How To Remove Eyelash Glue From Fake Lashes

Okay, so you’ve nailed the lash game, right? Those falsies are giving you life, making your eyes pop like nobody’s business. But then comes the inevitable… the glue. Ugh. It’s like that one friend who overstays their welcome, clinging on for dear life. And if you’re anything like me, you want to get every last speck off before tossing those beauties in their case, ready for their next glamorous outing. Because let’s be real, who wants to re-wear lashes that look like they’ve been through a glue tornado? Nobody, that’s who!
So, how do we tackle this sticky situation? Don't you worry your pretty little head about it. We’re going to break it down, step-by-step, like we’re spilling the tea over a giant latte. Think of me as your lash fairy godmother, minus the sparkly wand. Mostly. Let's get these lashes looking as good as new, shall we?
The Great Glue Unstickening: Your Step-by-Step Rescue Mission
First things first, you gotta be gentle. These are delicate little things, even if they look like they can survive a hurricane. Yanking and pulling is a big no-no. We’re aiming for clean, not chaotic destruction. Got it? Good.

Step 1: The Gentle Peel-Off
So, you’ve finished your makeup, and it’s time to say “see ya later” to your falsies. Don’t just rip them off, okay? That’s like ripping off a band-aid – painful and leaves a mess. Instead, try to gently peel them away from your eyelid. Start from the outer corner. Use your fingers, or even a pair of clean tweezers if you’re feeling fancy. Just be super, super tender. If it feels like it's tugging, stop. Maybe add a tiny bit of warm water to the area and try again. Patience, my friend, is key here. Think of it as a slow dance with your lashes, not a mosh pit.
Honestly, sometimes a little bit of oil from your makeup remover can help with this initial peel, but we’ll get to more specific oil-based removers in a bit. It’s all about making that glue a little less… clingy. If you’ve got that super-duper-strong lash glue that seems to be fused to your soul, then this step might be a little trickier. But even then, a gentle approach is always your best bet. We're not trying to win an arm wrestle with adhesive, after all.
Step 2: Introducing Your New Best Friend – The Oil!
Now, for the real hero of our story: oil. Yes, oil! Who knew something so simple could be so powerful, right? You’ve got options, and they’re probably already lurking in your bathroom cabinet. My personal favorites include:
- Coconut Oil: This stuff is like magic for everything, including stubborn lash glue. It’s natural, it smells amazing, and it’s super effective. Plus, you can totally use it for other beauty stuff too. Multitasking at its finest!
- Baby Oil: Classic, gentle, and gets the job done. If you’re feeling nostalgic for your baby days, this is your go-to. It’s mild enough for sensitive eyes, which is always a win.
- Olive Oil: Yep, the stuff you cook with can also be your lash savior. Just make sure it’s pure olive oil, not the flavored kind, unless you want your lashes smelling like garlic bread. (Though, that could be a vibe?)
- Micellar Water (Oil-Infused): If you prefer a makeup remover, look for one that’s specifically oil-infused. They’re designed to break down stubborn makeup and, yes, lash glue!
- Specialized Lash Cleanser: There are tons of lash cleansers out there marketed specifically for removing lash extensions and falsies. They often have a gentle oil base. If you’re a regular falsies wearer, this might be a worthwhile investment.
The idea here is to let the oil dissolve the glue. Think of it like a tiny, gentle demolition crew for that sticky residue. You don’t want to be scrubbing away like you’re trying to buff a car. We’re aiming for a smooth, effortless melt. Imagine the glue just sighing and saying, "Okay, fine, I'll let go."
Step 3: The Application – Get Your Hands (and Cotton Swabs) Dirty!
Okay, so you’ve picked your weapon of choice. Now, how do you apply it? This is where the precision comes in. Grab a clean cotton swab, or a cotton pad. Dip it into your chosen oil (or lash cleanser). You want it to be damp, not dripping wet. We’re not trying to give your lashes a spa day with a full oil bath, just a targeted treatment.
Now, here comes the delicate part. Gently dab the oily cotton swab along the lash band where the glue is. Focus on the band, not the actual lash hairs. You don’t want to saturate the hairs, or they might get weighed down and lose their shape. Just go over the glue line. Take your time. Seriously, put on some chill music. This is your moment of zen, transforming sticky strands into sleek strands.
If you’re using a cotton pad, you can cut a small piece and soak it in oil. Then, carefully place it over your closed eye, just covering the lash line. Let it sit there for a few minutes. This is like a little pre-wash for your lashes. It gives the oil time to work its magic and loosen up that tenacious glue. Think of it as a mini-facial for your falsies. You can even do this while you’re browsing social media or catching up on a podcast. Multitasking, remember?
Pro tip: If the glue is really stubborn, you might need to repeat this a couple of times. Don’t get discouraged! It’s like trying to get that one tiny piece of popcorn kernel out of your teeth. Persistence pays off, and your lashes will thank you.
Step 4: The Gentle Removal (Again!)
Once the oil has had a chance to do its thing, the glue should be much softer and easier to remove. Now, grab a clean cotton swab (or the dry part of your cotton pad) and gently wipe away the loosened glue. Again, focus on the lash band. You should see the glue starting to flake off. If it’s still a bit stuck, go back to step 3 and apply a little more oil. No need to rush the process. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither were perfectly clean fake lashes.
