Relax like a Parisian

Maybe you’ve got your very first set of lash extensions, or perhaps you’re thinking about getting some. But you’re wondering, “can you put mascara on lash extensions?” Great question. And if you’re going to invest money in lash extensions (along with sitting still for that long), you want to make sure you’re taking care of them the right way.  Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll be answering all your burning questions. By the end of it, you’ll be a lash extension and mascara pro.  Can you put mascara on lash extensions? So, should you wear mascara with eyelash extensions? Or is it a total no-go? You can wear mascara on lash extensions. When your lashes are fresh, you won’t have a huge need for mascara, but towards the end, you may want to reach for it! That being said, if you prefer to wear mascara with your lash extensions from the start, you can definitely do so! Estheticians recommend to avoid applying it to the base, as this can create a clumpy look. So keep it to the tips, and you’ll be golden. It’s worth pointing out that if you’re opting for volume lashes (the 2D, 3D, or custom-made fans), you probably won’t need mascara. Adding it will likely cause the fans to close and ruin the effect. Why wear mascara with lash extensions? Mascara will help darken and add volume to both the upper and lower lashes.  Synthetic lashes are thicker than your natural eyelashes, whereas silk extensions taper out at the ends. Mascara helps give you that extra impact all the way to the tips — perfect for a more dramatic look.     Many women also choose lash extensions that match their natural lash color. Adding a darker shade of mascara allows you to deepen the color as you like.  And like we mentioned above, when your fake lashes are on their last legs and begin to shed, you can fill in the gaps with mascara. They’ll look as good as new! Which type of mascara should I avoid? Be careful; if you use the wrong kind of mascara, you’ll ruin your lash extensions.  Here’s what to avoid:   Waterproof mascara Waterproof mascara is designed to stay put through extreme conditions. You know, like thunderstorms and balling your eyes out on your wedding day. It’s great when you need it, but it’s a no-go when it comes to lash extensions.  It can make your lashes brittle, and it’s extra tough to remove. You need an oil-based makeup remover, which can pull off flares, sometimes your lashes, and the glue holding your extensions in place.   Tube mascara Although tube mascara can be removed with water, it’s not suitable for lash extensions. Why? Because it will stick to them like glue, and water will not be sufficient to get them off once that happens. Fiber mascara Like waterproof and tube mascara, fiber mascara is also difficult to remove. Plus, the purpose of fiber mascara is to add length to your natural lashes. If you’ve got extensions already, you probably don’t need it.    Mascara you can use with extensions Oil-free mascara is best for lash extensions. That means the best mascara for lash extensions is a water-based formula. This is the only safe choice and will keep your lashes in tip-top condition. And it’s perfect for all types of falsies.  If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, opting for an oil-free mascara is always the best choice. This will prevent unwanted irritation.     What you want is a mascara that glides flawlessly across your lashes and comes off with minimal effort at the end of the day.  When it comes to consistency, you want a mascara that is not too thick or too dry. A thick mascara can cause tension on the lashes, tangling, and clumping.    Choose your brush wisely, and make sure it doesn’t grip your lashes too tightly.  How to safely remove your makeup when wearing lash extensions Choosing the right mascara isn’t the only thing to consider. If you choose the wrong makeup remover, you can still end up damaging your lashes. There are many makeup removers and cleansers that contain oil, which you don’t want. A water-based product is what you’re after here again. The best way to remove your makeup while wearing eyelash extensions is to use a water-based wipe or lash shampoo with a charcoal brush. Avoid cotton pads or balls because they may get lint on your lashes!     Remember, when you take care of your lash extensions and keep them clean, they’ll last longer and look better. So it’s in your best interests to pick the right products and treat your lashes with the love they deserve.   

