6 best makeup removers to remove your eyelash extensions at home

The shops are shut. Your regular eyelash extension salon has been deemed a non-essential service. And your false lashes are left hanging by their last threads. 

The good news: Your extensions will shed on their own, eventually. As your natural lashes grow to maturity – every 60 to 90 days – those eyelash extensions will fall off naturally. 

But what if your extensions are stubborn and refuse to fall off, or you’re left with sparse lashes that irk you every time you look in the mirror? 

Should you just pull them off? One word: No. 

That’s the worst thing you can do because you might end up plucking out your natural lash out by the root. That’s not only painful but might even leave you with a bald lash line. 

So if you really must remove your eyelash extensions at home, we have some tips. 

The only caveat: These tips are best used only if your eyelash extensions are almost at the end of its life cycle. As in, you would already have had them removed if not for the circuit breaker measures. 

Here’s how you can get those stragglers out in two easy steps: 

Step 1: A little hot air

Give your face a gentle steam bath before you attempt to remove the eyelash extensions. The hot steam loosens the bonds of the lash glue, making it easier for you to coax the lashes off. 

To do so, pour hot water into a bowl. Place a towel over your head, covering it, then lower your face over the bowl. Do note that the towel should be large enough to cover your head and bowl so that the steam can’t escape. Enjoy this steam facial for 10 to 15 minutes. 

Step 2: Oil it up

There is a good reason why your lash specialist tells you to stay away from oil-based products – oil loosens glue, causing extensions to slide off. That’s why they’re just what you need now.  

To begin, soak a cotton pad with an oil-based makeup remover and place it over your lashes. Hold it for a minute or two, then gently wipe the lashes in a downward motion. You might need to repeat this a couple of times to cleanly remove all the stray extensions. 

If you’re using a cleansing balm, gently massage it around the eye area, paying close attention to the lash line where the glue is. Do this for at least 30 seconds before carefully rinsing with warm water or using a cotton pad to remove. 

Six oil-based makeup removers that will do the trick

Round A’Round Greentea Pure Lip & Eye Remover, $13.70

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Made to remove stubborn and waterproof makeup like mascara, liners and lip stains. The oil cleanser, which contains green tea seed oil, is light on the skin.

Available at www.guardian.com.sg and when stores re-open, at Guardian Pharmacy. 

Bio-Essence Bio-Treasure Acai Berry Tea Bi-Phase Micellar Water, from $8.90

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This bi-phase micellar water contains nutrient-rich Amazonian acai berry to strengthen the skin barrier, along with argan oil to dissolve dirt and makeup. And it doesn’t leave a greasy feeling behind.

Available at www.watsons.com and when stores re-open, at Watsons stores and Guardian Pharmacy.

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser, $50

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Contains a nourishing African blend of marula, baobab, Kalahari melon, mongongo and ximenia oils, and gently but effectively removes makeup, dirt and grime while keeping skin soft and moisturised. Use it on dry skin.

Available at www.sephora.sg and when stores re-open, at Sephora stores.

Three Balancing Point Makeup Remover R, $50

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Infused with botanical oils, extracts and waters – tea seed, olive, seaberry, jojoba, grapefruit, tea flower, striped bamboo and apple fruit – it effortlessly melts away stubborn traces of makeup while keeping the eye and lip areas hydrated.

 Available at www.tangs.com and www.escentials.com and when stores re-open, at Tangs Orchard, Escentials and Takashimaya D.S.

Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser, $62

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Its supercharged hydrating blend of antioxidants, phospholipids and hydrators along with organic safflower and moringa oils removes makeup, dirt and even sunscreen, yet doesn’t strip skin of its natural moisture.

Available at www.sephora.sg and when stores re-open, at Sephora stores. 

Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil, $44

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Formulated with sustainable sugarcane-derived squalene oil, this makeup remover lifts away impurities and long-wearing makeup with ease. Skin is clean and refreshed. And it’s also free of parabens, synthetic fragrances and sulfates.

Available at www.sephora.sg and when stores re-open, at Sephora stores.