When you’re applying your eye makeup, you don’t want to miss using mascara or a lash curler, but the order in which you use them makes a considerable difference to the end result.
You want your lashes to look as curled and long as possible, without risking damaging your natural lashes at the same time.
What Happens When You Curl Lashes With Mascara On?
When you use a lash curler with mascara on your lashes, you’re pressing stiff coated lashes between the metal pads, which can cause bending, sticking or even breaking.
As the mascara formula is dry, it doesn’t flex, so your lash curler can clamp the lashes unevenly which leaves kinks instead of a smooth curve in your lashes.
The risk happens with all types of lash curler (traditional, heated or individual lash curlers), you’re forcing your rigid lashes into a new, unnatural shape.
Your mascara application technique also matters. Having thick layers or using a fiber mascara formula can create bulk which cements your lashes together, so the curler ends up tugging whole clusters of your lashes, rather than individual lashes.
If you’ve already applied your mascara, it’s safer to skip the curling step, and focus on your lash health by avoiding pulling your lashes, and using gentle makeup remover to dissolve your eye makeup without rubbing or scraping your lash line.
Can Mascara Make Your Lashes More Fragile?
Constantly wearing mascara without breaks can cause stress to your lashes. Your lashes don’t get time to recover from the weight and rigidity of your mascara.
Having poor eyelash care habits, like sleeping in your mascara, or layering multiple coats can increase the brittleness of your lashes.
The way you remove your makeup also matters, as rubbing aggressively, tugging at clumps or using harsh removers all physically weaken the lash follicles and shafts.
Over time, you might notice your lashes looking thinner or shorter, or they’re less likely to hold a curl, when you do use a lash curler.
How To Curl Your Lashes Without Causing Damage
To protect your lashes as best as possible, always start with clean, dry lashes. Any makeup residue will make your lashes stiff and more prone to snapping, so always fully cleanse your eye makeup away every night.
Choose a high quality lash curler with decent and well-cushioned pads. Check the pads regularly, and replace them or the curler if they start to look worn, as you never want the metal to pinch your lashes (or eyelid).
During use, position your lash curler carefully and close it gently. Don’t ever tug or twist the curler, as this will end up damaging your natural lashes.
Best Way To Use An Eyelash Curler Safely
Ensure your lashes and clean and dry, as well as your lash curler. Position the curler at the base of your lashes, ensuring your skin isn’t caught.
Gently pulse for a few seconds, then move to the middle of your lashes and tips. This stepped and gentle pressure will help prevent lash breakage issues.
After using your lash curler, follow up with your mascara. Never curl your lashes after you’ve applied mascara, like I mentioned above, to make sure you don’t make your natural lashes brittle and prone to snapping.
Make sure you clean your lash curler regularly, and keep your arm stable when using your curler, to prevent yourself from accidentally pulling at your lashes during use.
