How To Get Eyelash Glue Off Without Any Damage

False eyelashes or falsies are the best way to make your eyes appear dramatic and bigger. While applying falsies is an art, taking them off can be cumbersome, especially when you do not know how to take eyelash glue off your lids. In addition, the glue residue often sticks to the lash line after the clean-up.

Applying too much eyelash glue is a common mistake. It is one reason the glue becomes clumpy and tough to clean off, and the lashes appear fake. Also, rubbing hard may damage the lashes or scratch the eyelids. Do not worry. We have easy tricks and hacks to help you avoid such situations and take the eyelash glue off easily and without any damage. Keep reading to learn more about removing eyelash glue.

Fun Fact

In 1911, Canadian inventor Anna Taylor received a US patent for glue-on lashes made from human hair.

12 Best Ways To Remove Eyelash Glue

Not all these methods are ideal for everyone, so try them out once before practicing regularly. Do a quick patch test to check for reactions and steer clear of strong chemicals that might irritate your skin or harm your natural lashes. How you get your eyelash glue off depends on whether the glue is stuck to your skin or lashes. Let’s take a look at the easy and simple methods available for removing eyelash glue easily.

1. Baby Oil

Baby oil is an excellent option to remove eyelash glue as it will not hurt or damage your skin.Method

• Dab a cotton ball with some baby oil.
• Wipe the area around your eyes where the glue was applied.
• Rub the swab gently along your lashes and the lash band.
• Allow the oil to sit for two to three minutes on the eyelid. However, make sure you do not use excess oil, or it will just transfer the glue from your eyes to the cotton ball.
• Pull the eyelashes off from the outer corner.
• Reapply some baby oil with your fingers along your lashes to remove any residue glue.
• Wipe away the excess oil from your eyelids and skin and wash your face.

Joanne Collins, a blogger, shared her experience of using baby oil to remove eyelash glue. She said, “I tried massaging the oil over my eyelids and lashes with my finger, and another time using a cotton pad, and it worked well both ways (i).” This is also how you can clean fake eyelashes. Baby oil is very effective at removing glue off surfaces.

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil has several benefits, and using it on your eyelids to remove glue is one of them.

Method

• Put a few drops of olive oil on a cotton swab.
• Dab the product onto your eyelid, especially along the lash line.
• Grab the false lash extension by the outer corner and peel the strip away from your natural lash.
• Wipe off any excess oil and wash the area with cool water.

3. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a great choice for removing eyelash glue quickly and easily (1). It is also easily available at any grocery store.

• Soak the tip of a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol.
• Rub it onto your eyelashes until the glue comes off.
• Wash the area with cool water.

4. Eyelash Glue Remover

Eyelash glue removers or eyelash adhesive removers are exactly what they sound like – products that help you get rid of eyelash glue. They are affordable and found at any drugstore.

Method

• Dab a cotton ball with a few drops of lash glue remover.
• Gently press the cotton on your eyelashes and lash line. Let it sit for a few minutes.
• Grip the false lashes with your fingers and gently peel them away from the brow.
• Dip another cotton ball in the eyelash extension remover and rub it along your eyelid to loosen any remaining glue.
• Use a makeup wipe to remove the excess product and clean your skin.

5. Nail Polish Remover

Nail polish removers effectively remove eyelash glue, and they work almost as quickly as the rubbing alcohol method.

Method

• Soak a cotton swab in nail polish remover.
• Apply it gently and carefully to your lashes. Do not put it directly on your skin to avoid irritation and sensitivity.
• Peel away the glue and false eyelashes without rubbing.
• Rinse your eyes immediately with normal water.

6. Hairspray

Anecdotal evidence suggests that you can soften the eyelash adhesive with a hairspray. However, be careful not to overuse the product as it may sting your eyes or cause irritation.

Method

• Get a cotton swab wet with some hairspray.
• Hold the swab on your lashes for 20-30 seconds.
• Wait until the glue loosens and comes off on the cotton swab.

7. Eye Makeup Remover Wipes

Thinking about how to get lash glue off with eye makeup remover wipes? In that case, rubbing your eyelashes with good makeup remover wipes for several minutes can help bring down all traces of glue. However, remember to go soft and use as little pressure as possible.

8. Apply Eye Cream Or An Oil-Based Moisturizer

The application of eye cream or an oil-based moisturizer on the targeted area can help loosen the adhesive. Pull on your eyelids or lash line gently while rubbing the moisturizer on the glue. This will provide more slack and make it easier to dissolve the glue. Rinse your eye area with water to get rid of any leftover glue on your lashes.

9. Oil-Based Makeup Remover

Oil-based makeup removers are ideal for dissolving glue from false eyelashes.

Pour some oil-based remover on a cotton swab or pad and gently rub on the glue until it peels off.

10. Eye Drops

Removing false eyelashes can get frustrating, but eye drops can make the process simple and hassle-free. Apply eye drops on the lashes and massage until the glue comes off. Rinse your eyes with cold water.

