lashes! For example, try an eyelash growth serum; the effects are visible after one month (but you can also opt for treatments lasting up to six months) and you also keep the look of your natural lashes.