Can You Wear Mascara With A Lash Lift?

Can you wear mascara with a lash lift? After 48 hours, yes! When it comes to lash lifts, the procedure is all about enhancing the length of your lashes.

Seen as an alternative to eyelash extensions, lash lifts curl your eyelashes from base to tip which then gives the appearance of longer lashes. It is important to know that a lash lift will not really add length to your eyelashes like extensions will—only the look of longer lashes.

Essentially, the process begins with an esthetician (or licensed cosmetologist) placing a small silicone pad at the base of the lashes of closed eyes. This pad will encourage the formation of the desired lash shape and give it structure.

Then, a non-toxic serum will be applied to the lashes and they will be lifted and shaped against the silicone pad. The serum will break down the protein present in the eyelashes to make them more pliable, thus easier to shape.

An immediate follow-up step will be applying a conditioning serum infused with keratin to condition the lashes. The goal of this serum will be to add back in what protein and support was previously stripped.

Another layer of keratin will be applied once the silicone pads are removed to “lock in” the newly added protein. Since it takes some time for the bonding action of the first serum to fully form, you want to hold off on wearing any mascara for up to two days after your lash lift.

Doing so otherwise can potentially ruin your new, beautiful lift. For answers to any other questions about wearing makeup after a lash lift or general lash lift after-care, feel free to continue reading below.

Can I Wear Mascara With A Lash Lift?

Yes, mascara can be worn with a lash lift as long as 48 hours have passed since the initial procedure. In fact, the earliest you can begin to wear mascara following a lash lift is 24 hours, although most professionals recommend waiting the full 48 hours.

Furthermore, throughout the 4-6 weeks that your lifted lashes last, you should stick to mascaras that are water-based, or otherwise mineral mascaras.

The reason for this is that waterproof mascaras frequently contain oils that could end up damaging your lift and cause it to lose shape much faster than the standard timeline. Long story short, if you want to keep your lashes lifted then refrain from using any oil-based or oil-infused eye makeup.

Despite that, mascara is a great method to make your eyes pop following a lash lift, considering that you are sticking to oil-free products. The added length with the overall darker shade of your lashes will surely complement any eye, no matter the shape and color.

What Can Ruin A Lash Lift?

Neglecting to follow any of the advised aftercare will ruin a lash lift. It is of the utmost importance that you follow all directions given to you regarding lash lift aftercare so you will be able to maintain the lift as long as possible.

That being said, there are a few things that should not be done. In general, do not rub your eyes. This should be a rule of thumb even without a lash lift. Friction caused by rubbing can break your lashes and cause unnatural loss.

Furthermore, the oil from your fingers can add to the oil that is naturally produced by your eyelashes, and for your lash lift that means poor bonding retention.

Also, dirt. Eye infections are not a fun experience. It is safe to say that unless you are cleansing, you should do your best to avoid any unnecessary touching.

Additionally, refrain from using harsh products. Although these can also create a weak bond within your lash lift, they are also more often than not damaging to your eyes and eyelashes.

Other activities to avoid for at least 24 hours following a lash lift include:

Wearing eye makeup of any kind
Working out
Showering
Going to a sauna/spa
Using a facial steamer
Getting your lashes wet
Swimming in chlorinated and natural bodies of water

More than anything, discontinue the use of any eye makeup that includes oils for the time being. The oils used can and will have your lash lift lose its hold, and your lash lift will not last the usual 4-6 weeks.

What Are The Do’s And Don’ts Of A Lash Lift?

As with most beauty treatments, there are do’s and don’ts to a lash lift. Although a majority of well-advised “don’ts” were touched on earlier in the article, a review, and more in-depth analysis is in order. After all, there is no room for error.

To begin, the “do’s” of a lash lift include activities like regular brushing and using gentle, oil-free products for both facial cleansing and makeup application. Whereas brushing your lashes can provide further fluff and shape, they should not be brushed in excess.

A good comb-through once or twice a day should be enough to keep naturally-produced oils and other microscopic debris at bay. To add on to this, using oil-free products allows your eyelash lift to last as long as possible within the provided month-long time frame.

Furthermore—if you have an interest in it—there are eyelash-enhancing serums that can be used to (as it advertises) enhance your lashes. These serums are suggested to promote growth and provide nourishment.

Nonetheless, be weary of applying any new product to your eyes; lash serums have caused allergic reactions in the past, as well as dry and itchy eyes. At the first signs of an issue with the product of your choice, you should discontinue use.

Also, depending on the severity of the reaction, a doctor’s appointment may be in order. Next, let’s address the “don’ts” of lash lifts. For these, most of the more troublesome ones will be encountered within the first 24-48 hours after the eyelash lift procedure.

These short-lived no-no’s include getting your lashes wet, having another beauty treatment (like facials or eyebrow waxing), and wearing makeup. Unfortunately, participating in any of these will result in unwanted results.

More than any other outcome, you will likely lose a large portion of the desired lift and curl. And, if those are lost, what was the point of sitting for an hour with some silicone pads on your eyelids? If you want your lash lift to last, adhering to the do’s and don’ts is vital to the success of your lash treatment.

Final Thoughts: Can You Wear Mascara With A Lash Lift?

After taking all of this into consideration, one can argue that a lash lift is a great method to achieve the look of lengthened and curled lashes. Although the treatment is often compared to getting a set of eyelash extensions, there are key differences between the two.

For example, whereas eyelash extensions add actual length to your lashes with the help of individual fake eyelashes and a special glue, an eyelash lift does not actually add length. There is no doubt that an eyelash lift consists of completely your own natural lashes.

Your natural lashes are simply shaped to be given the appearance of being longer than they really are. Additionally, since lash lifts can last anywhere between 4-6 weeks, there are some steps to be taken to ensure that the lift holds.

As with most beauty and cosmetic treatments, aftercare is crucial. In most cases, by sticking to your advised aftercare routine and/or steps, you can get the most out of your lash lift. In general, you should avoid wearing makeup and getting your eyelashes wet within the first 24 hours after getting an eyelash lift.

Also, throughout the duration of having a lash lift, you shouldn’t apply anything that is oil-based to your eyes and lashes as these products can encourage straightening in your eyelashes by weakening the chemical bonds.

Moreover, no rubbing your lashes; whether to satisfy an itch or to dry them, just don’t do it. As it is, friction is damaging already to untreated lashes. If you want to dry your eyelashes, stick with gentle pats.

So, it is to say that oils should be averted unless you are looking to straighten out your lashes after a lash lift. Additionally, yes, showers fall under the “no moisture” umbrella and should be taken either before your lift appointment or 24 hours after.

Moreover, while you have your lash lift avoid eye makeup advertised as waterproof, especially mascaras. Mineral mascaras and water-based mascaras are absolutely safe to wear 24-48 hours following a lash lift.

Otherwise, with proper care, a lash lift should last you anywhere from 4-6 weeks. The treatment could be redone every 6 weeks at minimum, as the process is comparable to that of dyeing your hair.