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Eye Makeup Removal
How to Remove Eyelash Extensions with Petroleum Jelly: A Step-By-Step Guide Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Wash your hands thoroughly. 2 Dip a cotton swab in petroleum jelly. 3 Apply the petroleum jelly to your lash line. 4 Let the jelly sit for a few minutes. 5 Wipe the lashes off with an eyebrow brush. 6 Wipe away the excess petroleum jelly. 7 Wash your face again with a mild cleanser. 8 Throw away your used eyelash extensions. + Show 5 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Alicia Ramos and Dan Hickey
Last Updated: September 11, 2023 References
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Alicia Ramos and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Alicia Ramos is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 31,716 times.
If some of your eyelash extensions have started to fall out, you’re probably wondering how to remove the rest of them so your lashes look even. While it’s always best to have a professional lash tech do this for you, removing them at home is pretty safe when you pay extra attention to cleanliness. That’s why we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to removing eyelash extensions safely with petroleum jelly. Read on to have those extensions gone in the blink of an eye!
Steps
1
Wash your hands thoroughly.
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Clean hands and fingers reduce your risk of eye irritation or infection. Scrub your hands with antibacterial soap and hot water to remove dirt and germs. Dry your hands with a clean towel or cloth.[1]XResearch source
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Dip a cotton swab in petroleum jelly.
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A cotton swab or cotton bud works best for lash extension removal. Put a small dot of petroleum jelly—about the size of a grain of rice—onto the tip of your swab. Remember that you can always add more if you need, but you risk accidentally getting jelly in your eye if you use too much at once.[2]XResearch source
Use a new, clean cotton swab to avoid spreading bacteria to your eyes.
Use a name brand petroleum jelly like Vaseline. Vaseline is a pure form of petroleum jelly with added minerals that is safer for your skin.[3]XResearch source
3
Apply the petroleum jelly to your lash line.
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When it comes to the jelly application, slow and steady wins the race. Close your eyes and use the cotton swab to wipe the petroleum jelly over the lash adhesive. Start at the root of your natural lashes and apply downwards in a swiping motion. Make sure all of the lash glue is covered.[4]XResearch source
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Let the jelly sit for a few minutes.
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The petroleum jelly needs time to fully dissolve the lash adhesive. After you’ve massaged it into the lash glue, allow it to sit while it absorbs into the extensions and softens the adhesive. Wait 3 to 5 minutes before gently wiping your lashes to see if they’re loose enough to come off.[5]XResearch source
If you feel resistance when you test a lash, wait a few more minutes or add a tiny bit more petroleum jelly to fully dissolve the glue.
5
Wipe the lashes off with an eyebrow brush.
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If the adhesive is dissolved, the lashes should slide off without drama. Use a small brush, like an eyebrow brush or a mascara wand, to gently wipe the lashes away.[6]XResearch source Brush across your lashes at a downward angle, repeating strokes until all of the extensions are off.[7]XResearch source
Alternatively, use your cotton swab to gently slide the extensions down and off your eyelid. The extensions might even start to come off as soon as you apply the jelly.
Try not to tug or pull on stuck lashes. If they’re resistant, wait longer for the jelly to dissolve the adhesive.
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Wipe away the excess petroleum jelly.
Download Article
Once the extensions are off, it’s important to clean your eyes (again). Use warm water and a clean washcloth to gently rub your lashes and eyelids. This will remove any sticky globs of jelly, which can trap dirt, dust, and germs in your eyes.[8]XResearch source
7
Wash your face again with a mild cleanser.
Download Article
Another face washing removes any residue your washcloth missed. Use a mild cleaner, like micellar water, to get rid of any remaining lash adhesive, petroleum jelly, or even eye makeup you may have missed earlier.[9]X Expert Source Alicia RamosSkincare ProfessionalExpert Interview Gently cleanse around your eyes in circular motions, then rinse and pat dry. Now your extensions are off and your lashes are squeaky clean!
Advertisement 8
Throw away your used eyelash extensions.
Download Article
Unlike some false eyelashes, eyelash extensions should not be reused. It’s unhygienic (think of all the glue and makeup that gets on them) and they’ve experienced typical wear and tear while in your eye. They’re also very difficult to individually collect and clean. After they’re out, just throw them away.[10]XResearch source
Join the Discussion...
