False lashes are fun and exciting, but taking them off is pretty much the opposite. How can you remove eyelash glue without damaging your lashes or making a mess?
The good news is that there are a few easy, painless methods to remove eyelash glue without damaging your lash line or natural lashes. The method you choose depends on the types of false lashes you wear.
In this guide, we list all the best eyelash glue removal methods for professional extensions, DIY extensions, and strip falsies. Read on to find your ideal method!
Table of Contents
- Why It’s Important to Remove Eyelash Glue Correctly?
- Types of Glue & Residue
- Pre‑Removal Checklist: What to Prepare Before You Start
- Step‑by‑Step Methods to Remove Eyelash Glue
- How to Clean Up Any Glue Residue on the Skin
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Aftercare: Caring for Your Natural Lashes & Lash Line
- When to Seek Professional Help
- GLUE BE GONE
Why It’s Important to Remove Eyelash Glue Correctly
There is nothing quite as icky as feeling remnants of lash glue inside your lashes. However, not removing your lash glue thoroughly also comes with some risks:
- Any glue clumps left in your lashes can harbor bacteria or other pathogens, which can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, or even infection.
- The dried glue can scratch the delicate skin of your eyelid.
- If it gets into your eyes, it may scratch the cornea.
- Incorrect removal can pull on the lashes or create friction against the skin, leading to lash loss and irritation.
Types of Glue & Residue
Choose the correct removal method based on the type of lash adhesive to ensure thorough yet gentle removal.
- Latex-based adhesives: These are commonly used for strip lashes. They usually come off easily in a single, stretchy strip, but can be irritating for those with allergies.
- Latex-free lash adhesive: Increasingly more popular as latex allergy awareness grows, latex-free extension adhesives offer excellent longevity but may require a bit more finesse to remove.
- DIY lash extension adhesive: Designed for multiple days of wear, this type of lash adhesive usually needs to be dissolved with an oil-based remover first before it can be wiped away.
- Professional lash adhesive: Professional adhesives are the strongest and most long-wearing, so removing them is best done with the help of a professional. If you do remove them at home, your dissolvant of choice needs to stay in contact with the adhesive for at least 5 minutes to effectively break it down.
Pre‑Removal Checklist: What to Prepare Before You Start
Before you start removing your lash glue, read through a few of the methods in this guide. Different methods require different equipment, but you’ll generally always need some cotton pads or cotton swabs, and a makeup remover or eye-safe glue solvent of some sort.
It’s generally also recommended that you remove your makeup before taking off your false lashes or extensions, although some methods allow you to do both at the same time.
Step‑by‑Step Methods to Remove Eyelash Glue
Method 1: Steaming Off the Glue
Steam can help loosen different kinds of lash adhesives, so while it’s not usually ideal as the only removal method, it’s a great optional first step.
- STEP 1: To steam off the lash glue, you can simply hop in the shower. Let the water run hot enough to steam (but not hot enough to burn). Don’t put your face directly under the current. Just let the steam do its work, loosening the lash adhesive.
- STEP 2: If you don’t have time to shower, use a commercial face steamer or make a steam bowl.
- STEP 3: To make a steam bowl, fill a bowl with hot water. Place your head over the bowl, and then put a towel over your head. This will loosen the adhesive and is also great for clearing the sinuses.
- STEP 4: No matter the steam source, keep your lashes exposed to it for 5-8 minutes.
- STEP 5: Check your lashes to see if the glue comes off easily with a gentle finger pull. If it doesn’t, finish things off with one of the other methods we outlined.
When to use: Steam the adhesive is great if you’re removing eyelash extensions. We recommend combining it with one of the glue removal methods that follow, as it’s ideal as a first step to break down the adhesive, followed by a more thorough removal. You can also try this to loosen up regular eyelash glue, which may save you the need for remover.
Precautions: Don’t expect steaming to be enough on its own. If it doesn’t help the adhesive to slide off easily, follow with another method.
Recommended Products:
- Luxury Steamer: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Pro Facial Steamer
- Budget Steamer: Conair Facial Sauna System
METHOD 2: Oil-Based Cleanser
You can choose any commercial, eye-safe oil cleanser for this method. The greatest benefit of oil cleansers is that you can rinse them away easily by adding a bit of water and rubbing.
- STEP 1: First, soak a cotton pad in the oil and gently hold it over your lash line for 5-10 seconds. You can also use it to remove your eye makeup, if necessary.
- STEP 2: If you’re trying to remove lash extensions, you’ll need to hold the cotton pad in place for at least five minutes. Alternatively, you can just coat the lashes in oil and then wait.
- STEP 3: Gently wipe the cotton pad downwards over your lashes. This might be enough to pull off your false lashes.
- STEP 4: Next, dip a cotton swab in the oil. Use the swab to clean the remaining glue from your lash line. The swab will remove the false lashes if they haven’t come off yet.
