DIY tricks to keep your lash extensions looking lush during self-isolation

As a result of the physical distancing measures brought in due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our favourite beauty treatments are now unavailable because of salons being closed. If you wear lash extensions, you may be feeling quite concerned right now as this specialised beauty treatment is not one you can self-maintain at home.

We spoke to celebrity makeup artist and Ardell Ambassador Michael Brown to get his advice on the best DIY fixes to solve your lash extension problems.

How can you temporarily fill-in gaps in lash extensions?

If your lashes are looking a little worse for wear at present, Michael has a simple trick you can use to temporarily fill gaps at home.

“The most common concern leaving lash extensions with no maintenance are gaps as they fall out. I always recommend individual lashes as a gap refresher for your lash extensions as they can be placed in any area that needs a little extra density to re-create a fuller, more refreshed lash look,” says Michael.

If you’d like to try Michael’s lash filling trick, some of our favourites are Ardell DuraLash Individual Flare Lashes in Short Black, Tarte Tarteist™ PRO Cruelty-Free Individual Lashes and MAC 30 Lash Individual Lashes.

What should you do if your lash extensions are falling out?

“It’s very important you don’t start pulling remaining lash extensions off, as it can damage your natural lashes – it’s very different to removing faux strip lashes as lash extensions are applied with a much stronger bond,” says Michael.

“Let lash extensions fall out naturally and the individual lashes will be your at-home maintenance until they are gone. Then you could start using the Ardell Lashes Extension FX strip lash range as a safer, easier replacement lash extension effect."

For strip lash options, we can’t go past Ardell Extension FX C Curl, Velour Lashes Effortless Silk Lash Kit, and Eyelure Luxe Opulent Mink Lash.

How can you help repair natural lashes which have been damaged through using extensions?

“If someone has been using lash extensions, their lashes can be very weak and damaged, so a good lash growth serum is encouraged to add moisture and strength back into lashes,” says Michael.

“Also, giving lashes a break from the extensive bonds lash extensions use and moving over (now is the perfect time) to faux lashes is a great way to continue the defined look of lashes while being healthier for your natural lashes.”

Some lash conditioning serums we love are L’Oréal Paris Clinically Proven Lash Serum, Talika Lipocils Expert Lash Enhancer and Mavala Double Lash Serum.

What’s your number #1 tip for getting a natural lash look when using falsies?

“Trimming. It’s so important to measure a faux lash against your natural lashes. More than likely, you will have to trim the outer edge slightly to be a perfect fit, within your natural lash line - You don’t want the faux lash to be longer than your natural lashes as it can drag/weigh the eyes down,” says Michael.

If you're looking for more information on lash extensions, check out our guide here.

Main image credit: @oliviaculpo