Beauty Q&A: How Do I Apply Liquid Eyeliner with Lash Extensions?

Cat-eye devotees understand how important liquid eyeliner is to one’s makeup routine. If you identify with this sentiment, then you probably have at least five liquid liners in your makeup collection at all times, and it’s the part of your routine you just hate to go without. If you also have eyelash extensions, you might find your life to be particularly difficult and maybe even messy. Because there’s nothing worse than destroying your expensive extensions, we reached out to lash expert Skyy Hadley and a few of our favorite beauty influencers for advice. 

Avoid Waterproof Liners

“First rule is no waterproof liquid eyeliner,” says Hadley. “Smudge-proof and budge-proof eye makeup is generally bad news for lash extensions. This includes water-resistant or waterproof liquid liner. A liquid liner may seem innocent enough, but its long-wearing formula will require rubbing or repeatedly touching your lashes to remove it, all of which will shorten your extensions.” Instead, she suggests using a powder liner or an oil-free formula. Our oil-free formula of choice is Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner.

Less Is More

“When wearing lash extensions, it’s important to remember that less is more! Avoid long-lasting formulas, which may require more rubbing when removing, Wearers should be careful when using eyeliner, because if removed improperly it can cause buildup around the lashes,” explains Ashley Hall.

Apply Gently

“Be careful to not run the eyeliner too hard against lashes, or they could loosen and fall out,” says Julia Salvia. Use a formula that easily glides on without pressing too hard, like IT Cosmetics Superhero Liner.

Don’t Tug on Your Eye “If you’re used to tugging at your eyelid in order to put on eyeliner, try to break that habit ASAP,” says Miranda Mendelson. “Be sure you’re applying the liner around the extensions and not through them, and remember that you might not need as much as you’re used to since the extensions will already create the illusion of a darker lash line.”

Consider Replacing Your Eyeliner With Eyeshadow “I would recommend using an eyeshadow to line the eye rather than a traditional eyeliner when wearing lash extensions,” says Madison Murrell. “Wet the shadow before using to make the product stick to the lash line longer. Using a gel or liquid liner is harder to remove than an eyeshadow. Swiping back and forth on the lash line to remove will cause friction on the lash extension, which will cause them to fall off. One easy swipe and the eyeshadow that you used in place of liner will be gone, and you will be left with more lashes!” Heidi Guttenberg agrees: “This is a great alternative and if done with super pigmented product, it can look almost the same as any other eyeliner.”

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