Ask an MUA: How to Clean False Eyelashes

Wash Your Hands

That’s it... That’s the step. But seriously, there's no point in even cleaning your lashes if you're just going to contaminate them with germs from your hands.

Determine What Kind of Lashes They Are

Synthetic or natural? You’ll need to figure out what kind of lashes you’re working with—depending on the type, you’ll need to clean and sanitize them differently. Helpful hint: Most on the market are synthetic. 

Remove Any Leftover Glue

Whatever leftover adhesive remains on the lash strip needs to go. Use tweezers to gently pinch the glue globs (sorry, that’s the best way to describe it!) and pull it off. 

Cleanse With an Oil-Free Makeup Remover

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover $9.00

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Skip this step if your lashes are made from natural (like mink)—makeup remover will cause them to lose their shape and shine, says Garmers, and you also shouldn’t be putting mascara on them to begin with (unless you really feel the need to, in which case you should be careful to only apply a scant amount of mascara on your actual lashes before applying your falsies). 

In any case, if your false lashes are synthetic, lay them on a piece of paper towel. Make sure your makeup remover is oil-free, put some on a cotton swab, and gently start to remove any leftover mascara or eyeshadow from the lashes and the base of the strip. (Pro tip: Be sure to stroke your Q-tips all in the same direction to help preserve the lashes.)

Get Your Lashes a *Little* Wet

Key words: A little. You’re not dunking them under the faucet—instead, take one of your cotton swabs, soak it in warm water, and gently cleanse your lashes to remove any makeup remover remnants. (You can also do this step if you’re working with mink lashes—just make sure to use an even smaller amount of water to avoid damaging them.) 

Sanitize With 70 Percent Rubbing Alcohol

You’ll need rubbing alcohol for this step (Garmers suggests formulas that are 70 percent alcohol specifically, as anything higher than that “won’t have time to kill the bacteria before it evaporates”). Take your cotton swabs again, soak them in rubbing alcohol this time and gently stroke your lashes once more to sanitize them. Oh, and don’t keep dipping the same cotton swab in the alcohol—get a fresh end to use each time for extra cleanliness. Pay especially close attention to the "strip" of the lash, making sure it is fully sanitized since this is the part that makes direct contact with your eyes.

Air Dry

Don’t squeeze them or pat them dry. Instead, give yourself enough time to air dry them—and they’ll be good to go for your next night out. Also, the best place to store them is the box they came in—once they’re dry, place them back in their original semi-circle position to help keep their shape for the next time you wear them.