Following these instructions will ensure you have the best and longest lasting experience with them.
You will want to avoid getting them wet for the first 24 hours so the adhesive has time to completely cure. After the first 24 hours, however, you want to make sure you are keeping them clean. Some people are so afraid to touch them and mess with them that they aren't cleaning them properly and the opposite will happen. Dirt, oils and make-up will build up at the base of the lash and weaken the bond of the adhesive, eventually causing the extension to pop off the natural lash...not to mention, compromising the health of your natural lashes. Keeping the lash line clean with an oil free cleanser is a must with your new lashes.
When cleaning your lashes, it is best to use your fingers and a gentle oil free cleanser. A 4-1 mixture of baby shampoo and water (water 4, baby shampoo 1), and a teaspoon of baking soda in a foam pump dispenser is a great cleanser for them, and gentle on the eyes. Do not pull or scrub them. Just gently cleanse the base and rinse away.
You must also remember that oils are the enemy of lash extensions. Oils will break down the bond of the adhesive and cause premature loss of the extension. You need to be careful with eye creams, sunscreens, etc. You may use these around the eyes, but you must be careful not to get it on the lashes. If you do, you may use a makeup sponge with the baby shampoo cleanser to gently cleanse the lashes--remember, no pulling or scrubbing. If you have excessively oily skin, you may want to use blotter sheets around your eyes once or twice a day to keep oils away from your lashes. Also be careful with certain eye drops...some contain glycerine which can also compromise the adhesive. Another thing to be aware of is your hair conditioner. You do not want to let it run down onto your face or lashes when rinsing.
Don't pick, pull or play with your lashes. Our fingers have oils on them and it will negatively affect the bond of the adhesive. Obviously picking and pulling is not good, because you are pulling out lashes prematurely and it will take longer for that new lash to fill up the gap.
Do not use cotton balls, cotton rounds or cotton swabs on your lashes. The fibers can get stuck at the base of the extensions and irritate the eyes. If needed, it is best to use the disposable makeup sponges or eyeshadow applicators.
Do not use crimping eyelash curlers on your extensions. They will give an unflattering crimp that will stay with you until removed. You also risk breaking or pulling out the extensions and natural lashes. If you feel you need a little lift, you can use a heated curler on them.
If you are going out and want to punch your lashes up a bit, you may use a water-based mascara on them. Just apply it from the middle out to the tips...not at the base of the lashes. But remember, the more you do to your lashes, especially when it requires extra cleaning, the faster you may lose some of the extensions.
You've made a big investment in your new lash extensions, and I'm sure you want to get the most from your money. With a little extra care, and these tips, you can do just that!
