How to Reuse False Lashes Up to 10 Times

If you've ever thrown away a perfectly good pair of lashes after one wear, you're not alone. Most people don't realize that with a couple of simple habits, false lashes can be worn up to 10 times. Not occasionally, but reliably. Over the years, I've made my own pairs last for months. And I've helped readers do the same. Here's exactly how to get 10 wears out of every strip.

YES, YOU CAN REUSE FALSE LASHES UP TO 10 TIMES — HERE'S HOW

The simple answer: yes, but only if you handle them properly. The biggest mistake women make is pulling the lash off by the outer corner — it stretches the band and breaks the lash fibers. Instead, soak a cotton pad with makeup remover, press it on your closed eye for 15 seconds, then gently roll the lash off from the outer edge. This keeps the band intact, which is the foundation of a reusable lash.

THE 5-STEP ROUTINE THAT GETS ME 10 WEARS

Remove the lash correctly. Always soak and roll, never pull.
Peel off the old glue. Use tweezers to gently lift the dry adhesive from the band after removal.
Soak for 2 minutes in micellar water. This dissolves the glue residue and kills bacteria.
Brush with a spoolie. After the soak, brush the lash from base to tip to remove any stubborn glue and fluff the fibers.
Dry on the original tray. Place the lash back in its curved tray, and leave it to air dry completely before storing.

This routine takes 5 minutes, tops. Do it after every wear, and you'll get a solid 10 uses. Some pairs even hold up longer.

THE BENEFITS OF A 10-WEAR LASH ROUTINE

You save money. A $20 pair at 10 wears is $2 per wear. That's less than a lip gloss.
You always have a backup. When you have multiple pairs in rotation, one can be cleaned while another is ready to wear.
Your lashes look better. Cleaned bands sit flat against your lash line, so they look as natural as they did on day one.
You create less waste. Disposable lash culture fills up landfills. Reusing is an easy way to be more mindful.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A REUSABLE LASH

Not all lashes survive 10 wears. Look for a flexible, thin band that won't warp after cleaning. The lash fibers should be heat-resistant and strong enough to hold their curl. And the band should shed glue easily in micellar water without losing its shape. If you find a pair with those qualities, treat it well and it will pay you back many times over.