- STEP 5: Finally, use a bit of water and gently massage your eyes to emulsify and rinse away the oil cleanser.
- STEP 6: With extensions, you might need to repeat this process a few days in a row since the glue is a little stronger. Consider also steaming your lashes first, per Method 4.
When to use: An oil-based cleanser is an excellent choice for removing all kinds of eyelash glues, including extensions.
Precautions: Oil cleansers are very safe because you can easily rinse them away, but be aware they may sting a little or cause cloudy vision if they get in your eyes.
Recommended Products:
- Natural Oil Cleanser: Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil
- Budget-Friendly Oil Cleanser: Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil
METHOD 3: Dedicated DIY Lash Remover
Removing the Lilac St. lash glue is best achieved with our dedicated Bond Breaker. It’s designed specifically for the DIY lash adhesive, freeing your lashes from stickiness.
- STEP 1: Using the brush side of the applicator, saturate your lashes from both the top and bottom with the remover, and allow it to sit for approximately 30 seconds.
- STEP 2: Then, use the brush to gently scrub back and forth at the base of the lash line, which will peel off your extensions with minimal impact on your natural lashes.
- STEP 3: With the extensions removed, you can now use the comb side of the Lash Remover wand to comb through your lashes thoroughly to remove any lash glue residue.
- STEP 4: When you’re done, wipe down the applicator gently with a dry cloth or cotton pad to remove any glue from it, and fit it back into the tube.
- STEP 5: Finally, remove any remover residue from your lashes with a cotton pad or a soft makeup remover cloth like the one in the Lilac St. Lash Bath Kit. You can also just cleanse your face or use micellar water.
Here’s Carmencita demonstrating the full process.
When to use: A dedicated bond breaker is by far the best choice for removing DIY extension glue. It’ll also remove false lash adhesives (especially latex-free ones) from other brands! It contains nourishing oils and collagen to fortify your natural lashes while effortlessly breaking down lash glue.
Precautions: Most DIY extension removers are very safe to use. If using the Lilac St. Bond Breaker, make sure to wipe off the wand before replacing it in the tube to preserve its shelf life.
Recommended Product:
- Lilac St. Bond Breaker Lash Remover
METHOD 4: Eye Makeup Remover
Do you have a favorite eye makeup remover? It might also help you take off eyelash glue! Here’s how to use it.
- STEP 1: Pour a bit of makeup remover on a cotton pad. Hold it over your lash line to start dissolving the glue. You can dab it over the lash line with a cotton bud and then let it sit.
- STEP 2: Gently wipe downwards to dislodge the glue and the falsies.
- STEP 3: With a cotton swab, finish the job, wiping away the remaining glue.
- STEP 4: You can also use the cotton swab to dislodge strip lashes if they haven’t come off on their own.
Watch our video to see the process in action.
When to use: Eye makeup removers can help with false lash glue and extension adhesives. Just note that some oil-free makeup removers are too gentle for strong extension adhesives. If you wear DIY or professional extensions, look for dual-phase formulas. They are effective despite being oil-free.
Precautions: None. This is one of the safest eyelash glue removal methods.
Recommended Products:
-
Luxury Makeup Remover: Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover
-
Budget Makeup Remover: Nivea Double Effect Eye Makeup Remover
METHOD 5: Professional Extension Glue Dissolver
Professional lash glue dissolvers are designed specifically to break down strong extension adhesives. They’ll work faster than the other methods, and are by far the best option if you’re removing professional extensions at home.
- STEP 1: Apply a cotton pad under your lower lash line and close your eyes. It’s important to keep your eye shut the entire time.
- STEP 2: With a cotton swab, gently dab the glue dissolver over your lashes, being careful not to let it come in contact with your lash line.
- STEP 3: Let the dissolver sit on your lashes for as long as recommended by the product manufacturer.
- STEP 4: Next, gently wipe off the lashes with a clean cotton swab. They should come off very easily!
- STEP 5: Once you’re done with one eye, clean away the glue dissolver with a cotton pad saturated in cool water.
- STEP 6: Finally, repeat the process on the other eye.
Check out this video to see how a professional lash technician does this.
When to use: This is the best option for removing professional lash extensions, but it’s overkill if you’re using DIY extensions or false lashes.
Precautions: Only work on one eye at a time, and be careful not to let the adhesive come in contact with your skin or eyes, as it may sting or irritate.
Recommended Products:
- Gel Remover: BL Lashes Gel Remover
- Cream Remover: Lash Galore Cream Adhesive Remover
METHOD 6: Household or Natural Oils
We recommend choosing a cosmetic-grade or food-grade oil such as mineral oil, baby oil, coconut oil, or grape seed oil, but most oils will work in a pinch. You can even try using Vaseline with this method!