It looks as though face masks won’t be disappearing anytime soon thanks to Covid, which means applying lipstick falls a bit on our daily makeup list.  When you’re wearing a mask, your eyes naturally take center stage. And since half of your face is covered, it’s important to make the most of what’s on show. Fashionable masks are great, but they don’t quite measure up to the magic of makeup.  Whether you’re working from home, heading to the office, or taking care of those everyday tasks, you still want to look and feel your best. What better way to reclaim your beauty ritual than to have fun with your eye makeup when wearing a mask? Forget about putting makeup on under your mask — what you need is a killer look for your eyes. Here are our favorite eye makeup looks when wearing a mask. Voluminous lashes Take a minimalist approach to your eye makeup with voluminous lashes. Full, fluttery, and fabulous is the name of the game here. And the great news? You don’t need lash extensions or falsies to amp up the volume.  Check out our instant volume mascara — definition and volume in just one coat! Add a few extra for even more drama, depending on the look you’re going for.  Mask & match There’s a fun new mask makeup look trending right now that is all about matching your makeup to your mask. Pick a colorful, patterned mask of your choice, then experiment with creating an eye makeup look around it. For example, if you’re wearing a rainbow-colored mask, why not go for a rainbow-inspired eyeshadow theme?  There are no rules here, apart from breaking them! A neutral smokey eye An all-out smokey eye might be a little too much for a daytime look. The next best thing? A neutral smokey eye! Use a natural eyeshadow 2-3 shades lighter than your skin tone that has a bit of a shimmer to it. Apply the eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten your eyes and contrast with your mask. This should work with most masks as they tend to be muted in color.  Finish your look with some mascara for extra pop, and you’re good to go.  Rose gold eyeliner Who says shimmer and sparkle are just for celebrations?  Rose gold eyeliner is so on-trend right now and will add a dash of glamour and glitter to any look. There are plenty of options to choose from right now. Apply it as liberally as you like, and add some flicks to the outer edges of your eye for extra pizzazz. This mask makeup look is definitely one of our favorites! A pop of pastel If you’re a fan of playing with color and looking for something to brighten up your face, try a wash of color on your lids. All colors work with this look, but pastels are oh-so-pretty — especially during spring/summer.  Keep the rest of your makeup minimal, and allow your eyes to steal the show. If you’re not sure what color to go for, blue is a safe bet for all skin tones.  Use one solid color, a shimmery shadow, or add some depth at the crease line with a darker shade.  Cat eye When you’re wearing a mask, people’s eyes will be drawn to the center of your face. A sassy cat eye is the perfect detail to draw that attention outward and create a sexy, striking look. Have fun with your cat eye and experiment with colors and patterns. Keep it as subtle or dramatic as you like.  Periwinkle flicks Without a doubt, eye makeup when wearing a mask is a must to prevent your face from totally disappearing! But if you’re not used to braving bold eye makeup looks, a dash of colored eyeliner is a great way to ease yourself in. Don’t worry, lipstick will be back in play soon enough! But until then, why not experiment with color around your eyes? Match your eyeliner to your mask, or clash on purpose. This mask makeup look is guaranteed to play up your eyes in a big way.  Metallic magic If you want to take the rose gold eyeliner look to the next level, how about an all-out metallic eye? This makeup look is super feminine, sexy, and flattering. It’ll give your eyes that extra boost and help them pop against your mask while highlighting their natural, gorgeous shape.  Just sweep it lightly across your upper lids. Add some classic French mascara for volume, and voila!  Winged eyeliner Sometimes all you need is your favorite eyeliner to create a killer eye makeup statement. The winged eyeliner look is classic and flirty. It will flatter the natural shape of your eyes without any need for eyeshadow.  Magic, right? You’ll be ready to leave the house in five minutes! Perfect for those days when you’re short on time, or you snooze your alarm. If you have a shaky hand, try using a template or using a dot-to-dot method to keep your eyeliner symmetrical.     Sunset shadow There’s another popular eye makeup mask trend all over social media right now known as “sunset” shadow. This is all you need to jazz up a plain old mask and bring some color and adventure into your life! Pick a handful of different sunset colors, like oranges, pinks, purples, blues, yellows, golds, etc. Start with one color as a base on the lids, then layer on top to create that stunning sunset vibe.  Play around with different colors and arrangements. This look will be slightly different every time, and that’s the beauty of it.  And that’s how to wear makeup with a face mask! Just because you have to wear a mask, it doesn’t mean your makeup game has to take a hit.  Give these eye makeup looks a try and watch as they transform your face.

You’re getting ready for your day. You look in the bathroom mirror at tired eyes and blemishes near your nose. As you apply your cosmetics, your face transforms into a bright-eyed, flawless masterpiece. Using makeup is a fun way to express yourself. When used correctly, it helps enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence. When misused, it can do the opposite. We will be going over some bad makeup habits that may be causing skin damage and why you need to get rid of them today. Here are some makeup habits you need to stop having Pumping mascara wand Chances are, you or someone you know puts on mascara by pumping the wand back and forth in the tube. It makes sense to think you’re getting an even coat to apply to your lashes. But this is one of the worst makeup habits for applying mascara. The problem with pumping the wand in and out is that you’re also pumping in air.  Pumping air into the tube limits the lifespan of your product by making it dry out faster. It can also cause flakiness and clumping, leading to uneven lashes.   