How to Clean False Eyelashes

A simple guide to cleaning false eyelashes so you can get the most uses out of them

False eyelashes can sometimes be pricey, so you may want to be able to use them more than once. If you want to reuse your lashes, you have a variety of options. You can clean the lashes with a q-tip or cotton swab. You can also use tweezers and a plastic container filled with makeup remover to slowly clean the lashes. When you're done, store the false lashes safely in a cool, dry place.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using a Cotton Swab

  1. Image titled Clean False Eyelashes Step 1
    1
    Gather your supplies. Before you begin cleaning your false eyelashes, gather the supplies to do so. In order to use this method, you'll need the following:[1]
    • Makeup remover, specifically designed to remove eye makeup
    • Rubbing alcohol
    • Cotton balls
    • Cotton swab/Q-tip
    • Tweezers
  2. Image titled Clean False Eyelashes Step 2
    2
    Wash your hands. To start, wash your hands in clean tap water and antibacterial soap. You do not want to handle false eyelashes with dirty hands, as this can cause an eye infection.[2]
    • Get your hands wet with clear, running warm water. Lather your hands in antibacterial soap for about 20 seconds. Make sure to target areas like between the fingers, the backs of your hands, and underneath the fingernails.[3]
    • Rinse your hands in clear water and then dry with a clean towel.
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  3. Image titled Clean False Eyelashes Step 3
    3
    Remove your fake lashes. Apply makeup remover over the eyelash to remove the glove. Press down on your lid with one finger and gently lift up the eyelash with the other. Use the pads of your fingers or tweezers over your fingernails.[4]
    • Firmly grasp the eyelashes with your thumb and forefinger.
    • Peel the band inwards slowly. The lashes should come off fairly easily.
    • Do not use oil-based makeup removers when wearing false eyelashes.
  4. 4
    Soak a cotton ball in makeup remover and swab it along the fake lashes. Take a cotton ball. Soak it in some makeup remover. Move the swab along the fake lashes in gentle motions. Run the swab from the tip of the lashes to the end of the lashes, making sure to get the adhesive strip as well. Keep going until all the makeup and glue is off.[5]
  5. Image titled Clean False Eyelashes Step 5
    5
    Repeat on the opposite side of the lashes. Turn the lashes over. Get a fresh cotton swab and soak it in makeup remover. Then, repeat the process of moving the swab along the other side of the eyelashes. Once again, move from the top of the lash to the tip. Make sure to swipe the swab along the adhesive band. Make sure all makeup is removed.[6]
  6. 6
    Use tweezers to remove any glue. There will usually be some glue stuck on the lash band. You can use tweezers to remove this.[7]
    • Inspect the lash for any glue that's left on. If you find glue, take your tweezers. With one hand, pull off the glue with the tweezers. With the other hand, hold the eyelashes with the pads of your fingers.
    • Make sure to only pull with the tweezers. Pulling at the lashes could damage the fake eyelashes.
  7. 7
    Dip a fresh cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe down the lash strip. You want to make sure you get any remaining glue or makeup off of the lash strip. Dip your cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe it along the lash strip. In addition to removing glue, this disinfects the strip so you can safely use the eyelashes again later.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using a Container

