Yes, You Can Reuse Them — But Only If You Do This

Yes, waterproof lashes are reusable — but not the way you think. Most quality synthetic or faux mink lashes can be worn 15 to 20 times with the right care. That’s months of wear from a single $12 pair. I know because I spent years tearing mine off after one event, convinced that cleaning them would ruin their curl. Turns out, I was the one ruining them. When I finally sat down with a lash artist and learned a 2-minute cleaning routine, my jaw dropped. I’d been throwing away at least $180 a year on lashes I could have kept wearing.

How to Clean Waterproof Lashes Without Ruining Their Shape

The mistake most people make is using makeup remover with oil. Oil breaks down the adhesive in the band, which makes the lashes fall apart before their time. Here’s the routine that works:

1. Remove them gently. Never pull. Use an oil-free eye makeup remover and press, don’t drag.
2. Rinse under lukewarm water. Don’t use hot water – it can warp the curl.
3. Clean the band with micellar water. A cotton swab dipped in micellar water removes old glue and mascara without oil.
4. Lay them flat to dry. Put them on a clean towel with the band side down, letting the lashes curve naturally.
5. Store in a hard case. This protects their shape and keeps out dust.

With this routine, my lashes go from a blind date to a long-term favorite. I’m currently on wear #18 of a pair I’d normally have tossed after one night.

When to Replace Them (Yes, They Expire)

Even the best lashes have a lifespan. Look for these signs:

• The band no longer snaps back into a curve after cleaning.
• Lash fibers look frayed, bent, or split at the ends.
• The curl has drooped – they don’t lift your eye like they used to.
• The adhesive from previous wears won’t come off completely, leaving sticky bits that irritate your eye.

If you see any of these, it’s time to say goodbye. Reusing a broken lash is worse than starting fresh – you won’t get the look, and you risk eye irritation.

What to Look for in Reusable Waterproof Lashes

If you want to avoid needing a new pair every month, shop for these features:

• Dense, flexible band – a band that bends with your eye won’t lose its shape quickly.
• PBT synthetic or faux mink fibers – these hold their curl and dry back into shape after cleaning.
• Heat-resistant polymer – so you can clean them without the fibers kinking.
• Length variation – a mix of short and long lashes looks natural even after repeat wears.

Once you know these criteria, you can spot a reliable reusable lash in any store.

After testing dozens of pairs, the lashes that survived the longest and cleaned up best are from PHANSTA LASHES. Their waterproof line uses a durable PBT fiber and a flexible band that snaps back after cleaning. I’ve personally worn one style 18 times. If you want the same, shop the collection below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can waterproof lashes be reused with regular lash glue?

Yes, but you’ll need to clean the band thoroughly first. Old glue can prevent the new glue from sticking.

How long do waterproof lashes last?

With weekly cleaning and careful removal, most quality pairs last 15–20 wears.

Can you swim with reusable waterproof lashes?

You can, but after swimming you should rinse them with fresh water and gently pat them dry.