Toss ’em or keep ’em? Which way to go?
First of all, if you liked a pair of false lashes you wore and wouldn’t mind wearing them again, ain’t no shame in that game. I reuse mine. All. The. Time.
Might as well get the most bang for your buck, ya know, and save some extra dough for your cat’s gravy fund.
We all know how that is. 🙂
So, if you liked a pair of false lashes enough to reuse them, here’s what you can do…
False Lashes, Take 2: Reusing Your False Lashes
- First, after carefully removing the lashes, I soak a Q-tip with regular isopropyl rubbing alcohol from the drugstore, then gently run the Q-tip along the band and the false lash fibers to sanitize them and remove any remaining adhesive, bits of mascara and other eye makeup.
- If that doesn’t take care of every last bit of glue or other gunk (and it usually doesn’t get every last tidbit of glue), I gently finish the cleaning with my fingers, peeling away the last shreds of tiny glue globs.
- Then, I just place the lashes back into their original packaging (the one for the right eye on the right side, and the left eye on the left side), which retains their shape and keeps them clean until the next time I use ’em.
This is probably pretty obvious, but I think it’s worth mentioning anyway: reusing lashes worn by someone else is a big no-no for sanitary reasons (pinkeye, anyone?). I’m sure you already knew that because, hello, it’s pretty gross, but I’m just putting it out there. ‘Nuff said.
I’ve worn my fair share of false lashes over the years, and generally, I think you do get what you pay for. The pricier ones from brands like MAC and Shu Uemura do tend to hold up better than the dirt cheap ones on closeout at the drugstore, but that’s not always the case. I’m a big fan of reusing the Ardell Demi Wispies.
For more on the topic of false fringe…
These are my off-road tires…
My in-laws up in Redding live right next to a small nature preserve with a pond in the middle frequented by cute geese and ducks, which was enough to get me to run outside for the first time in ages.
I’m usually a treadmill runner, you see, mostly because it’s easier on my knees, and I don’t have to worry about traffic or the elements or being aware of my surroundings at all, LOL! I just run.
But the downside to running on the treadmill is that it’s incredibly boring.
Ughhgh… Look at me! I’m a hamster in a wheel.
So I did some trail running last weekend, and it was tons of fun! — looking at the scenery and chasing dragonflies and waving at the other runners and people walking their dogs (sadly, I didn’t see any cats).
One thing about running outside, though: sun protection.
I used Neutrogena Age Shield last weekend (I like it because it doesn’t feel greasy) and Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray for Body and Hair. I spray it on my hair and legs; it has a lovely sheen and smells just like summer.
Also, identification. I always bring my I.D. with me, even though I’m pretty sure everything will be fine, but you never know. It’s always a good idea to carry some form of identification with you when you’re running, especially when you’re running by yourself.
I keep mine in a hidden pocket in the waistband of my Zella Live-In Capris.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
The LA Lady says
I did ballet for about twelve years and eyelashes were a must. Depending on which ones they were, I reused them plenty of times! Since it was for stage makeup I bought some pretty heavy-duty lashes that could withstand several uses, but just peeling off the glue and disinfecting seemed to work well. I used waterproof eye makeup remover since the oil seemed to counteract the glue really well.
I used the Clarins sunscreen on my honeymoon a few years ago and it was awesome. It’s a little oily but in a good way (ie: feels moisturizing and natural rather than a petroleum product).
I’ve been using Dr. Jart’s premium beauty balm with SPF 45 for my face, or La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios 45 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for when I want/need to be absolutely makeup-free. I leave for Peru TOMORROW and all three of those products are packed.
Amy says
Ooooo, cleaning them with alcohol is a GREAT tip! Thanks!
Allison C says
OMG, you read my mind…again. I put on my first pair of falsies today and it wasn’t as difficult as I expected. The hard bit was getting my eyeliner on straight afterwards, gotta work on that. I took off my lashes, and thought now what do I do so I can use them again? Thank you for the answer! Now I just need to buy some alcohol.
NeapolitanMimi says
You didn’t ID the makeup look you have here.
How you gonna play me like that?
smita roy says
I am not sure but the max I cud reuse my falsies were twice. May b I dun clean them the rite way..have never tried the alcohol cleaning way…will do so n c ig I can usr more than twice..
fancie says
Yes! I reuse all of my falsies lol. I find them easier to deal with than mascara so I like to keep a pair or two on hand
Alison M says
I definitely reuse false lashes! But you’re right…NEVER by sharing with others. I am reluctant to even let a friend borrow my lipstick so lashes ain’t happening.
Treadmill running can be boring, but I also find it easier to zone out so I can run longer. Outdoor vs. treadmill definitely depends on my mood.
Kwmechelle says
Yep, I sure do. After doing some online research last week, I’ve decided to give MAC lashes a try. And Sephora as well. Believe it or not, I’d like a pair of falsies with more of a natural flair. Boring, I suppose. But I’d prefer just a little help since my own lashes ain’t half bad. Here’s a tidbit for you- using natural/cold pressed/cold processed castor oil nightly before bed helps to thicken lashes & brows. I only just started a week ago but the brows are definitely growing. And when I wear mascara, I can tell the difference in my lashes. Can you recommend a pair of falsies, from any brand, that look a bit more natural? And thanks for the alcohol tip. Gotta try that one. 🙂
Aiko says
Hi Karen, what lip gloss are you wearing in the pic? I really love this color on you 🙂
Erin says
I really want to try that spray oil from Clarins. Supergoop makes one too I’m eyeing.