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When you notice your lashes are looking a little, well, sparse, you might think your mascara is to blame. And while makeup alone isn’t the sole culprit of lash fallout, it can be a contributor. But celebrity and editorial makeup artist Ashley Gomila says that you can keep mascara from damaging your lashes if you’re careful. “The real issue lies in improper use, such as leaving it on overnight,” she says. “[You’ll also want to] take care not to scrub mascara off aggressively — it can lead to brittleness and breakage.”
This applies doubly if you’re wearing a waterproof formula. While waterproof mascara can last longer and stay smudge-free, it can also be harsher on your eyelashes because it requires more effort to remove. Adding false lashes in addition to mascara adds another element. Adhesive can pull out your natural lashes and heavy strips can strain them over time. For this reason, she recommends using smaller lash clusters, such as Picky Lashes, because they require minimal glue and are easy to remove without causing damage or compromising the integrity of your natural lashes.
When removing mascara, Gomila stresses the importance of using a gentle approach. “For regular formulas, use an oil-based cleanser or micellar water, swiping downward to avoid tugging,” she explains. “For waterproof mascara, soak a cotton pad in a dedicated remover and hold it over your lashes to dissolve the product before wiping.” Do not scrub your lashes with remover. This is often what causes damage. If you’re wearing a tubing formula, a combination of water and remover should allow the product to slide right off.
Removing your mascara before bed is also crucial so it doesn’t sit on your lashes for too long and make them brittle. You may even benefit from adding an eyelash serum, primer, or oil to your lash care lineup. Lash-strengthening serums can help promote growth and prevent breakage. Look for ingredients such as peptides, biotin, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and growth factors. Using one of these in your routine requires consistency, but the results are worth it. We love the game-changing Olaplex’s Lashbond Serum, which helps minimize damage and fallout, plus helps lashes grow long and strong. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum is another stellar option, especially if you’re on a budget.
Lash primers, such as Essence Cosmetics Volume Booster Lash Primer also create a conditioning barrier so mascara doesn’t dry out your lashes.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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