Does Mascara Ruin Your Lashes?

Makeup trends have come and gone, and one particular fad emerging this fall season is the no-mascara trend. Many adore minimalist eyes and bold brown lips. Having naked lashes might seem a little counterproductive initially, but it works!

While the no-mascara makeup look still reigns supreme, you may wonder whether there are additional reasons to stop wearing the beloved lash-defining product. Does it ruin your lashes? Is there a way to save them? Here’s an objective breakdown.

Is Mascara Bad for Your Lashes?

There are repercussions when you use the wrong product, such as hair breakage and stiffness, stagnant lash growth and irritation in the eye area. Application and removal can also contribute to those adverse effects. However, mascara can also be harmless to your lashes. It’s even a popular and effective tool to make them long and voluminous.

It’s more of a case-to-case basis. A study finds that 70.5% of respondents who wear eye cosmetics observed no adverse reactions. However, around 29% of those who did notice effects like dry eyes had applied expired mascara. In a nutshell, excess or incorrect mascara application — or using a product that’s incompatible with you — can be bad for your eyelashes.

Choose a Clean Mascara

A clean mascara is much more likely to benefit your lash health rather than ruin it. Here are a few steps to ensure you get the right product to define your eyes.

One of the main differences between regular and clean mascara is the ingredients. For example, formaldehyde is a popular ingredient for preserving the mascara’s components. However, it can irritate the eyes and skin in the long run. This goes for other harmful ingredients like parabens and aluminum powder.

Opting for a clean mascara allows you to seek cosmetics with more nourishing or less chemical-based alternatives. Carnauba wax is great at holding the lashes up, and Vitamin E, grape seed oil, and other emollients can keep the lashes soft while looking stylish.

How To Protect Your Lashes When Wearing Mascara

You could have the right mascara in your makeup bag but still compromise your lashes. Here are some tips on application and removal to keep your lashes looking healthy and pristine.

Use Curlers With Care

Eyelash curlers are a girl’s best friend when prepping your lashes for mascara. Pick a tool that works with your eye shape for a snug fit. You should also ensure you’re gently pressing and holding your lashes when using it.

Being too vigorous with your lash curling could contribute to breakage. Do a firm couple of presses before leaving it. Skip curling the lashes after applying mascara, as it makes the hairs stick to the curler when wet. It’s not ideal even when these eye products dry down since you’d be crunching up the mascara.

Apply With a Light Hand

A little product goes a long way, so hold the mascara wand with a light hand. Start from the base and work up the strands to the tips, rotating the applicator to coat each lash. You can also apply the mascara to the tips for a minimal look.

You can use two coats of mascara to make the eyes look more awake. However, anything more may be excessive. Too many layers will result in clumping, which eventually weighs down and damages the lashes.

Try Other Eye-Defining Techniques

The main reason for using mascara is to make the eyes pop. Find other ways to highlight this feature to avoid overdoing and ruining the lashes. For example, eyeliners and eyeshadows also provide plenty of definition.

If you want to improve the look of your lashes specifically, consider using kohl eyeliner. Tightlining the upper and lower waterline emphasizes the top and bottom lashes. You can use black to match the mascara color.

Avoid Sleeping With Makeup On

You’ve likely heard this tip more than once, but remember to forgo sleeping with makeup on — especially mascara. When you toss and turn in your sleep, the dried-up lashes start to clump and can fall off.

Remove your Mascara with an Oil-Based Product

Skip the makeup wipes and gently remove your mascara with an oil-based cleanser like our Makeup Remover. This skin care product breaks down the mascara and keeps your lashes moisturized. Add it to your fingertips and move slowly, circularly across the eyes. Once done, use a face wash and remove the remaining residue.

Extra Lash Care Tips Outside of Your Makeup

Lash care doesn’t only account for mascara use. Here are some other ways to make sure your eyelashes are well taken care of.

Maintain a Skin Care Routine

Skin care is more than just removing mascara and the rest of your makeup. Even if you go bare-faced, nighttime routines remove dirt, oil and other lingering pollutants your face accumulates throughout the day.

Prepare a skin care routine for the evenings. Even a simple cleanser, toner and moisturizer combination does wonders for your skin and lashes. Remember to use a gentle hand during the application!

If you need help putting a skincare routine together, checkout our natural skincare routine guide!

Oil and Condition Your Lashes

Incorporate conditioning oils to give your lashes a little extra love. Castor oil is a popular way to keep lashes nourished and hydrated. Other ingredients like peptides and plant extracts may help with lash growth and quality, too.

Remember to be consistent with these treatments for the best results. It’s best to include them in your evening skin care routine. That way, the lashes have enough time to absorb all the products before you do your morning makeup.

Use Aftercare Post-Lash Treatment

Some people skip mascara by getting lash lifts or extensions instead. These procedures are harmless to the eyes, as long as you get them done by an experienced professional with a sanitary salon. Quality lashes and glue are also important.

With the extensions, your lashes are a little more susceptible to breakage. Provide aftercare by minimizing sun and water exposure. You must also take breaks in between lash applications to give the hair follicles a break and still promote natural eyelash growth.

Have No-Makeup Days

Every once in a while, participate in the little-to-no-mascara trend by going bare-faced throughout the day. Your eyelashes and skin deserve a break to breathe, and this is the perfect opportunity. It also lets you reflect and love your natural beauty.