Eyelash glue is stubborn to remove, and when it’s stuck to your eyelashes, you need to be super careful when removing it, so you don’t damage your natural lashes or irritate the delicate skin around your eyes. There are some methods you can try to make the lash glue removal a little cleaner, gentler and less stressful on your lashes.
Why Eyelash Glue Can Be Hard To Remove
Eyelash glue is designed to keep your false lashes in place all day, so it is formulated to be stubborn, flexible and water-resistant, which is why it’s hard to try and break it down when trying to remove it.
The glue is made to have high adhesive strength which is resistant to your tears, oil and friction, so it won’t simply just rinse away.
In false lash glue, the ingredients often include flexible polymers and resins, which create a tight bond with both the false lashes band and your skin. If you tug at the bond, you can irritate your eyelid skin, and pull out your natural eyelashes, so you need to be very careful.
The health of your natural lashes also matters. If your natural lashes are already dry, weak or sparse, the lash glue can cling unevenly and be harder to remove.
How To Loosen Eyelash Glue From Your Natural Eyelashes
Focus on gently loosening your lash glue, so it releases without pulling your natural lashes. There are different lash glue types, and latex-based lash glues usually soften with warm water and gentle cleansers, but stronger and waterproof lash glues will need more aggressive removal techniques.
Soak a cotton pad in warm water (not hot), and hold the pad on your closed eye for 30 to 60 seconds, as the steam-like warmth will help to break down the glue residue, whilst being gentle on your lashes.
Next, use an oil-based cleanser or a dedicated eye makeup remover, and lightly dab along your lash line, but do not rub back and forth, as that will pull out your lashes.
If you’d rather use something natural, you can apply a small amount of warmed coconut oil, olive oil or jojoba oil to the lash band area with a cotton swab, letting the oil sit for a minute, before testing the looseness of the glue.
Best Way To Remove Glue From Your False Eyelashes
When you’ve loosened the glue from your natural lashes, you need to remove the residual glue from the false lashes, so you can reuse them.
Lay your lash strip on a clean towel, and using a pair of tweezers, gently pinch and roll the softened glue from the lash band, working in small sections, being careful not to damage the lash fibers, or stretch the band.
If you’ve used a clear or latex-based lash glue, soak a cotton pad in oil-free makeup remover, and then press it along the band for a few seconds, then wipe.
For stronger glues or dark colored glues, you’ll need to use an oil-based remover or micellar water, ensuring you keep the liquid away from the lash fibers, so you preserve the curl of the false lashes.
Once you’ve removed all of the residual glue, comb through the lashes with a clean spoolie, and let them air-dry before storing them in a lash case.
How To Protect Your Natural Lashes During Glue Removal
When you’re removing lash glue from your eyelashes, support your eyelids with one hand during removal, so you’re not tugging on your lash line. Avoid picking or pulling the dried glue, so you don’t rip out your natural lashes.
You can soften the glue by holding your face over over a bowl of hot water for a few minutes, so the steam loosens any glue residue. Apply natural oils like coconut, jojoba or olive oil with a cotton swab, gliding over your lash line to dissolve any remaining glue.
Follow up with a gentle eye makeup remove, and not a harsh makeup remover, so you can wash away the oil and glue fragments without stripping your skin. Once the glue is fully removed, nourish your lashes with an eyelash serum, as they’re formulated to condition and strengthen your lashes.
