How to Take off False Eyelashes

Co-authored by Tymia Yvette

Last Updated: October 1, 2021 Approved

False eyelashes are a great way to fill in thin eyelashes and frame the eyes. False eyelashes attach just above your upper eyelash line with a semi-permanent glue. These glues often contain cyanoacrylate, otherwise known as superglue, and can be very hard to remove. As a result, the removal of false eyelashes is a delicate process, because your real eyelashes can easily be stripped away if you are not careful. However, you can use false lash glue remover, makeup remover, or a variety of oils to carefully pull off the false lashes and clean up the remaining glue.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Glue Remover

1
Purchase a false lash glue remover. Most false eyelash kits come with eyelash glue, but they don’t often contain glue remover. However, you can find many brands of eyelash glue remover in the beauty department of your local department store. Choose a brand that meets your specific skin requirements; when possible, choose glue remover made by the same company that made the eyelash glue you used.
- Always check to make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients.
2
Remove your eye makeup. It’s best to take off your eye makeup prior to using the lash glue remover, as the buildup of makeup on your eyelid can make it more difficult to take off your lashes. Use makeup remover or baby oil to gently wash off your eye makeup. Put a bit of the remover on a cotton pad, and wipe at your eyelid until the majority of the makeup is gone.
- Don’t try removing your mascara at this point, if you’re wearing it. This can rip at the false lashes and pull the skin on your eyelids uncomfortably.
- Don’t wash your face with soap and water to take off your eye makeup though, as this can damage both your false and natural lashes.
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3
Put the glue remover on a cotton swab. Position yourself in front of a mirror, and get out the glue remover and a cotton swab. Put a small dab of the glue remover onto the cotton swab, so that the cotton is completely moistened. The remover may smell faintly like acetone, but this is normal.
4
Apply the glue remover to your false eyelashes. Gently rub your lash line with the cotton swab covered in glue remover. Brush the base of the false eyelashes with the swab several times, to remove as much of the glue as possible. Do this to both eyes, and let it set for 20-30 seconds.
5
Remove the false eyelashes. If you plan on throwing out your false eyelashes, you can use your fingers to pull them off. If you want to save your false eyelashes and reuse them later on, use tweezers to remove them. Grab the false eyelashes as close to your eyelid as possible, starting at the inner corner of your eye. Hold your eyelid to keep your skin from stretching, and then gently tug upwards on them to pull them away from the eyelid. They should remove easily; if there is tension when you try to pull them off, apply more glue remover and wait 30 seconds before trying again.
- Make sure that you do not pinch any of your own lashes. If you feel any pain when you start to pull the lashes free, stop pulling and let go of your real lashes.
6
Remove the remaining lash glue. Set aside your false eyelashes, and examine your eyelids. It is likely that there is some residual glue left on your natural lash line which needs to be removed. To do this, put a bit more of the glue remover on the cotton swab, and spread it over the glue that’s remaining. Then, use the dry end of the cotton swab to gently rub off the glue, cleaning your eyelid. Use a bit of warm water and your face wash of choice to finish off the job.^{[1]
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Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Makeup Remover

1
Choose your makeup remover. If you want to save your false eyelashes to reuse them later on, choose an oil-free liquid makeup remover. If you intend on tossing out your false eyelashes after removal, then any type of makeup remover will work. Whatever type of makeup remover you choose, make sure that it is not expired and that it doesn’t contain any ingredients you may be allergic to.
2
Take off your eye makeup. You can often use the same product to remove your eye makeup as you can to remove your false eyelashes. Before you have a go at your lashes though, remove any eye shadow or eyeliner you may be wearing. Pour some of the remover onto a cotton pad, and gently rub your eyes to remove the makeup. Don’t remove any mascara yet though, as this might damage your false eyelashes.
- Some makeup removers will not dissolve your lash glue, so you may want to look for a product that is labeled for both.
3
Pour some makeup remover onto a cotton swab. Get out a clean cotton swab and dip the end into your makeup remover, so that it is fully saturated. Position yourself in front of a mirror, so that you can see your eyelid and lash line close up.
4
Remove the lash glue with your cotton swab. Gently rub your lash line where the glue is most prevalent, using the saturated end of the cotton swab. Go back and forth slowly; the glue will likely ball up as it is removed from your skin. You can use the dry end of the cotton swab to sweep away the glue as it comes off. Repeat these actions until all the glue has been removed.
5
Pull off the false eyelashes. The lashes are likely to be falling off on their own at this point. Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to gently pull them off your eyelids. Keep in mind that you are less likely to damage the lashes if you use tweezers to remove them, in case you wanted to reuse them later on.
6
Wash your eyelids with facial soap and water. To finish the job, wash off the remaining makeup remover and any makeup or glue residue from your eyelids. Use a mild facial cleanser and warm water to clean it off, and pat your eyelids dry.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Oil

