The Do’s & Don’ts of Lash Care with Lash Expert & Makeup Artist Sarah Maxwell

Sarah Maxwell is a Los Angeles-based lash expert and makeup artist whose clients range from A-list celebrities to corporate executives. In addition to the work she does for her clients, she also has her own namesake beauty brand which she launched in 2018, allowing her to provide her exclusive products and expert techniques to the world at large! Her expertise is like no other, so we were thrilled to sit down with her to learn more about her do's and don'ts of lash care.

Do use a lash growth serum daily, ideally a range that has products that can be layered for maximum results, in the same way in which you would layer skincare.

Each product should target a different area of lash and eye health such as strengthening your natural lashes and supporting healthy lash growth.

Don't use products at night if your eyes tend to be on the sensitive side.

By layering your active lash products during the day, you can easily navigate how they make you feel and how your eyes react to them. During my decade long career as a lash expert, I have been both told repeatedly and personally witnessed that hair can grow on the cheek bone when growth serums are used at night, as the product can transfer onto your cheek while you’re sleeping!

Do wash your lashes nightly, especially if you wear lash extensions.

It’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t get your lashes wet, and that couldn't be further from the truth. Sweat, steam and oil can break down the adhesive and weigh down the lash, but water with proper cleansing keeps the lash and glue healthy, flexible, and hydrated. The key is not to use oil based products, but instead a specially formulated eye makeup remover, that is specially suited for lash lifts and extensions, like Sarah Maxwell Beauty’s LAUNDER.

Don't have unrealistic expectations when it comes to lash extensions.

Weighing down your natural lashes with extensions that are too heavy can create damage over time. Heavy lashes can also age you easily, whereas light, fluffy, properly styled lashes can create a more youthful appearance and help lift the eye area.

Do gently exfoliate your lash line with a brush.

Using a densely packed, soft fiber brush to wash your lashes and remove debris from the lash line will keep lashes and the eye area healthy, and your lash lift/extensions looking good longer.

Don't rub your lash line!

Rubbing your lash line back and forth can pull your natural lashes out prematurely, regardless of what lash service you’ve had done. If you do need a good rub, gently rub with the side of your index finger into the eye socket — it really does the trick!

Do use a flexible, temporary and water-soluble lash adhesive when wearing individual or strip lashes.

Duo Adhesive in black is my all-time favorite lash glue for at-home false lash applications. Use a lash-specific cleanser to remove lashes each evening by soaking them off versus pulling them off. Pulling them off can result in your natural lashes coming off along with your falsies.

Don't leave false lashes (individuals or strips) on for more than the length of the event they were put on for.

Temporary lashes can easily pick up bacteria, mites, and cause infection if worn for multiple days. They can also create damage and pull out lashes prematurely if worn too long.

Do remove your mascara before any type of lash service appointment.

When your lash artist has to work to remove mascara, there is a chance that there will still be lingering residual mascara left behind. This can compromise the result of your lash lift or lash extension application. Lash extension adhesive will stick to the leftover flecks of mascara and once it flakes off, so will your extensions prematurely. Lash lift results may be weakened; the solutions will have to work overtime to get through the leftover mascara before it gets to the lash cortex, and your lift could fall flat due to this.

Don't use a waterproof or drying mascara.

If you are investing your time, energy and money into taking care of your lashes, finishing them off with a harsh or stiff mascara will reverse all your hard work. Look for mascaras that are formulated with hydrating ingredients and packed with amino acids, like aloe, to keep your lashes conditioned and looking great all day. My LAVISH sculpting mascara helps define your lashes without weighing them down or drying them out.

For more of Sarah's favorite products, check out her shop below.