Instead of pumping the wand, the best way to use mascara is by gently circling the wand inside the tube. Sleeping with makeup on Makeup covers the skin to make it look beautiful and smooth. But sleeping with makeup on can suffocate your skin, causing clogged pores by trapping dirt and oils into your skin. This can lead to dry, dull-looking skin. Skipping moisturizer Moisturizer is one of the most essential products for your skin. It keeps your skin young and fresh and aids in a flawless makeup application. If you don’t have time to apply makeup, make sure you still moisturize. What happens when you skip this step? If it’s not often, it’s fine. But over time, it can lead to dryness, wrinkling, and premature aging. When you apply foundation and other products, your skin can become flakey, causing the makeup to be less effective. If you want a flawless complexion, you can’t skip moisturizer. Not cleaning your brushes Makeup brushes are great at giving a clean and blended makeup application. But people forget that they need to be cleaned. When you don’t clean your brushes, they can breed bacteria, causing issues like dry skin and itchiness. Brushes should be cleaned at least once a week to avoid the buildup of debris and oils. Wearing too much makeup Wearing cosmetics is a great way to feel beautiful, but it’s best done in moderation. It can be easy to put too much on your face or to apply it too often.   Your face needs to breathe and needs at least one day a week without makeup. Caking on too much foundation or never letting your skin breathe can lead to skin damage. This includes clogged pores, dry and dull-looking skin. When you notice new blemishes, you’re probably tempted to cover them up with foundation. The best thing you can do is let it breathe for a while and make sure your makeup habits aren’t causing them. Wearing makeup isn’t a bad thing. But one just needs to make sure that it is not becoming a habit of hiding the real skin underneath.  - Aakanksha Singh Using expired product Have you ever looked through your makeup bag and noticed a cosmetic that’s a few years old? You might not have used it as much as you thought you would and may be surprised to see it still looks ok. You may be tempted to use it and get your money’s worth. This isn’t a good idea because using makeup products beyond a certain amount of time isn’t always safe.   Old products can breed bacteria, causing acne and clogged pores if used on your skin.  And if it’s been long enough, it may even be dry and flakey or dull in color. It’s best to simply start over with fresh product. One bad habit often spoils a dozen good ones.  - Napoleon Hill What will these bad makeup habits do? Bad beauty habits may seem like no big deal. So you don’t clean your brushes every week, and you sleep with makeup on sometimes. Not a problem, right? The truth is, these makeup habits can lead to serious skin damage. Forgetting once in a while is fine, but more than a few times a week can lead to the problems below. Clogged pores Have you ever had a rough week and then noticed new blemishes on your skin? This is likely the result of clogged pores. Pores are tiny openings where microscopic particles can pass through, allowing products like makeup and lotion to settle in your skin.   Because your skin has pores, it needs to be able to breathe. When bad beauty habits occur, it can suffocate them, causing them to clog up. This will often lead to oily skin, acne, and wrinkles. Wrinkles and premature aging When you think of wrinkles and premature aging, it’s easy to assume that as long as you don’t smoke or stay too long in the sun, you’ll be fine. Unfortunately, bad makeup habits can also cause these issues. Sleeping with your makeup on can cause stress to your skin and particles to get trapped in your pores.  Permanent skin damage Some bad beauty habits can cause permanent skin damage. The good news is that a lot of skin damage can be reversed with the development of good habits. But take care, not all makeup tips are created equally. Make sure to thoroughly research and understand any new practice before adding it to your daily makeup routine.  Shorter lifespan of cosmetics It’s no secret that cosmetics are expensive. Looking your best isn’t cheap, so you don’t want your products going bad before you’ve had a chance to use them.  In order to prevent product from drying up or becoming clumpy, it’s important to treat your cosmetics carefully and use them correctly. Here are some makeup tips to help form good habits Micellar water  Micellar water is a type of facial cleanser made with water and micelles. Micelles are cleansing molecules that can lift impurities, makeup, and dirt off your face.   What makes this product unique is it doesn’t take moisture out of your face, the way a lot of facial cleansers do. It’s also suitable for any skin type, even sensitive skin.   To use Micellar Water, simply apply some with a cotton pad, wiping your face like you would with a towelette. The best part? You don’t need to rinse it off. If you find yourself sleeping with your makeup on because you’re too tired to take it off, this product is a great beauty habit to form. Just apply it and fall asleep. You can even use it to clean your makeup brushes. Just put some in a container and twirl your brushes around to remove any makeup and debris. Then, allow it to air dry.   A change in bad habits leads to a change in life. - Jenny Craig Keep moisturizer and wipes by your bed Some days you are too exhausted to do a deep clean on your face. We get it, many of us lead demanding lives with long days. But bad beauty habits open doors to negative side effects. If you don’t have the energy to do a full facial cleanse, at least take your makeup off. Do you have a nightstand? If so, keep some moisturizer, and makeup removal wipes there. It’ll only take a minute to wipe the makeup off your face and apply a layer of moisturizer before falling asleep. Your skin will thank you.    Rotate cosmetics often It’s not enough to take your makeup off each night so your skin can breathe. It’s important to make sure the products you use are still functional. Expired products can not only cause skin damage by exposing it to bacteria, but it can also look flakey and dull. It’s not worth it. Look up the lifespan of the makeup and skincare products you have to get an idea of what is still good to use. Some products have a two-year shelf life. Others, such as some eye cosmetics, need to be rotated every three months. Make sure you replace your products as needed, and if you find yourself not using it up in time, consider buying a smaller amount. Do you often forget when you bought your products? Next time, get some stickers and label them with the date you purchased the product and how long they’ll be good for.     Makeup plays an important role in helping women feel beautiful. Good makeup habits help ensure clear, smooth, and beautiful skin for a long time.     What bad makeup habits do you need to change?   Share this article, and let us know which one you’re going to change first.