11. Steam Your Face

Wondering how to remove eyelash glue without pain? Try facial steaming, it can melt the glue and loosen it. Wet a clean wash towel with hot water and place it on your eyelids. The steam will help soften your lashes. Gently wipe away the glue without pulling your natural lashes.

Quick Tip

You can use a solution of warm soapy water to dissolve eyelash glue gently.

12. Manual Removal

Well, if you want to know how to get eyelash glue off after everything else fails, just let the glue dry and peel it off yourself. This method is great when your glue accidentally gets on your under-eye area. You can safely take eyelash glue off by following a few simple steps, such as:

• Allow the lash glue to dry and harden completely. If it has gotten on your under-eye area, make sure it has dried completely before peeling.
• Soak a cotton ball or Q-tip in baby oil or coconut or olive oil and gently apply to the dried glue until it starts coming off.
• Wash your face with soap and water.
• Follow up with a lightweight moisturizer.

Disclaimer: You may face some issues, like eye irritation or discomfort, when removing eyelash glue with these remedies. Some products may leave behind a sticky residue on the skin or around the eyes. Also, certain oils or removers can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions. It is best to be cautious and test products in a small area first. 

A study published in the American Journal Of Ophthalmology Case Reports determined the potential eye injuries that can be caused by the incorrect use of eyelash extension removal products. The study researched a 46-year-old woman who had LASIK surgery in the past. She developed chemical conjunctivitis (eye irritation) and other eye problems after the wrong application of eyelash extension removal gel, causing damage to the surface of her eyes (2). Therefore, you should pay more attention to the chemicals in these products to prevent such harmful effects.

However, if you accidentally get eyelash glue into your eyes, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do.

What To Do If Eyelash Glue Gets Into Your Eye?

Eyelash extensions involve attaching fake lashes to natural ones using strong glues containing acrylates. These glues may release harmful formaldehyde, leading to burns. When the glue and fake lashes come into contact with the eyes, they can cause allergic reactions and damage to the surface of the eyes. A study found that 79% of cases with eyelash extensions most often cause allergic blepharitis (eye inflammation) (3). 

Another study looked at the use of eyelash extensions and their effects on the eyes among 400 female university students aged 15-30, with an average age of 22.5 years. The most common issues included itching, lashes pulling out, and heavy eyelids and red eyes. Other side effects included grittiness, tearing, burning sensation, pain in eyelids, and others (4). So it is important to ensure it does not get into your eyes.

Should eyelash glue get into your eye, you must take immediate action to minimize potential harm. Here are some steps to follow:

• Avoid rubbing your eye, as this can exacerbate the irritation.
• Rinse the eye gently with clean, lukewarm water for several minutes to flush out the glue.
• Remove your contact lenses, if any, after flushing the eye with water.
• Avoid forcibly removing the glue with your fingers or any objects.
• Seek medical attention promptly if the irritation persists, worsens, or if you experience persistent discomfort, redness, or changes in vision.
• Exercise caution when applying eyelash glue again. Ensure you avoid its direct contact with the eye.

Infographic: 8 Hacks To Remove Eyelash Glue

An effective lash glue may keep your false eyelashes in place, but it can cause frustration when it is time to remove them. Removing falsies can be a bothersome process that can damage your lashes and eyes. Fortunately, there are some effective methods for removing them without harming your eyes. Check out the infographic below for some simple tips and tricks.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Some methods mentioned above may seem counterintuitive because they involve the use of other chemicals. However, you must remember that these substances are less harmful to your eyes than the glue itself. So, follow the steps with precautions and get rid of your stubborn eyelash glue with care and patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent eyelash glue from sticking too much in the future?

Begin by applying a light layer of glue and letting it dry slightly before putting on the lashes. Also, if possible opt for hypoallergenic glue as it is gentler on the skin and easier to remove.

Does micellar water remove eyelash glue?

Yes. anecdotal evidence suggests that using micellar water with oil can be used as a lash adhesive remover.

Will Vaseline remove eyelash glue?

Yes. Vaseline contains molecules that will help break down the lash adhesive and keep your lashes moisturized.

Does castor oil remove eyelash glue?

Yes. Castor oil can be an effective lash extension glue remover. Unlike coconut oil or other ingredients, castor oil takes time to break down the adhesive. Take a piece of cotton and apply castor oil. Dab the oil on your eyelashes and go to sleep. Castor oil will loosen the adhesive over time. Repeat this process for a few days until the extensions come off.

Learn how to easily remove glue from eyelashes in a safe and convenient way. Watch this video for a step-by-step demonstration.

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Dr. CP ThajudheenMD

       

Dr. CP Thajudheen has over 20 years of experience in various lasers, light-based devices, and other advanced equipment. He was one of the beginners who introduced cutaneous lasers in India. He carries out dermato surgeries regularly, including hair grafting and vitiligo surgeries.

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