Best tips removing my lash extensions at home? WikiDesertWatcher959 I don't really want to wear my eyelash extensions anymore, but I'm not sure how to remove them. First off, is it even safe to remove eyelash extensions at home or should I see a professional? If you can remove extensions at home, can someone walk me through what to do so I don't damage my natural lashes? Please and thanks! Read More Alicia Ramos Skincare Professional If it's within the first 48 hours of applying the lash extensions, getting them wet or washing your face might be enough to remove them. The soap and water will make the bond of the glue weak because it hasn't had time to fully set yet. Read More Erica Coates Professional Makeup Artist Eyelash extensions are actually rather easy to take off on your own. Start by putting an oil-based solution on them, like baby oil. Then, just let it sit on top of the eyelashes for a few minutes and slowly peel off the extensions so you don't damage your eyelashes underneath.If your eyelash extensions are stuck in and you can't get them off, I would definitely recommend going back to the place where you got them done and let them professionally take them off. I wouldn't recommend pulling because you can run the risk of pulling out your real eyelashes in the process. Read More See all 4 Replies and Read Discussion
Expert Q&A
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Tips
Use an oil-based makeup remover to take off any eye makeup and wash your face before you apply any petroleum jelly. This will make sure your lashes are clean, and the oil will help soften the adhesive holding them on.[11]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Try steaming your face for about 10 minutes beforehand (a hot shower works too). The steam will help cleanse the skin around your eyes and hydrate your skin.[12]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Remove your extensions in front of a well-lit mirror, especially if you’re removing them for the first time. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Never pull, tug, or tweeze eyelash extensions out. If you do, you risk damaging your natural lashes (maybe even permanently). If they’re not loose, leave them in. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you get petroleum jelly in your eyes, you might experience temporary irritation or blurred vision. Use artificial tears to flush it out and see a doctor if any irritation or impairment persists.[13]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about eyelash care, check out our in-depth interview with Alicia Ramos.
Co-authored by: Alicia Ramos Skincare Professional This article was co-authored by Alicia Ramos and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Alicia Ramos is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients. This article has been viewed 31,716 times. 3 votes - 100% Co-authors: 4Updated: September 11, 2023 Views: 31,716 Categories: Eye Makeup Removal In other languages Dutch Portuguese Italian
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Alicia Ramos Skincare Professional Co-authors: 4Updated: September 11, 2023 Views: 31,716100% of readers found this article helpful. 3 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Wash your hands thoroughly. 2 Dip a cotton swab in petroleum jelly. 3 Apply the petroleum jelly to your lash line. 4 Let the jelly sit for a few minutes. 5 Wipe the lashes off with an eyebrow brush. 6 Wipe away the excess petroleum jelly. 7 Wash your face again with a mild cleanser. 8 Throw away your used eyelash extensions. + Show 5 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Alicia Ramos and Dan Hickey 
WikiDesertWatcher959 I don't really want to wear my eyelash extensions anymore, but I'm not sure how to remove them. First off, is it even safe to remove eyelash extensions at home or should I see a professional? If you can remove extensions at home, can someone walk me through what to do so I don't damage my natural lashes? Please and thanks! Read More 
Alicia Ramos Skincare Professional If it's within the first 48 hours of applying the lash extensions, getting them wet or washing your face might be enough to remove them. The soap and water will make the bond of the glue weak because it hasn't had time to fully set yet. Read More 
Erica Coates Professional Makeup Artist Eyelash extensions are actually rather easy to take off on your own. Start by putting an oil-based solution on them, like baby oil. Then, just let it sit on top of the eyelashes for a few minutes and slowly peel off the extensions so you don't damage your eyelashes underneath.If your eyelash extensions are stuck in and you can't get them off, I would definitely recommend going back to the place where you got them done and let them professionally take them off. I wouldn't recommend pulling because you can run the risk of pulling out your real eyelashes in the process. Read More 
How toRemove Eyelash Glue 
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578 
Clean hands and fingers reduce your risk of eye irritation or infection. Scrub your hands with antibacterial soap and hot water to remove dirt and germs. Dry your hands with a clean towel or cloth.[1] Advertisement 
A cotton swab or cotton bud works best for lash extension removal. Put a small dot of petroleum jelly—about the size of a grain of rice—onto the tip of your swab. Remember that you can always add more if you need, but you risk accidentally getting jelly in your eye if you use too much at once.[2] 
When it comes to the jelly application, slow and steady wins the race. Close your eyes and use the cotton swab to wipe the petroleum jelly over the lash adhesive. Start at the root of your natural lashes and apply downwards in a swiping motion. Make sure all of the lash glue is covered.[4] Advertisement 
The petroleum jelly needs time to fully dissolve the lash adhesive. After you’ve massaged it into the lash glue, allow it to sit while it absorbs into the extensions and softens the adhesive. Wait 3 to 5 minutes before gently wiping your lashes to see if they’re loose enough to come off.[5] 
If the adhesive is dissolved, the lashes should slide off without drama. Use a small brush, like an eyebrow brush or a mascara wand, to gently wipe the lashes away.[6] Brush across your lashes at a downward angle, repeating strokes until all of the extensions are off.[7] 
Once the extensions are off, it’s important to clean your eyes (again). Use warm water and a clean washcloth to gently rub your lashes and eyelids. This will remove any sticky globs of jelly, which can trap dirt, dust, and germs in your eyes.[8] 
Another face washing removes any residue your washcloth missed. Use a mild cleaner, like micellar water, to get rid of any remaining lash adhesive, petroleum jelly, or even eye makeup you may have missed earlier.[9] Gently cleanse around your eyes in circular motions, then rinse and pat dry. Now your extensions are off and your lashes are squeaky clean! Advertisement 
Unlike some false eyelashes, eyelash extensions should not be reused. It’s unhygienic (think of all the glue and makeup that gets on them) and they’ve experienced typical wear and tear while in your eye. They’re also very difficult to individually collect and clean. After they’re out, just throw them away.[10] 
Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.