Be super gentle. You don’t want to pull on the actual lash hairs. Imagine you’re coaxing the glue off, not excavating it. If you’re using tweezers to help, make sure they’re clean and you’re just gently picking at the softened glue bits. Sometimes, a bit of the glue will stick to the lashes themselves. For those, you can carefully use the tip of a spoolie brush (that’s the little mascara wand-like brush) to gently tease them away. Just a light, feathery touch.
If you’re using a specialized lash cleanser, follow the instructions on the bottle. Usually, it involves applying it with a brush or swab and then gently rinsing. But for most home remedies, a good old oil and cotton swab combo will do the trick.
Step 5: The Cleanse and Refresh
Once you’ve removed all the visible glue, it’s time for a quick cleanse to get rid of any oily residue. You can use a gentle facial cleanser or even just a bit of micellar water on a clean cotton pad. Just lightly wipe the lash band to remove any remaining oil. This step is important to make sure your lashes are fresh and ready for their next application.
You don’t need to go crazy here. A quick wipe-down is all it takes. We’re not trying to strip them bare, just get them clean and free of any leftover gunk. Think of it as a gentle rinse after your oil treatment. And voilà! Your lashes should be looking much cleaner, and the glue should be a distant memory.
Step 6: The Drying and Storage – Keeping Them Flawless
Now that your lashes are clean, it’s crucial to let them dry completely before storing them. Lay them flat on a clean paper towel or a lint-free cloth. Don't put them away while they're still damp. This can mess with their shape and even lead to bacteria growth. Ew. Nobody wants that. Give them a good hour or so to air dry. Or if you’re impatient like me, a few minutes under a gentle fan can speed things up.
Once they’re bone dry, pop them back into their original lash case. This is their cozy little home, protecting them from dust and damage. Storing them properly is the secret to making your false lashes last longer. Treat them well, and they’ll treat you to fabulous flutter for ages. Seriously, that case is their five-star hotel. Keep them in there!
Common Glue Mishaps and How to Avoid Them
Let’s talk about those moments of panic. We’ve all been there. Maybe you accidentally used too much glue. Or maybe you waited too long to remove your lashes. Don’t beat yourself up! It happens. Here are a few common scenarios:
- The "I Used Too Much Glue" Panic: We’ve all gone a little overboard with the glue sometimes. It happens! If this is the case, focus on the steps above, especially the oil soak. You might need to be a bit more patient and let the oil work its magic for a longer period. Don’t be afraid to reapply the oil a couple of times. It’s better to be patient and get it clean than to rush and damage your lashes.
- The "I Waited Too Long" Scenario: If you’ve left your lashes on for days (no judgment, we’ve all been there when life gets crazy!), the glue can be seriously hardened. Again, oil is your best friend. A longer soak might be necessary. You can even try gently warming a little bit of coconut oil (just a tiny bit, not hot!) and applying it with a cotton swab. The warmth can help break down the hardened glue faster.
- The "My Lashes Are Tangled" Blues: Sometimes, even after removing the glue, a few lash hairs can get a little… out of sorts. Don’t despair! A clean spoolie brush is your secret weapon. Gently brush through the lashes, separating any stuck-together hairs. Be super gentle. Think of it as detangling a delicate wig. A light touch is all you need.
Remember, the key is always gentleness and patience. Think of yourself as a lash surgeon, performing a delicate operation. You wouldn't go in with a sledgehammer, would you? No! You’d be precise, careful, and focused. Apply that same energy to your falsies.
What NOT to Do: The Don’ts of Lash Glue Removal
Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do. Let’s run through a few things you should definitely steer clear of:

- No Harsh Scrubbing: I’m talking about scrubbing like you’re trying to get baked-on food off a pan. Your lashes are not a frying pan. Be gentle! Scrubbing will damage the lash hairs and the lash band.
- No Alcohol or Acetone: While these might seem like quick fixes, they can be very harsh on your natural lashes and the synthetic fibers of your falsies. They can dry them out, make them brittle, and even cause breakage. Stick to the gentle, oil-based methods. Your lashes will thank you.
- No Water-Soaking (for the lashes themselves): While warm water can help loosen glue on your eyelid, dunking your falsies directly into a bowl of water isn’t ideal. It can warp their shape and weaken the glue holding them together. Targeted application of removers is key.
- No Pulling or Yanking: We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Gentle, gentle, gentle. If it’s not coming off easily, apply more oil and wait. Patience is a virtue, especially in the world of false lashes.
So there you have it! The no-fuss, no-muss guide to getting that stubborn lash glue off your favorite falsies. It’s really not as scary as it seems, is it? With a little bit of oil, a cotton swab, and a whole lot of patience, you can keep your lash collection looking fabulous for ages. Now go forth and conquer that glue, my friend! Your lashes are counting on you.
