5 Things You Didn’t Know Were Ruining Your Eyelashes

We all want longer, thicker lashes, but what if our eager pursuit is actually making the situation worse? From curling the wrong way to improperly applying faux fringe, here are all the ways you’re ruining your flutter—plus tips on how to stop.

Lash Out

Applying (And Removing) False Lashes Carelessly

If you wear fakes more often than the average girl, remember to be extremely gentle with the application and removal process. Try to get as little glue as possible on your lashes when applying, and remove with an oil—never rip them off.

Curling Your Lashes After Applying Mascara

Always, always curl your lashes before applying mascara. Doing it in the opposite order will make them look clumpy and unnatural. But the worst part is they can get stuck on your curler and be pulled out by accident.

Removing Your Mascara The Wrong Way

If you're scrubbing your eyes and tugging at your lashes, you can cause permanent lash loss. Instead, melt off your makeup with a micellar water and gently wipe away excess residue with a micellar water.

Touching Your Eyes Throughout The Day

Keep your hands off your lashes at all costs. Not only can they accidentally be plucked out, but bacteria can clog the follicles, which prevents new lash growth.

Pulling On Your Extensions

Extensions are fused to your natural lashes, so if you pull the fake ones, you could be plucking out the real ones. This can also hinder future growth. If you've never had extensions before, start with just a few to make sure you feel comfortable before investing in a full flutter.