How to Make False Lashes Last (Basically) Forever

As many beauty obsessed babes will attest, false lashes are the quickest way to elevate any makeup look — there’s a reason Snapchat adds them to virtually every filter. You can pop on a pair with a bare face for an I-woke-up-like-this look or on top of a dramatic eye look for a little extra flair. Some of our faves live at the drugstore (think Ardell Baby Wispies and KISS Blowout lashes), and we’re obsessed with the look, feel and the affordability. And while dropping $5 or $10 a lash might seem like nothing when you’re adding it on to a bigger purchase, it starts to add up if you’re buying a new pair every time you want to rock a new lash.

To get the most out of your lashes (and the biggest bang for your buck), we’ve tapped Lancôme makeup artists Marwah Kamas and Olivia Thompson who share their best tips for making sure your lashes last a long time.

For starters, don’t throw them away. It can be tempting to toss them anywhere after a drunken night out or throw them out once you’re done, but lashes are made to be reused. Synthetic lashes — which are the types you’ll typically find at the drugstore — can last up to five wears with proper care and will still look as bomb as when you first bought them.

Tip One: Clean Them Every Time

Marwah and Olivia both agree: The key to longevity is keeping your lashes clean and gunk free. This means cleaning them after every use, “Whether it’s mascara, the glue or both,” says Olivia. “Keeping them free of any residue and bacteria from normal wear and tear will keep them looking and feeling fresh for a much longer time.” To clean them, we recommend a Q-Tip and makeup remover. You can also use products designed to remove lash glue like Be Rad Cosmetics All Natural Adhesive Remover, which breaks down the glue and extends the life of your lashes.

Tip Two: Store Them Properly

One of the telltale signs that your lashes are losing their luster is that they start to get a little bent out of shape. To avoid this, keep them in the containers you bought them in, and reattach them to the eye-shaped plastic packaging. Don’t freak out if they don’t stay perfectly curved — keeping them protected (and out of the bottom of your makeup bag) is most important.

Tip Three: Keep Them (Mostly) Dry

If you’ve spent any time on the ‘gram, you’ve seen the lash cleaning hack that involves soaking your lashes in makeup remover and letting them sit until all the gunk comes off. And while it looks cool and will get your lashes squeaky clean, it’s best to hold off. According to Marwah, while it appears effective in the moment, it actually makes your lashes fall off and lose shape much sooner.

Tip Four: Keep Them Away From Heat

Unless you’re absolutely certain that your lashes are made of real hair and not synthetic fibers (think mink lashes), save the heated lash curlers for your real lashes. Synthetic hairs are not meant to withstand heat, and applying it will only melt/ruin the lash.

How many wears do you get out of your falsies? Sound off in the comments below!