Can You Wear Eyeliner With Lash Extensions?

If you’re a makeup lover, you’ve probably wondered: can you wear eyeliner with lash extensions? The good news is, yes, you can!

Finding the right eyeliner is not as hard as it may seem. It comes down to finding products with non-damaging ingredients. Choosing eyeliners that will play well with your lash materials is key to best protecting and extending the life of your lash extensions.

I’ve done the work for you by testing out different products to see which kinds work best. But before we go over your other eyeliner options, let’s clear up any confusion about whether wearing eyeliner with eyelash extensions is worth it or not.

Pros and cons of wearing eyeliner with lash extensions

It’s essential to understand the risks of wearing eyeliner with your lash extensions. You need to be aware of an increased risk of eye infections, eye injuries, and your lash extensions needing to be replaced sooner.

On the flip side, there are several pros to wearing eyeliner and lashes together. These have less to do with eye health and more to do with looking fabulous.

In general, eyeliner will highlight your eyes and lashes. You can play them up to look more glam or down for a more natural, subtle look.

Breaking down the risks and what you can do

These are some of the most common risks to consider when using eyeliner with your lash extensions. The most obvious is you have to be more careful with makeup removal when using eyeliner and lash extensions together. Here are a few other things you need to look out for:

• Eyeliner ingredients can damage lash adhesives. Because eyeliners last a long time, they often contain waxy substances and oils that give you that pretty, inky look. Though these make your eyes look great, these same oils and waxes gradually disintegrate adhesive extension glue.

• Potential clumping. Many of us like to use several layers of eyeliner to increase the boldness of our eye look. But this repeated action can cause your lash extensions to clump, making them even more susceptible to breakage.

• Blocking eye glands. Ok, yes, this one sounds scary. But blocking oil glands due to eyeliner or any makeup is a possibility even without lash extensions in the picture.

• Increased risk of eye infections. Bacteria may be present on your eyeliners. They can spread to your eyes and multiply if you’re not careful.

• Pulling on your lash extensions. The motion you use while applying eyeliner can tug your extensions and may make your eyelash extensions come off faster.

You can reduce the risks outlined above if you keep your tools clean and make hygiene a point with your beauty routine.

How to make the most out of your eyeliner

Wearing eyeliner with your lashes can give them that extra wow factor. Here are a few of the top perks and why a good lash-friendly eyeliner can be an excellent investment.

• A more natural appearance. Many beauty experts recommend that you do use eyeliner for lash extensions. This is because the look of the lashes will appear more natural and seamless, and the extra line helps obscure adhesives.

• Save on mascara. Lash extensions instantly give your eyes a lift and make them look bold. Eyeliner enhances this boldness, therefore eliminating the need to use anything extra. Not having to splurge on mascara is a fantastic perk.

• More versatility. Part of the allure of wearing makeup is the ability to play with different looks. Eyeliners are an easy way to change up your style and look without having to do much else. It can be the perfect complement to your lash extensions.

• Make lash extensions look even thicker. The added darkness that eyeliner provides instantly adds depth to your lashes, making them look fuller. This is a great way to get multiple looks out of your lash extensions too. Think smokey eye one day, au natural the next.

What to wear with lashes

Now that we’ve gone over the do’s and don’ts of wearing eyeliner with lashes, let’s dive right into the best eyeliners to use.

Water-based eyeliner

As mentioned in the risks section, oil based products like many gel liners cause damage to your false lashes and weaken the glue bond.

When you’re wearing eyelash extensions opting for a water-based liner will eliminate the risk of premature lash fall out.

These liners are not to be confused with waterproof liquid eyeliner.

Liquid eyeliners

Liquid eyeliners are known for their ultra-dark look. They’re also one of the best eyeliners to make a classic cat eye because of their staying power and ability to make the lash line longer.

These can come in the form of a tube, a gel pot, or a simple pen. What makes these great with wearing extensions is that they’re easy to apply and, using warm water and a cotton swab, easy to remove.

Powder eyeliners

Applying makeup like powder liner is easy with an angled brush.

Powder is gentle on both natural lashes and false lashes. They don’t require oil based makeup remover to wash off, and you can build them up to create looks like a smoky eye without having to apply much pressure.

Cake eyeliners

Cake liners are water-activated, much like watercolor paint. They’re very gentle on your lashes, and because you can safely build them up to your desired volume, they’re an excellent alternative to traditional pencil eyeliners when you want more of a matte look.

What not to wear with lashes

Let’s talk about the products you absolutely want to avoid to keep your lash extensions (and eyelash glue) in perfect shape.

Oil based eyeliners

Not only is oil based liner more damaging, but it also increases other risks like clogged glands. When looking for the best eyeliners for your faux lashes, avoid all oil based products.

Waterproof eyeliners

Waterproof liquid eyeliners are generally bad news for false lashes. Water resistant liners are not only harsh on your lash glue and the synthetic fibers of your faux lashes, but they are also hard to remove.

Pencil eyeliners

Pencil eyeliners require a tugging or pulling motion during the application, which can lead to lashes coming off or wearing down.

To preserve your precious lashes, avoid both the mechanical and traditional versions of this eyeliner.

Gel eyeliners

Gel eyeliners are one of the worst kinds to use with lash extensions. Not only do they pull and tug like a pencil liner, but they also tend to leave behind residue.

The creamy consistency of their long wearing formula makes them hard to remove. They often require rubbing with oil based makeup remover and cotton balls which can cause premature lash fallout.

How to apply eyeliner with lash extensions

Cleanliness comes first. Before applying eyeliner, make sure your face and lashes are clean and dry. Next, use a lash comb to comb your lashes with a downward motion gently.

Be careful not to touch your lashes start applying your liner from the inner corners toward the outer corners of your eyes. Keep the line right above the lash line.

If you’re going for a cat eye or winged look, start by perfecting the wings first and then filling in the line above your lashes.

Lastly, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Though eyeliner is excellent for making your lashes look fuller, thicker, and more pronounced, you don’t want to go overboard. Keep your strokes light.

How to remove eyeliner with lash extensions

There are some great lash shampoos on the market that can simplify makeup removal. Alternatively, any eye makeup remover will do just fine so long as it’s oil free. Makeup removers best for eyelash extensions are water-based and free of silicone or wax.

Use a soft, lint-free cloth or brush to apply lash shampoo or makeup remover to your lids. Press and dab to slowly remove the eyeliner. Make sure you don’t use any rough back and forth tugging or pulling motions.

After you’ve removed your eyeliner, give your lashes an extra wash with a gentle cleanser. After dabbing your face dry with a soft towel, carefully comb your lashes.

Can you put mascara on lash extensions?

You can wear mascara with your lash extensions if you want a more dramatic look. But remember that the same rules as eyeliner apply to wearing mascara and only use it if you have a classic set.

In short:

• Stick to water-based formulas
• Don’t use oil based or waterproof mascaras
• Watch out for silicone as an ingredient
• When applying mascara remember: less is more

Can you wear makeup with eyelash extensions?

You can totally wear makeup with eyelash extensions. Who doesn’t want to experiment with different colors and styles with their new lashes?

Here are a few tips to ensure applying your makeup doesn’t create any problems with your lash extensions.

• Always avoid oil based or waxy formulas
• Don’t use glitter, especially in eyeshadow
• Opt for powders whenever you can

Takeaways on wearing eyeliner with lash extensions

Lash extensions can simplify your makeup routine by making you look more put-together effortlessly. Sometimes, though, it’s ok to want that extra oomph factor by applying mascara and eyeliner. As long as you keep your lashes clean and make sure to use the right products, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy your favorite eyeliner with your lash extensions.