1
Choose a type of oil. Oil will very easily remove the glue used to secure false eyelashes in place, but it also coats the false eyelashes and makes them unusable in the future. As a result, you should only use oil to remove your false eyelashes if you intend on throwing them away afterwards. The most effective types of oil to use are coconut, almond, and baby oil.
- Not all oils are suitable for use on your face, so stick to those recommended for facial use.
2
Pour some oil onto your hands, and rub it onto your eyelids. Oil naturally breaks down makeup, easily removing it from your face. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about taking your makeup off prior to removing your lashes, and you don’t have to worry about damaging your false lashes, since you’ll be throwing them out anyway. Splash your eyelids with warm water, and then gently rub the oil onto your eyelids and lash line to remove the makeup. Splash more water onto your lids to remove the makeup and expose your lash line more clearly.
3
Pull off the false lashes. Use your fingertips or a pair of tweezers to grip the false lashes as close to the lash line as possibly. Starting at the inner corner, gently pull the lashes off from your lid. Work slowly until you reach the outer corner, and the lashes are fully removed.
4
Remove any excess glue on your lash line. When your false eyelashes have been removed, return to your eyelids and check for any remaining glue. Apply a few fresh dabs of oil, and work it into your lash line until the glue comes off.
5
Rinse off the oil and remaining makeup. Use your favorite facial soap and warm water to clean the rest of your face. Gently rub the soap onto your skin until it lathers, focusing on areas where there is still makeup. Splash warm water onto your face to remove the soap, and use a clean towel to pat your face dry.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Cleaning Your False Lashes

1
Determine if you can reuse your lashes. False lashes don’t have to be tossed after a single use; if you clean and store them safely, they can be reworn a few more times depending on their condition.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.} If your lashes aren’t missing any sections, are not bent along the lash line, and are generally clean and well-kept, you can clean them and save them for a future date.
2
Fill a dish with makeup remover. Get out a small bowl or cup, and fill it with ½ inch to 1-inch of oil-free liquid makeup remover. The makeup remover will dissolve any mascara or eye product on your false lashes, preparing them for the next use.
3
Place the false lashes in the dish. Immerse them in the makeup remover. Leave them to soak for 5 to 10 minutes, so that the remover has a chance to dissolve all the stuck-on makeup.
4
Rinse off the lashes. Turn on a slow stream of warm water in your tap, and carefully rinse off the makeup remover on the lashes. Don’t rub or scrub at the lashes too much, as this could cause some of the individual hairs to fall out.
5
Lay the lashes out to dry. Place the now-clean lashes on a dry tissue or towel, and leave them there to air-dry for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are dry. You may pat them gently with a tissue to absorb some of the excess water, if they are drying too slowly.
- Never put your lashes away wet, as they can mold.
6
Store the lashes properly. Keep your lashes out of your regular makeup bag where they might get bumped around, and put them in a place where they won’t become damaged. If you have the original case the lashes came in, put them back in that for storage.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.} Otherwise, place the lashes in a small bag or small container, and store them in a dry area until their next use.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you remove the glue from fake eyelashes?

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

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

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Most fake eyelashes come with glue and a glue remover. You can also purchase eyelash glue remover separately. Apply the glue remover with a soaked cotton ball, then gently peel off the lashes. If there is still glue attached to the lashes, use tweezers to pick it off.
Question

Can you reuse your fake eyelashes?

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

Licensed Cosmetologist

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Yes, you can reuse them as long as you don't remove them with oil or an oil-based makeup remover. Oils will damage the lashes, making them unsuitable for reuse.
Question

Do eyelash extensions ruin your natural lashes?

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

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

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The glue can be drying to your lashes if you wear them frequently, but they aren't damaging otherwise. When damage occurs from false eyelashes or extensions it is usually from removing them harshly.

Warnings

Be careful if you use tweezers to remove them. Sharp objects and eyes don't always make a good combination.

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Don't sleep in false eyelashes. The glue isn't meant to last for extended periods of time, and you could end up losing the lashes in your bed!

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