Magnetic lashes have quickly become a favorite in the beauty world. They give you the bold look of false eyelashes without the sticky mess of glue. Instead, they use tiny magnets to attach either to your lash line with magnetic eyeliner or by sandwiching around your natural lashes.
But here’s the truth: like any beauty product, magnetic lashes need care. If you don’t clean them properly, makeup, oils, and dirt can build up. This not only makes them look worn out faster but can also cause irritation to your eyes. The good news is that cleaning magnetic lashes is simple once you know the right steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning and caring for magnetic lashes—so you can keep them fresh, safe, and reusable for as long as possible.
Why Cleaning Magnetic Lashes Is Important
A lot of people assume they can just pop magnetic lashes back into the box after use. While it may seem convenient, skipping the cleaning process can cause problems.
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Hygiene – Your eyes are sensitive. Oils, dirt, and bacteria can easily transfer from your skin or makeup to your lashes. Without cleaning, this buildup may increase the risk of irritation or infection.
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Longer Life – Good-quality magnetic lashes can last up to 30 uses, but only if you take care of them. Regular cleaning prevents damage and helps them stay looking new.
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Better Performance – Magnets covered in eyeliner residue won’t stick as well. Cleaning ensures your lashes grip properly and stay in place all day.
Think of cleaning your lashes the same way you’d clean your makeup brushes—it’s a must, not an option.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather a few simple items. You don’t need any fancy products; in fact, harsh chemicals can damage the lashes.
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Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
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A soft, lint-free cloth or cotton pads
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Oil-free makeup remover or micellar water
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Tweezers (optional)
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A clean, dry storage case
Pro Tip: Avoid oil-based removers. Oils can break down the magnets and weaken the lash band. Stick with gentle, water-based or micellar formulas.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Magnetic Lashes
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Always start with clean hands. You don’t want to transfer more dirt or bacteria onto your lashes while handling them.
Step 2: Remove the Lashes Gently
If you’re using magnetic eyeliner, peel the lashes off slowly, starting from the outer corner. If you’re using sandwich-style lashes, carefully slide them apart. Never tug forcefully—this can damage the magnets or the lash band.
Step 3: Clean Off Magnetic Eyeliner
This is one of the most important steps. Magnetic eyeliner is designed to be long-lasting, so it can leave stubborn residue on the magnets.
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Dip a cotton swab in oil-free makeup remover.
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Gently rub along the magnets to loosen the eyeliner.
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Repeat until the magnets are completely clean.
Be patient—rushing this step can cause you to pull out lash fibers.
Step 4: Remove Makeup Residue from the Lashes
Mascara or eyeshadow may stick to the lash fibers. To clean them:
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Moisten a cotton pad with micellar water.
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Lightly press the pad against the lashes for a few seconds.
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Wipe gently, moving in the direction of the lash tips.
Never soak the entire lash strip in water or remover. This can loosen the magnets and ruin the shape of the lashes.
Step 5: Dry Them Properly
After cleaning, place the lashes on a clean, dry cloth. Let them air dry completely before storing them. Avoid using heat, like a hairdryer, since it can warp the lashes.
Step 6: Store Them Safely
Once dry, place your lashes back in their original case. The curved shape of the case helps them keep their natural curl. Plus, storing them in a closed case protects them from dust and bacteria.
Extra Tips for Lash Care
Cleaning is only part of the process. Here are a few additional tips to keep your magnetic lashes in top condition:
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Avoid Mascara on Magnetic Lashes – Mascara is tough to remove and can shorten the lifespan of your lashes. If you want extra volume, apply mascara to your natural lashes before putting on the magnetic ones.
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Handle with Care – Always use tweezers or your fingertips gently when adjusting your lashes. Pulling too hard can bend the magnets or snap the lash band.
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Check for Damage – Before each use, inspect your lashes. If the magnets are loose or the lash band is broken, it’s time to replace them.
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Limit Exposure to Moisture – Try not to wear magnetic lashes in very humid environments, while swimming, or in the shower. Excess moisture can weaken the adhesive liner or loosen the magnets.
How Often Should You Clean Magnetic Lashes?
Ideally, you should give your lashes a quick clean after every use. This doesn’t mean a deep clean every time, but at least remove eyeliner residue from the magnets. A deeper clean (including the lash fibers) can be done every 2–3 uses, depending on how much makeup you wear.
Think of it like this: if you can see buildup, it’s time to clean.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cleaning magnetic lashes, there are a few things you definitely don’t want to do:
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Don’t soak them in water or remover. This can ruin the magnets.
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Don’t pull on the lash fibers when removing residue. Be gentle and precise.
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Don’t use oil-based removers—they break down the lash band and magnets.
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Don’t skip drying—storing damp lashes can cause bacteria or mold to grow.
Benefits of Properly Maintained Magnetic Lashes
Taking the time to clean your lashes is worth it. Here’s what you gain:
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Save Money – Instead of replacing lashes after just a few uses, you can stretch their lifespan to 20–30 wears.
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Stay Comfortable – Clean lashes are lighter, softer, and more comfortable to wear.
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Look Better – Dirty lashes clump together and lose their natural look. Clean lashes keep their shape and beauty.
Ultimately, lash care is self-care. By maintaining your lashes, you protect both your investment and your eye health.
Conclusion
Magnetic lashes are one of the easiest ways to upgrade your beauty routine. But like any reusable product, they require proper care. Cleaning them doesn’t take long—just a few minutes after each wear—but it makes all the difference in their performance, safety, and longevity.
With the simple steps outlined above—removing eyeliner residue, wiping off makeup, drying thoroughly, and storing properly—you’ll get the most out of your lashes every single time.
So the next time you peel off your magnetic lashes at the end of the day, don’t just toss them back in the case. Give them a little TLC, and they’ll keep your eyes looking stunning for weeks to come.
