Are False Eyelashes Single-Use or Can They Be Reused? [Revealed]

Regular false lash wearers will be highly aware of how expensive a good pair of eyelashes can be. They are not something that you will want to be replacing after every single use. Unfortunately, no lash will last forever – no matter the quality – and so there is a question of how many times you can actually reuse false eyelashes. As a general rule, most fake eyelashes can be reused more than once. However, the answer is not as simple as that. There are several factors that may improve the longevity of the lashes, ranging from the quality of materials used to the way you treat them. In this article, we will be exploring the best reusable lashes, as well as the essential cleaning and storing techniques you need to keep your lashes looking lush. Read on to find out more!

Which Fake Lashes are Reusable?

Which Fake Lashes Are Reusable?

It’s well-known that not all false eyelashes are created equally. There is a vast disparity in the quality of materials used and the expense you will pay to get your hands on a high-end brand compared with a drugstore brand. Usually, even the cheapest falsies can be worn more than once, but they will not last as long as the top brands. In terms of materials, animal hair lashes – such as mink lashes– will provide around 20-30 uses. Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, may offer you only 3-8 wears. However, synthetic fibers tend to be on the cheaper side. If you are against the use of animal products for the sake of beauty, then you might simply have to suck it up and replace your falsies more often! Another contributor to the longevity of fake eyelashes is the band material. This, of course, only applies to strip lashes – individual lashes are a whole other ball game! Thicker bands tend to last longer than thinner bands, as they are more durable. Bear in mind, however, that thicker bands can be harder to apply at first. Here is a list of some of the longest-lasting falsies:

Huda Beauty Classic False Lashes: $20.00 15 wears (plus, they’re vegan!)
Vassoul Dual Magnetic Eyelashes: $17.99 25 wears
Velour Lashes Effortless Collection: $29.00 20+ wears

However, you can actually extend the lifespan of your lashes by taking proper care of them. Below are our top tips for maintaining your falsies.

Tips for Making Your Falsies Last Longer

There are several things you should know if you want to keep your false lashes looking cute for a longer timeframe. Below are our three fave tips for keeping your eyelashes in tip-top condition; later, we’ll talk about cleaning and storing, too!

Top Tip #1: Don’t Apply Mascara to Falsies

Many makeup tutorials suggest adding a layer of mascara over the top of your lashes. This is fine, but it will damage them and stop them from lasting very long. Instead, apply the mascara to your natural eyelashes before applying falsies. This will enhance the look without damaging your fave pair of fake lashes. Applying mascara to them will only cause build-up, and nobody wants a clumpy mess sitting on their eyelids!

Top Tip #2: Take Them off Gently

Don’t just yank your lashes off your eyelids at the end of the day. Taking eyelashes off takes precision and care – yes, even when you get home drunk after wearing your lashes on a night out on the town! If you can, first run a cotton swab soaked with makeup remover over the lash band, loosening the glue so that you can ease the lashes off slowly. This will avoid stretching the band.

Top Tip #3: Use Tweezers!

The oils from our skin can be damaging to things like false lashes. Where possible, handle them using tweezers to avoid damaging them. Tweezers can be used to apply lashes, take them off, and to pull off excess glue after you have removed them at the end of the day. Getting rid of the glue is a way to keep the lash band fresh and ready for more wears.

How to Properly Clean Your Lashes for Reuse

According to makeup artist Jamie Greenberg – makeup artist to stars like Kaley Cuoco and Rashida Jones – you should be cleaning your lashes after every use. If your lashes are made of synthetic fibers, then you can give them a quick clean by putting them in a bowl of olive oil or makeup remover. Leave them for an hour while the excess glue dissolves. But do NOT, under any circumstances, do this with animal hair! A deeper cleaning can be used if you are committed to caring for your eyelashes, and this technique can also be used with mink lashes. So, get your falsies ready, and follow these steps:

Soak a cotton ball or Q-tip in coconut oil or eye makeup remover. Run it along the full length of the lash band to remove all eyeliner and mascara residue. Rub each side of the eyelashes and along the adhesive strip.
Grab a pair of tweezers and remove any excess glue lingering on the lash strip. Hold the lashes by the hairs and pick out glue residue.
Dip another cotton wool ball in an alcohol solution and wipe through the fake lash strip; this will ensure that every last bit of the glue is gone, and it will also disinfect the lash band for next time. This might not sound important, but our eyes are sensitive, so this is actually a crucial step.
Optionally, you can drop the synthetic lashes into a bowl of makeup remover, as mentioned above. Do NOT put them in water, as it will damage them. Leave them for no longer than an hour.
Leave the lashes to air dry for 15-20 minutes.

Cleaning lashes is fairly quick and simple, so you have no excuse not to do it! Plus, proper care and maintenance will save you money by allowing you to reuse lashes for longer. However, you also have to store your eyelashes properly.

Storing Your Falsies to Use Again

When you receive a pair of falsies, keep the plastic container they came in. When you have taken your lashes off at the end of the day, cleaned them, and allowed them to dry, bend the lashes around the half-moon shapes in the plastic tray, and shut them away in a box. Doing this will allow the lashes to keep their shape, and also protect them from dust, dirt, and water while you are not using them. For this reason, you should avoid keeping lashes somewhere like a bathroom, which regularly becomes hot and wet. Heat and light can actually damage lash fibers, so try to keep them in a cool, dark place like the drawer of your dresser.

Final Thoughts: Buying a Long-Lasting Pair of Lashes

It’s a sad day when you have to throw away your favorite pair of falsies. Alas, it happens to everyone, and the time comes where we must part with them and buy a new pair. Luckily, you can prolong your time together by following our above top tips and instructions. Caring for your eyelashes can ensure that they last for around 20 wears. Make sure you clean them after every use and store them properly, and you should be fine. Bear in mind, though, that the quality of the materials does have an impact on their longevity. If you want a really long-lasting pair, you may have to rifle through your pockets and splash out on a more expensive brand of falsies. Got any tips for maintaining false lashes? Let us know what we missed in the comments!