How to remove eyelash glue from lashes

Table of Contents

• Method 1: Oil-Based Cleanser
• Method 2: Eye Makeup Remover
• Method 3: Professional-Grade Lash Glue Dissolver
• Method 4: Steaming Off the Glue
• Pro Tips To Make Removal Easier
• Glue Be Gone

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 get eyelash glue off, without damaging your lash line or natural lashes. The method you choose depends on the types of false lashes you wear. Some methods work beautifully for professional extension, while others are a better fit for strip falsies. Read on to find out! 

Article at a Glance

• Read this guide to learn 4 methods to remove eyelash glue, as well as a few bonus tips. 
• We explain how to remove lash glue with oil, makeup remover, professional glue dissolver, or steam. 
• The best method you choose depends on what you have at home, as well as which lash glue you’ve used. 
• These methods will help you remove false eyelash glue, DIY extension adhesive, and even professional-grade extension glue. 

Method 1: Oil-Based Cleanser

An oil-based cleanser is an excellent choice for removing all kinds of eyelash glues, including extensions. You can choose a proper oil cleanser or pure cosmetic-grade oil.

STEP 1: First, soak a cotton pad in the oil, and then gently hold it over your lash line for 5-10 seconds. You can also use it to remove your eye makeup first, if necessary. 

STEP 2: If you’re trying to remove lash extensions, you’ll need to hold the cotton pad in place for a few 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 also lift away the false lashes if they haven’t come off yet.  

STEP 5: 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.

Recommended Products

•  Natural Oil Cleanser: Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil
• Budget-Friendly Oil Cleanser: Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil 

Method 2: Eye Makeup Remover

Do you have a favorite eye makeup remover? It might also help you take off eyelash glue! Depending on the remover, you might be able to use it to get rid of both lash glue and extension adhesive. 

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. 

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 also 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 yet. 

Watch our video to see the process in action.

Recommended Products

• Luxury Makeup Remover: Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover 
• Budget Makeup Remover: Nivea Double Effect Eye Makeup Remover

Method 3: Professional-Grade Lash Glue Dissolver

If you’re rocking professional eyelash extensions, a professional-grade glue dissolver is even better than oil. After all, this product is designed specifically to break down the extension glue. It’ll work faster than the other methods, but keep in mind that if it gets in your eye, it might sting a little.  

STEP 1: Apply a cotton pad under your lower lash line, and then close your eye. It’s important to keep your eye shut this 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 a few minutes. 

STEP 4: Next, with a clean cotton swab, gently wipe off the lashes. 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. 

TIP: Only work on one eye at a time. 

Check out this video to see how a professional lash technician does this. 

Recommended Products

• Gel Remover: BL Lashes Gel Remover
• Cream Remover: Lash Galore Cream Adhesive Remover

Method 4: Steaming Off the Glue

If you’re removing eyelash extensions, steaming off the adhesive can work extremely well. 

This method works best as a first step, followed by a more thorough removal. Steam your extensions before trying Methods 1 or 2, and you’ll achieve better results! 

You can also give this a try to loosen up regular eyelash glue, and it may save you the need for remover. 

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 hop in the shower, you can 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 it’s also great for clearing the sinuses. 

STEP 4: No matter the source of steam, make sure to 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 earlier methods we outlined.

Recommended Products

• Luxury Steamer: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Pro Facial Steamer
• Budget Steamer: Conair Facial Sauna System

Pro Tips To Make Removal Easier

We have a few pro tips to make your eyelash glue removal process safer and easier! 

• Resist the urge to pull your falsies off or to pick at the glue. There’s a big risk of losing a few natural eyelashes or irritating the lash line when you do this without a proper remover. 
• Always wipe downwards when removing the lashes or glue. This puts the least amount of stress on your natural lashes. 
• Any glue clumps left in your lashes can harbor bacteria, so make sure to wipe away all of the glue thoroughly. 
• When removing professionally applied extensions, take your time and be patient. It’s a slow process. If you’re not ready for it, it’s better to go to a professional. 
• Once you remove your extensions, take a one-day break from mascara and other eye makeup products, to let your lashes recover. 
• If the remover gets in your eyes, use eye drops to clear it out. 
• Once you’re done removing the lash glue, pamper your eyes with some cool water, and a nice layer of eye cream or eyelash serum. 

Glue Be Gone 

With so many different methods to remove eyelash glue, you don’t need to worry about sticky messes around your eyes. As long as you take your time, remain patient, and keep things clean, your eyes and lashes will thank you.

Are you interested in eyelash extensions aftercare? Check out our guide to know how to take care of your lash extensions to make them last longer.

- Eyelash Extensions Aftercare: A Complete "How-To" Guide

- How To Take Care Of Eyelash Extensions?  

- How To Clean Eyelash Extensions?

- How To Wash Eyelash Extensions?

- How To Remove Eyelash Glue? 4 Easy Steps 

- How To Make Lash Extensions Last Longer? 

- Can You Swim With Eyelash Extensions?

- How To Shower With Eyelash Extensions? Useful Tips And Aftercare

- How To Wash Your Face With Eyelash Extensions? 6 Easy Steps

- How To Sleep With Eyelash Extensions? 10 Proven Tips And Tricks

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