  1. Image titled Clean False Eyelashes Step 8
    1
    Gather your materials. Before you start this method, make sure to gather your materials. You will need the following:[8]
    • A plastic container, such as a small Tupperware container
    • Eye makeup remover
    • Tweezers
    • Tissues
    • An eyelash comb
  2. Image titled Clean False Eyelashes Step 9
    2
    Wash your hands. As usual, you should wash your hands before you begin to prevent getting bacteria on your fake eyelashes. Make sure you wash for at least 20 seconds, using clean, warm water and antibacterial soap. Do not forget to clean under your fingernails, between your fingers, and the backs of your hands. When you're done, rinse and dry with a clean towel.[9]
  3. Image titled Clean False Eyelashes Step 10
    3
    Remove the fake eyelashes. Make sure to remove your fake eyelashes when you finish washing your hands. You should remove eyelashes with the pads of your fingers instead of your fingertips or tweezers. Grasp the eyelashes between your thumb and forefinger and pull the band inwards. The lashes should come off fairly easily.[10]
  4. Image titled Clean False Eyelashes Step 11
    4
    Lay your fake lashes in your container. Simply place the lashes in the container. Lay them on their sides.[11]
  5. 5
    Add makeup remover to the container. Add about a tablespoon of makeup remover to the container. If your container is larger, you may need to use more. Use enough that your lashes can comfortably soak in the container.[12]
  6. Image titled Clean False Eyelashes Step 13
    6
    Set the container aside for 5 minutes. Choose a safe place where the container will not be disturbed by children or pets. Make sure you do not leave the container out for more than 5 minutes. Any longer than this can damage the lashes.[13]
  7. 7
    Remove the lashes with tweezers. After 5 minutes have passed, gently pluck the lashes out of the container. Set them down on a clean piece of paper towel. Make sure the paper towel is sitting on a clean, flat surface.[14]
  8. 8
    Remove glue from the lashes with your tweezers. Pick up the lashes with your forefinger and thumb. Use tweezers to remove any bits of glue from the band. Remember to only pull with the tweezers and never pull at the lashes. Pulling at the lashes can cause them to tear.[15]
  9. Image titled Clean False Eyelashes Step 16
    9
    Clean your container and add more remover. Rinse out your container thoroughly and then add more makeup remover. Do not add as much as before. Add just enough that there's a thin layer of remover at the bottom of the container.[16]
  10. 10
    Drag your lashes through the remover using tweezers. Take your tweezers. Use them to drag your lashes back and forth inside the container. Move the lashes from the left side of the container to the right. Then, flip the lashes over and repeat this on the other side.[17]
  11. Image titled Clean False Eyelashes Step 18
    11
    Repeat until your lashes are clean. Keep emptying the container, adding new remover, and dragging the lashes back and forth with the tweezers. Continue doing this until the remover runs dry when you drag the lashes through. This is a sign the eyelashes are completely clean.[18]
  12. Image titled Clean False Eyelashes Step 19
    12
    Set your lashes on a clean tissue and allow them to dry. Once your eyelashes are clean, set them aside in a safe place to dry. It's a good idea to place your fake eyelashes on something like a paper towel. Make sure they're in a safe place, where they won't be disturbed by children or pets.[19]
  13. 13
    Comb out your lashes with an eyelash comb. Take an eyelash comb or disposable mascara wand. Run it through your lashes. Do not skip this step. Combing out the lashes once after cleaning helps them retain their shape.[20]
    14. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Storage

  1. Image titled Clean False Eyelashes Step 21
    1
    Allow lashes to dry completely before storage. You should not store your fake eyelashes when they're wet, as mold or bacteria could develop on the lashes.[21] You may have to set them aside for an hour or so before they're ready to store.
  2. 2
    Place your lashes back in the box. You should store your eyelashes in the box they originally came in.[22] You do not want to leave fake eyelashes loose in a makeup drawer, as they can accrue dirt and debris. This can lead to an eye infection.[23]
    • If you don't have the original box, you can use a contact lens case. You can also purchase boxes for storing false eyelashes online.
  3. 3
    Store in a dark place. False eyelashes should be kept out of direct sunlight. This can change the color of the lashes. Make sure to store your eyelashes in a dark place to avoid warping the color.[24]
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Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    Can we reuse false eyelashes?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Yes, you can reuse false eyelashes. To do so, avoid using oil, remove them gently, and sanitize them between uses.
  • Question
    How do you take care of fake eyelashes?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Wipe them down with alcohol and gently reshape them after each use. Store them in a clean, air-tight container. Avoid using oils to clean them.
  • Question
    Can you reuse strip eyelashes?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Yes, you can reuse them a few times as long as you treat them gently. Make sure to use an oil-free product to dissolve the eyelash glue if you plan to reuse them.
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  2. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  3. ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
  4. ↑ http://www.xovain.com/how-to/how-to-maintain-and-care-for-fake-eyelashes
  5. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  6. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  7. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  8. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  9. ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
  1. ↑ http://www.xovain.com/how-to/how-to-maintain-and-care-for-fake-eyelashes
  2. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  3. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  4. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  5. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  6. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  7. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  8. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  9. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  10. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  11. ↑ http://www.fahv.com/can-you-reuse-fake-eyelashes-how-to-clean-and-reuse-fake-eyelashes/
  12. ↑ Tymia Yvette. Makeup & Lash Artist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
  13. ↑ Tymia Yvette. Makeup & Lash Artist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
  14. ↑ http://www.xovain.com/how-to/how-to-maintain-and-care-for-fake-eyelashes
  15. ↑ http://www.xovain.com/how-to/how-to-maintain-and-care-for-fake-eyelashes

About This Article

Tymia Yvette
Co-authored by:
Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
This article was co-authored by Tymia Yvette. Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019. This article has been viewed 532,818 times.
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Co-authors: 19
Updated: July 28, 2022
Views: 532,818
Categories: False Eyelashes
Article SummaryX

To clean false eyelashes, soak a cotton ball in makeup remover and swab it from the tip of the lashes to the ends to remove glue and makeup residue. Then, turn the lashes over and use a fresh cotton swab soaked in makeup remover to wipe down the other side. Use tweezers to gently pluck out any stubborn pieces of glue, then finish up by dipping a fresh swab in rubbing alcohol and wiping down the lash strip to sterilize it. For tips on storing your false lashes after you've cleaned them, read on!

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