To keep your eyelash extensions looking their best for as long as possible, it's important to take good care of them. This includes regular cleaning! How do you go about it? We tell you.

Extensions are beautiful, they lengthen the lashes, they enlarge the eyes, they make you look like a star and, above all, they save you time in front of the mirror in the morning. As a reminder, extensions are synthetic lashes that are added individually to enhance natural lashes. Extensions take one to two hours to apply, and last between one and two months. There are many different styles of application, from the most natural to the most extravagant - anything goes!

While we know how to install them (always by an approved specialist), we know a little less about how to care for them, and above all, we don't imagine that they need to be washed regularly and meticulously to guarantee the best hold.

Also read: How to apply false eyelashes

Why is it important to clean your eyelash extensions?

We clean our faces every day, remove make-up after a long day and pamper them to keep our skin in tip-top shape. It's the same for eyelashes, especially when it comes to extensions. In fact, contrary to what you might think, it's totally advisable to clean your extensions - it'll even make them last longer! Synthetic lashes require care, but are easy to clean. This important step is especially recommended to avoid possible infections linked to the dust and bacteria that can settle on the extensions, but also to remove make-up (especially if mascara is used) or to clean accumulated sebum, which can weigh down or even cause the extensions to fall out prematurely.

How do I clean my eyelash extensions?

Extensions need to be cleaned meticulously to prevent them from falling out. To make sure it's done properly, we (always) proceed in stages.

1 - Choosing your cleanser

Not all cleansers are suitable for cleaning extensions. For example, oil-based cleansers should be avoided, as they could dissolve the glue and completely strip the lashes of their extensions. Instead, use a foam-, butter- or cream-based cleanser, or simply a mild facial soap. There are also specific cleansers for eyelash extensions, but it's best to ask your eyelash extension specialist when you have your eyelash extensions installed, so that she can recommend the best cleanser for the type of extensions you're using.

2 - The right gestures to apply

Once you've chosen the right cleanser, it's time to get down to business. When it comes to cleaning eyelash extensions, it's best to be gentle. Don't forget that eyelash extensions are simply glued in place, and that any sudden action can cause them to fall out. Avoid rubbing at all costs, and proceed gently, cleaning the lash area with your fingertips (from top to bottom), paying particular attention to the base of the lashes. It's best to avoid wipes and other tissues, as the fibers can get trapped in the glue and weaken the lashes' hold.

3 - Dry your extensions

Once you've cleaned your extensions, you need to dry them to prevent water from weighing them down. How do I do this? Gently dab the area with a towel (preferably microfiber), so that it can absorb the water. Alternatively, you can dry your lashes with a piece of tissue, leaving it on your eyes for a few seconds until all the water has been absorbed.

4 - Brush your extensions

This is serious business! Eyelash extensions need to be brushed daily to prevent them from tangling, taking on the wrong shape or sagging. Brushing is done with a brush (sometimes given by the esthetician at the end of the application) or an old, clean mascara brush. Brush the extensions as if you were applying mascara, always in the direction of the hair, upwards, from the base to the tip of the lash!

What you need to know to properly care for your extensions

In short, to keep your extensions looking beautiful for as long as possible, you need to clean them and know how to maintain them. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll keep those bewitching eyes for as long as possible:

- Never put oil on your extensions
- Don't forget your waterproof mascara
- Don't rub your eyes!
- Use clean, skin-friendly make-up as much as possible.
- Brush your extensions daily to ensure they stay in shape and stay in place.
- Clean your extensions thoroughly.
- Continue to apply your eyelash-boosting serum(a cure is also possible) to keep your natural eyelashes healthy!