Raise your hand if you've been personally victimized by clients who didn't follow proper aftercare instructions for their lash extensions... 🙋‍♀️ (Mean Girls reference since October 3rd just passed LOL).

Educating your lash client is extremely important when it comes to amazing retention. Some of them might not even realize that their favorite make up or skincare products could be the reason why their lash extensions have major fall out! Whether your client prefers to add a full face of makeup, light liner, or maybe they swear by a multi-step skincare routine, these can spell disaster for their lash extension retention. These products being used near or around their lashes end up unknowingly compromising the lash adhesive's bond to the extension and natural lash. Here are the top three ingredients that you should be sure to mention to your clients, so that they can avoid them at all costs:

WATERPROOF MAKEUP

Waterproof mascara is a HUGE no-no for lash extension wearers. Waterproof makeup typically contains oils that will eventually break down the adhesive bonds and can be difficult to remove. Many waterproof mascaras require a cleansing balm or oil to remove, and they end up still leaving a residue. Let your clients know that any rubbing and pulling at their eyelash extensions to remove waterproof products can cause premature extension loss or even cause damage to their natural lashes. 

FACE OILS/MOISTURIZERS

Oils are Public Enemy Number One when it comes to eyelash extensions. Oils break down the cyanoacrylate bond (found in nearly all lash adhesives), which causes the adhesive to dissolve and therefore impact the retention of lash extensions. Oils that should be avoided near their eyes include mineral oils, vegetable oil, and coconut oil. 

Although these oils may not immediately break down the bond, they definitely can impact retention if the extensions are constantly exposed to them. If your client is interested in a removal, please advise them to visit YOU to remove them instead of trying a DIY removal with oils.

Products that often include oils include cleansing balms, moisturizers, some exfoliants, sunscreen, face oils, and creams. We recommend that clients should be using a lash cleanser, like our Prolong lash cleanser concentrate, which is safe to use for lash extensions. This cleanser will not strip the skin's barrier, which means it won't cause unnecessary dryness and irritation to your client's face/eye area! It helps to remove debris, makeup, and leaves the eye area feeling refreshed.

BEAUTY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ALCOHOL

Skincare or makeup products that contain alcohol can be incredibly drying to the skin and lashes. Alcohol can cause lashes to become brittle and irritate the skin and eye. It's important to point out to your clients to check the ingredient list on the beauty products they use consistently! The first few ingredients listed on products are typically the "strongest" ingredients, and you'd be surprised just how many products list some form of alcohol as the first or second ingredient.

Although minor amounts of alcohol most likely won’t be too harmful, it's best to be cautious! Advise your clients to make mindful purchases to protect their skin and lashes.