Ooooh la lashes. While there are tons of mascaras out there to fluff, volumize, and lengthen your lashes, there really isn’t a close second for falsies.
Wearing fake lashes for a night out or getting lash extensions adds a ton of drama to your going-out looks—not to mention it makes your makeup routine way simpler since there’s no mascara application necessary.
But now you’re getting ready for bed, and the big question is: Can you even sleep with those lashes on? If you’ve been wondering how to protect lash extensions while sleeping, you’re in luck.
We got the 411 from lash experts on how to sleep with fake lashes and keep them looking pristine. Keep reading to find out how to sleep with lash extensions and fake lashes—so you wake up with them still on your face and not all over your pillowcase.
How to sleep with lash extensions
Before we even get into whether you can sleep with lash extensions, it’s important to understand what they actually are.
In a nutshell, eyelash extensions are individual false lashes that are attached to your natural eyelashes by a lash expert with a semi-permanent glue, and they last anywhere from four to eight weeks.
So, can you sleep with lash extensions? Since they’re made to withstand multiple weeks of wear, the obvious answer is, yes! But there are definitely some tips and tricks to keep in mind.
Sleep on your back
Krissalee Mary, the owner of K Mary Beauty Suite in Orange, Conn., recommends avoiding sleeping directly on your face. “This can cause the lashes to move and shed prematurely,” she says.
Pilar DeMann, a beauty expert at Pilar Beauty in Washington Depot, Conn., agrees. “Sleeping on your back is better for everything—lash extensions, fine lines, breathing, your neck,” she says.
Use a silk pillowcase
“A
100% mulberry silk helps protect hair and skin while you sleep
or satin pillowcase can help reduce friction if you move around during sleep,” says Mary.
Make sure your lashes are dry before bed
It’s not only important to let the glue dry completely after a lash application but to keep your lashes as dry as possible afterward.
“Keep lashes clean and oil-free before bed because oils can cause lash glue to break down,” advises Mary.
How to sleep with fake lashes
Fake lashes are different than lash extensions because they’re meant for temporary wear. You can apply them yourself and wear them for one day before removal.
Can you sleep with fake lashes? Well, yes—but it’s not necessarily advised. This is because false lashes aren’t meant to be worn for long periods of time like lash extensions are.
“I don’t recommend sleeping in fake lashes,” says Mary. “But if you need to, reinforce the corners before bed with a tiny dot of glue. They need extra care if you must sleep in them.”
Really, though, you should remove false lashes before bed, just like you should remove all makeup.
Even if you’re exhausted, take a few minutes to do a thorough makeup removal as part of your evening skincare routine so you don’t cause irritation to your eyes.
FAQs
Can you sleep with fake eyelashes?
Honestly? Sleeping with fake lashes isn’t the best idea. “If you are sleeping with your fake lashes on, that means you didn’t wash your face,” says DeMann. “As a beauty expert, I have to say it remains the biggest no-no. Wash your face!”
Mary agrees. “Strip lashes aren’t for long wear,” she says. “They can damage your natural lashes if they move during sleep, and damage your natural lash line.”
Additionally, she notes that since false lashes aren’t fully secure like lash extensions are, they’re more difficult to clean—and therefore are less hygienic. “The glue used isn’t as strong, and washing them can cause the bond to break down,” she says.
How do you protect fake eyelashes while sleeping?
If you’re interested in upping the ante with your lashes long term, it’s probably best to forego false lashes in favor of lash extensions.
“Don’t use false strips as a long-term solution,” says Mary. However, you can sleep with them for at least one night, as long as you really and truly protect them.
“Don’t sleep directly on them, and avoid touching them during the night,” she says.
How do you make false lashes last overnight?
To make sure your fake lashes stay on while you sleep, you need to make sure the glue you’re using for them works well.
“To make fake lashes last all night, you have to find a glue that is waterproof and long-lasting,” suggests DeMann.
Can I get lash extensions if I’m a side sleeper?
Side sleepers, rejoice! If you’re a side sleeper, you may need to get fills more often, but you can certainly still enjoy their long-term wear.
Mary is a side sleeper who wears lash extensions and says it’s possible, though it can also affect their longevity.
She recommends using a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and to get a contoured
Blocks out light for restful sleep while protecting the delicate skin around the eyes
made specifically for lash extensions too.
“Let your lash tech know you’re a side sleeper,” she says. “Maybe you can go with a shorter version on the side you sleep on, so side sleeping has less of an effect.”
What beauty products can help you wake up with glowing skin and smoother hair? Check out our guide to the best overnight treatments for skin and hair.
