Aftercare · 3 min read
An eyelash brush (often called a spoolie or mascara wand) is the most affordable tool in the lash kit and one of the most important. Brushing keeps extensions separated, fluffy and pointing the right way. Done wrong, it tugs on natural lashes and shortens the life of a set. Here's how to get it right, whether you're a lash artist or a client.
Why brush lash extensions at all?
- It stops twisting and crossing. Extensions shift as you sleep, so a quick brush sets them back in line.
- It keeps the set fluffy. Volume fans look fuller when they're separated.
- It removes debris. Make-up, dust and dead skin cells caught in the lashes are brushed out before they build up.
- It helps you spot stickies early. If two lashes won't separate, your lash artist needs to know.
How to brush your lashes: step by step
- Make sure your lashes are completely dry. Wait at least a few hours after cleansing or showering.
- Use a clean, dry brush. Never share one, and never use an old mascara wand.
- Support the lash line. Look down into a mirror and gently hold your lid with one finger so you don't pull.
- Start from the middle of the lash, not the base. Brush outwards towards the tips first, to undo any tangles.
- Then brush from near the base to the tips. Use light, upward strokes. Let the brush glide; don't drag.
- Brush the top layer from above. Turn the brush and sweep down over the top of the lashes, then up again to lift.
- Repeat once a day. Morning is best, after any overnight twisting.
Mistakes to avoid
- Brushing wet lashes, which can cause them to stick and twist as they dry.
- Starting at the root and yanking through a tangle.
- Pressing hard enough to bend the extensions.
- Using an oily product on the brush; oil weakens the glue bond.
Which eyelash brush should you use?
| Brush | Best for |
|---|---|
| Disposable Mascara Brushes (50) | Everyday brushing in the salon and in aftercare kits |
| Silicone Mascara Brushes (50) | A firmer, more precise brush-through for separating volume |
| Jumbo Mascara Brushes (25) | Finishing a full set quickly, more lashes per stroke |
| Glitter Mascara Brushes (50) | Aftercare gifts your clients will actually keep |
| Luxury Crystal or Pearl Lash Brush | Premium retail, with a protective lid for handbags |
| Luxury Dual-Brush — Lash & Brow | Lashes on one end, brows on the other |
Tips for lash artists
- Send every client home with a brush. It's the single easiest way to improve retention between infills.
- Show them how in the chair. Thirty seconds of demonstration saves a lot of twisted lashes.
- Brush after every set. Use a fresh wand to check for stickies before your client opens her eyes.
Shop all eyelash brushes, from 50-packs to luxury retail brushes, in our Brushes collection.
