Can Fake Eyelashes Be Reused?


Even the least expensive false lashes can add up as a beauty expense if you use them regularly. You may be wondering how you can get more value out of your false lashes.

Are false eyelashes reusable? The short answer is yes! Most false lashes are made for multiple wears which can greatly offset their cost.

However, not all false lashes are created equally. It’s important to know the different kinds of lashes and their proper care to protect the health of your eyes, stay looking fabulous, and get the most out of your money.

Read on to find out how to select lash types, how to store false lashes, and how to keep them clean for reuse.

Are False Eyelashes Reusable? Which Kinds?

The first step to knowing how long you can wear your false lashes is by knowing which kind you’re buying. The different lash types have different levels of comfort and cost efficiency. 

Synthetic Fiber Lashes

These tend to be the least expensive lashes on the market. They can be found quickly in most drug stores for around $10. 

Synthetic Fiber Lashes are made of plastic materials which can appear shiny and unnatural. The bands tend to be thicker, making them more difficult to apply and less comfortable on the eyelid.

Though they are inexpensive, they only last about 3-8 wears (when cleaned and stored properly). This makes them less cost-effective than other kinds of false lashes.

Mink Lashes

Mink lashes are made of naturally soft and light mink fur. They run a higher price tag of around $30 and may need to be specially ordered or bought at a beauty store.

These lashes tend to look much more natural and hold a curl better than synthetic lashes. They have a thin, easy-to-apply band that feels weightless.

You may find that mink lashes are the better investment. You can get 20-30 uses out of them. That means they can cost as little as $1 per wear.

Compare that to the average $2 per wear of synthetic fiber lashes.

Silk Lashes

If you’re looking for the quality of mink lashes but prefer a vegan option, silk lashes are a great alternative. Silk is also a better option if you’re prone to animal allergies. 

Silk lashes last even longer than mink lashes with the proper care and can withstand more in your day-to-day life. For example, mink cannot get wet, but silk is safe to wear even in a downpour!

These lashes also have the benefit of a mid-price range compared to mink and synthetic fibers. They are less expensive and give you at least as much wear as the mink. 

The only downside to silk lashes is that they have a slightly heavier feel than mink. 


There are two kinds of adhesives for fake lashes – glue and magnetic. Both application methods are easy to learn but can take some practice to master.


Glue adhesives can be used on any brand of false lash strips. You can choose glue that dries clear or black depending on your preference and how visible you think the glue is likely to be.

First, trim your lashes to the size of your eye. Apply a thin line of glue to the lash. Then, wait thirty seconds for the glue to get tacky.

Carefully press the band to your eyelid right above your natural lash. You may find it helpful to use a pair of tweezers.

Read more about how to apply false lashes using glue

Magnetic Eyeliner

Magnetic strip eyelashes are an exciting way to apply false lashes. Because they are magnetic instead of glued to your skin, they feel more secure during wear and more comfortable to take off at the end of the day.

To use a magnetic eyeliner, apply as you would any other black liquid liner. After it dries, take the special lashes with a magnetic strip and press on to your eyelid. The magnets in the strip and the eyeliner will attract to each other for a strong hold all day.

Maintaining Your Lashes

If you want to reuse your lashes, you must take proper care of them. Care involves cleaning and storing.


After removing your lashes, you’ll probably notice some residue from the glue (unless you used a magnetic lash). To clean the glue, soak a cotton ball in oil-free or water-based makeup remover for synthetic (or silk) lashes. Use the cotton ball to gently wipe the glue and then remove using tweezers.

If you put mascara on the lashes themselves (never do this with mink lashes!) wipe them off using the same makeup remover and cotton pads (not cotton balls this time). Softly fold the pad around the lashes and pull.

In general, it is best to avoid getting mascara on your false lashes at all to increase their longevity. You can always put mascara on your natural lashes first, before putting on your falsies.

For a final clean, soak a cotton pad in warm water and wipe off any remaining makeup remover. Skip this step also for mink lashes, or if necessary use a very small amount of water. 

Because they make such close contact with your eye (a vulnerable area), consider spraying them with a 70% grade rubbing alcohol to disinfect.

Lay your lashes on a lintless cloth such as a tissue to dry.


You should store your lashes in the box they came in. The packaging should have half-moon shaped position for them to lay in. This will help them maintain a shape that fits comfortably to your eyelid so that they can be worn again. 

It is important to note that you should never wear your false lashes to sleep as this can cause infections of the eye.

Final Advice 

With the proper knowledge and care, there’s no reason why you can’t re-wear your false lashes. You should no longer need to ask yourself are false eyelashes reusable. 

Consider your options as far as price and cost efficiency go, and then clean and re-wear!

If you have more questions about proper hygiene when it comes to beauty products, check out our other posts under the Beauty section.