- STEP 1: Using a cotton pad or bud, saturate your eyes with the oil. Let it sit over your lash line for 20-30 seconds to allow it to dissolve the lash glue. Leave it on longer if removing extension adhesive.
- STEP 2: Gently wipe downwards to dislodge the lashes. Use a cotton bud (or two) and a little more friction if you wear extensions.
- STEP 3: Once the lashes are removed, apply more oil if necessary, and use a cotton bud to remove any remaining lash glue.
- STEP 4: Finally, wipe away any remaining oil, and consider using micellar water or a facial cleanser to remove any of its residue, especially if your skin is acne-prone.
When to use: When you don’t have special makeup removers or cleansers at home, whatever oil you have on hand can be a lash-saver! This method is ideal for removing false lash glue (latex or latex-free), but it can also help with DIY and professional extensions.
Precautions: Getting oil in your eyes will make your vision cloudy, and the residue can be tougher to remove. Make sure to remove the oil thoroughly to prevent breakouts, especially if you have acne-prone skin.
How to Clean Up Any Glue Residue on the Skin
Once you’ve removed the lash glue from your lashes, confirm that you don’t have any left on your eyelids. If you still have some residue on your eyelids, you can use the same remover you’ve used on your lashes. Regular false eyelash glue will come off easily with a bit of wiping, but professional extension glue will need to stay in contact with the dissolver for several minutes.
If you spilled a lot of adhesive on your hands, you can resort to a stronger dissolver like acetone. Just bear in mind it can be very irritating, and should never be used on the face.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To keep the process simple and your eyes and lashes safe, here are a few things you absolutely must avoid when removing eyelash glue.
Avoid pulling or tugging on the glue, or you may end up pulling out some lashes.
Don’t wipe up and down or side to side when removing the lashes or glue, as it puts too much pressure on your lashes. Instead, always wipe downwards gently.
Don’t use water-based cleansers or micellar water to remove the lash glue. Water-based surfactants aren’t great at breaking down lash glue, so you can end up irritating your eyes from too much rubbing.
Don’t use harsh products like acetone, alcohol, or hairspray near the eyes. Some sources online recommend using such products, and while they may help break down the lash glue, they can also seriously irritate and damage your eyes. You can use alcohol to clean up your false lashes once they’re not on your eyes.
Aftercare: Caring for Your Natural Lashes & Lash Line
With all the adhesive gone, it’s time to give your lashes a little love. You can first rinse your eyes with a bit of cool water if they’re feeling a little irritated. Then, nourish the skin with moisturizer or eye cream, and apply a bit of eyelash serum to your lashes. If any of the adhesive remover got in your eyes, you can use eye drops to clear it away.
If you’ve removed professional extensions, take a one-day break from mascara and other eye makeup products to let your lashes recover.
When to Seek Professional Help
When removing professionally applied extensions, it’s important you take your time and be patient, or you risk damaging your natural lashes. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, book an appointment with a lash technician to have your extensions and the adhesive removed — it usually only costs between $20 and $50, which might be worth it for the peace of mind.
If you’re experiencing any irritation from the adhesive, removing it completely and waiting is often enough for the skin or eyes to recover. However, if you experience significant discomfort or lasting signs of inflammation, seek treatment from a medical professional.
FAQs
Can I just pull off false lashes without removing the glue?
When wearing strip lashes, it’s best not to just pull them off — you risk pulling off some of your natural lashes along with the strip. Instead, we always recommend breaking down the glue with an oil-based remover first, and then using a cotton bud to dislodge the false lashes.
Is baby oil safe for removing lash extension glue?
Yes, baby oil is typically a safe option for removing lash extension glue. Choose a fragrance-free oil if you have sensitive eyes, and remember it may cloud your vision if it gets in your eyes.
How long should I wait after applying remover/oil?
How long you wait depends on the type of adhesive. You only need to wait about 30 seconds to a minute if using oil to remove false lash and DIY extension adhesives. If you’re removing professional adhesive, leave the oil on for at least 5 minutes, if not longer.
What do I do if glue gets into my eye?
If you get a little bit of glue in your eye, you might be able to flush it away with water. If your eyes are glued shut, UCHealth recommends you place a towel soaked in warm water over your eyes for 15 minutes, and then rinse the glue away. See a doctor if this method doesn’t work and you experience discomfort or are unable to open your eyes.
Will using oil break down my lash extension prematurely?
Using oil can break down your lash extension adhesive, causing your lashes to shed prematurely.
How often should I clean residual glue from reusable false lashes?
Clean the residual glue off your false lashes after every wear.
GLUE BE GONE
It’s important to remove lash glue thoroughly for the health of your skin and eyes. Thankfully, with so many different methods, you don’t need to worry about sticky messes. When you adjust your method based on the type of adhesive you used, take your time, remain patient, and keep things clean, your eyes and lashes will thank you.
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