The Best Makeup for Eyelash Extensions (and the Worst)

IMAXTREE

The good news about your eyelash extensions is that they look amazing. The bad news: Half your eye-makeup collection needs to go. True, eyelash extensions can last for up to six weeks, but wearing the wrong makeup with them can lead to lash fallout and extension damage, dramatically decreasing the length of time your lash extensions look full and fabulous.

Honestly, it's sad watching your eyelash extensions fall out one by one. It all happens so quickly, and within a couple of weeks, they start looking sparse. It's happened to the best of us (myself included). Yes, this could be due to your fast lash metabolism—or it could be from the makeup products you're using.

Extensions are sensitive. When you're glamming up your face, you must be cognizant of your falsies or else. Not sure which makeup to keep using and which to avoid? Don't worry—we've got you covered. We're giving you makeup tips to ensure your lashes thrive.

Scroll through for the best makeup for eyelash extensions.

No: Pencil Eyeliner

One weird consequence of having mile-long individual false lashes: Your eyelashes get tangled. And dragging a sticky pencil liner along the lashline—where eyelash extensions form their tenuous bonds—just worsens tangling and lash fallout. And there's the aftermath: Cream and gel eyeliners can leave a gummy residue on extensions, making removal an utter nuisance. You've been warned.

Yes: Powder Eyeliner

Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner $25

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Stick to a fade-free formula like this long-lasting eyeliner powder.

Use a flat angled brush to glide this powder smoothly along your lashline. Its transfer-resistant texture literally does not budge, meaning it also won't mess with your lashes.

No: Tubing Mascara

Fact: You can wear mascara without destroying your lashes. Just avoid tubing formulas (aka the kind that slips off in water). Tube mascara can be pulled off natural lashes with a little moisture and light pressure, but this formula sticks like glue to falsies. You'll be able to get it off, but not without losing a few (pricey, hard-earned) lashes.

Yes: Lightweight Mascara

Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara $23

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It's all about weightless textures that still offer up voluminous results. This is where Tarte's mascara comes in. It's a vegan, antioxidant-rich mascara made of Amazonian clay that won't damage your lashes. Trust us—this brings the drama without adding too much weight to your lashes. 

No: Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

If it's not obvious by now, smudge-proof and budge-proof eye makeup is generally bad news for lash extensions. This includes water-resistant or waterproof liquid liner. A liquid eyeliner may seem innocent enough (it's not creamy or gel-like), but its long-wearing formula will require rubbing or repeatedly touching your lashes to remove it. All of which will shorten your extensions' lifespan.

Yes: Pen Eyeliner

Dior Liquid Eyeliner $35

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The tapered brush of this precise eyeliner pen allows for a seamless application. Even better? You won't have to go at it around your eye area to get this stuff off (we know what that'll lead to). Save a few lashes with this formula.

No: Oil-Based Makeup Remover

Keeping your eyelash extensions clean is key to making them last as long as possible. Oil-based makeup removers are best for removing stubborn eye makeup, but they also loosen the glue that bonds extensions to your lashes.

Yes: Oil-Free Gentle Makeup Remover

Almay Oil-Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads $5

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Opt for gentle makeup remover like these pads. Almay's are made with a plant-based blend of aloe vera, cucumber, and green tea. They're ideal for slipping off makeup in the most sensitive of areas.

Do not rub your eyes when removing your makeup. This will pull at the extensions and potentially remove them from your lashline.

Shop more lash extension–safe products below:

Beauty Garde Oil-Free Liner $22

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Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara $19

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Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover $8

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L'Oréal Infallible Smokissime Powder Eyeliner Pen $5

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Nars Makeup Removing Water $28

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BareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara $19

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Next up, read what it's like to wear lash extensions for over six years.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.