A lot of us can’t resist the allure of lash extensions. They’re a quick, no-fuss way to add length and volume to our lashes while still looking natural. We like to show off our newly long lashes by wearing foundation, especially when they’re inky black. However, it seems that no one is in agreement on whether or not you should wear foundation with lash extensions.
Some estheticians say that wearing foundation can coat the lashes and prevent them from bonding effectively with the glue. However, other estheticians say that it doesn’t matter if you wear foundation since the eyelash extensions will only last 4-6 weeks.
Well, today, we want to cut through all the hype and clarify this nonsense once and for all!
Can you wear foundation with eyelash extensions?
The correct answer is… it depends. Our professional eyelash extension expert says you should only wear foundation if the esthetician uses Spirit Gum or Pros-Aide to apply for your extensions. This type of adhesive will allow the foundation to breathe and dissolve in time with the natural oils in your skin.
Foundation made with water can cause the glue to separate from the natural lashes, resulting in a shortened lifespan for your extensions. If you haven’t had your eyelash extensions applied with Spirit Gum or Pros-Aide and you want to wear foundation, we recommend waiting 8 hours after application so that the glue has time to dry before applying an oil-based product.
If you can’t wait 8 hours, make sure you’re only applying the foundation to the skin around your eyes and nowhere near your actual lashes.
How to apply foundation with eyelash extensions?
Step 1
Curl your eyelashes before applying the first coat of mascara to ensure that they’re soft and moveable.
Step 2
Always apply foundation after you curl your lashes because it can cause them to droop and lose their curl.
Step 3
Use a clean brush dipped in moisturizing makeup remover instead of a cleanser. All cleansers, even those for the eyelids, can remove lash glue.
Step 4
Go easy on the glue! Remember that you’ll need to wait 8 hours before applying foundation, so lay off the lash adhesive until then.
Note: PSA is the thicker of the two adhesives and will give your lashes a very natural look.
Step 5
If you still insist on wearing foundation with lash extensions, be sure to avoid oil-based products! Just like you can wear oil-free cream with extensions. Foundation made with water can cause the glue to separate from your lashes. Also, skip waterproof mascara since it contains oil, just in case you decide to take a swim after your appointment.
Step 6
If your classic eyelash extensions are made with Spirit Gum or Pros-Aide, wait 8 hours before wearing foundation! If the adhesive is water-based, you’ll need to wait 12-14 hours before applying makeup. You may also want to consider getting lash extensions that are made with water instead of glue since they last longer and require no special products or adhesives.
Foundation with lash extensions: 5 quick tips
Tip #1: Find the right brush
The right foundation brush can make all of the difference in how well your base holds up around your volume eyelash extensions. However, foundation brushes that are too densely packed or ones that have longer bristles will end up dragging on your lashes and pulling them out of place!
The best way to use this type of brush is by dotting the product along the skin with the tip of your brush. Then, using the side of the brush with shorter bristles, blend this product into your skin.
Tip #2: Use a primer with silicone emollients
Using a primer with silicone emollients will better help your foundation adhere to the skin around your lashes. A silicone-based primer will not only make it easier for you to blend the foundation around your lashes but will also help thicken the lash line. We love using products with dimethicone because they are known to give flawless results!
Tip #3: Get a good magnifying mirror
A magnifying mirror isn’t just for your grandmother anymore. Getting one of these is the best way to make sure that you are able to see all of those little lashes around the lash line. Not only will this help you apply foundation more accurately, but it will also help you avoid removing any excess makeup!
Tip #4: Avoid oil-based products
A little tip we like to share with our favorites: using oil-based products around the lash line can prevent your lash extensions from adhering correctly! We recommend avoiding using oils, primers, and/or foundations that contain oils near this area. If you are not able to omit these products from your routine, then be sure to remove any excess oil by using a Q-tip.
Tip #5: Brush your lashes gently
It can be tempting to go back in for a second coat of mascara when you have extensions, but try not to! Brushing your lashes with an eyelash brush before applying your mascara will help guide them into place and prevent pulling your classic set of eyelash extensions out.
Tip #6: Practice makes perfect!
The best way to get used to wearing foundation-around lash extensions is through practice. The more often you wear your lashes, the better you will get at applying your makeup! However, remember that even when you have mastered this skill, be sure not to rub or pull on your lashes while applying any form of makeup. This will remove your extensions prematurely and damage the natural lashes underneath.
Conclusion
Eyelash extension is an amazing way to enhance your natural lashes. Unfortunately, this product (foundation) can make it harder to wear makeup with lash extensions. People who wear reusable mascara (waterproof) and foundation (oil-based) near the eye area need to practice great care when applying these products for the best results. Transform your look amazingly!
