If you’ve been wondering how to clean magnetic lashes properly, the good news is that it’s actually very simple. After 7 years in the lash industry and serving over 20,000 clients, I can tell you that most lashes don’t wear out because they’re low quality — they wear out because of a few small care mistakes that shorten their lifespan fast.
Whether you're looking for how to make false lashes last longer or just want a proper cleaning routine, this guide covers it all. Whether you wear our magnetic lash range or our Magic Lash range, the care routine is almost exactly the same. The only real difference is that magnetic lashes have magnets attached and Magic Lashes do not. Everything else — cleaning, storage, oil avoidance, reshaping and general handling — works the same way.
Here’s exactly what to do — and the one mistake I still see ruining lashes after all these years.
How to Clean Your Magnetic Lashes
If you want your lashes to last, cleaning them properly matters. The safest method is gentle, quick, and never involves soaking them for long periods.
For magnetic lash care, I recommend cleaning at least once every 3 wears. For strip lash care using Magic Lashes, clean them at least once every 5 to 7 wears. If you wear heavy eye makeup or liner, you may need to clean them a little sooner.
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Gently scrape off any dried liner first.
Before you start cleaning, lightly scrape off dried magnetic liner from the lash band using the back of your applicator tool. Be gentle. You do not want to pull at the lash hairs or bend the band too hard.One thing that helps here is that our Magnetic Liner was formulated not to clump heavily onto the bands, which makes this step much easier than it is with many other brands.
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Use an alcohol wipe or a brief warm water bath.
Once the dried liner is off, either wipe the band carefully with an alcohol wipe or give the lashes a very brief warm water bath and use a cotton bud to clean the band. If you use water, do not soak them for more than 30 seconds.That 30-second limit matters. A quick clean is fine. Leaving them sitting in water too long is not.
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Comb them back into shape.
After cleaning, use a lash brush to gently comb the lash fibres back into place. This helps them keep that fluffy, even shape instead of drying wonky or criss-crossed. -
Put them back in the case to dry.
Once they are clean, place them straight back into their storage case. Let them dry there so the case helps hold the proper curve and shape.
If you want a more visual walkthrough, you can also refer to our full cleaning guide.
"Oil-Free" Removers: Why They Ruin Your Lashes
This is the number one mistake I see across 20,000+ clients. People assume that if a product says “oil-free”, it must be safe for lashes. In reality, that is often what damages them.
The lash hairs are bonded onto a cotton lash band using a strong adhesive. That adhesive is what keeps the lash fibres attached and secure wear after wear. Oil breaks that adhesive down. Once that starts happening, the fibres begin to shed and the lash lifespan drops quickly.
The problem is that many products sold as oil-free are not truly safe for lash bands. Micellar water is one of the biggest examples. It is usually marketed as gentle and oil-free, but it is chemically designed with tiny oil-like particles that help dissolve makeup. On your skin, that can be useful. On your lashes, it can shorten their life.
I have seen hundreds of customers lose a perfectly good pair of lashes to micellar water. They thought they were doing the gentle thing, but the lash band adhesive was quietly breaking down in the background.
The same goes for many “oil-free” makeup removers. A lot of them use chemically modified ingredients that still behave like oils on the lash band. The label can sound safe while the result says otherwise.
One thing many people do not realise is that oil does not stay neatly where you put it. If you have ever dropped oil onto leather or a leather-like surface, you will have noticed how it spreads out. The same thing happens around the eye area. Oil can travel more than you think across skin, makeup, and the lash line.
The safe options are very simple: an alcohol wipe, or a brief warm water bath under 30 seconds with a cotton bud. That is it. If you want to extend the life of your lashes, keeping oils away from the band is one of the biggest things you can do.
| Safe for lashes | Not safe for lashes |
|---|---|
| Alcohol wipes | Micellar water |
| Warm water (under 30 seconds) + cotton bud | "Oil-free" makeup removers |
| Witchy Lashes lash brush | Oil-based cleansers |
| Proper storage in lash case | Heavy oil-based moisturisers near the eye area |
| Mascara on natural lashes before application | Mascara applied directly to false lashes |
How to Store Magnetic Lashes Properly
Always store lashes in their case immediately after removing them. Never leave them loose on the counter, bedside table, makeup bag or bathroom shelf.
For magnetic lashes, the case includes a built-in magnetic strip that helps hold the lashes in the correct curved position. That matters because it stops them flattening out, warping or drying in the wrong shape overnight.
For Magic Lashes, you can place a small amount of lash adhesive onto the bands or inside the case so they sit back into position, ready for next wear. If you use Magic Liner, the same principle applies — you want them resting neatly back where they belong.
If you have ever wondered how to store magnetic lashes, the answer is simple: in the case, every single time. The fastest way to shorten lash life is to lose one, bend one, squash one, or let one dry out of shape somewhere random.
I always tell customers to keep the case close to wherever they normally remove their lashes. For some people that is the bathroom counter. For others it is the bedside table. It does not matter where, as long as the case is within reach and easy to use every time.
Can You Wear Mascara with Magnetic Lashes?
Yes, you can wear mascara with magnetic lashes. Just apply it before you put your lashes on, and never apply mascara directly onto the top of your false lashes.
This matters because most mascaras contain oil. If mascara gets onto the lash band, it can start breaking down the adhesive that holds the lash hairs onto that cotton band. Over time, that means more shedding and fewer reuses.
That is why I recommend keeping heavy oil-based moisturisers and oil-based makeup products away from the eye area while wearing lashes. This is not about being overly strict. Most people will be fine. It is just something to pay attention to if you notice your lashes shedding earlier than expected.
So if you have been asking can you wear mascara with magnetic lashes, yes — just do it on your natural lashes first, let it dry, then apply your false lashes after.
How Many Times Can You Reuse Magnetic Lashes?
With proper care, you can usually reuse magnetic lashes around 30 times. That is about a month of daily use from one pair.
The same goes for Magic Lashes too. The care routine is effectively the same for both, which is why I group them together when I talk about longevity.
This is really the answer to how long magnetic lashes last — it comes down to care, not luck. With a good routine, around 30 wears is very achievable.
There is no magical secret beyond the basics. Clean them gently. Keep oil off the band. Store them properly. Reshape them after cleaning. Do those things and your lashes can last beautifully.
If you skip those steps, you are much more likely to get only 5 to 10 wears. That is usually not a product issue. It is a care issue.
Your 30-Second Lash Care Routine
If you want the quick version, this is the routine I recommend:
- Clean magnetic lashes every 3 wears, and Magic Lashes every 5 to 7 wears.
- Use alcohol wipes or a brief warm water clean under 30 seconds.
- Never use micellar water or “oil-free” makeup removers on the lash band.
- Before cleaning, gently scrape dried liner off the band with the back of your applicator tool.
- After cleaning, comb lashes back into shape with a lash brush.
- Store them in their case immediately after removing them.
- For magnetic lashes, let the magnetic strip in the case hold their shape.
- Apply mascara before putting your lashes on, never directly onto the false lashes.
- Keep oil-based moisturisers and oil-based makeup away from the eye area while wearing lashes.
If you do just those things consistently, you will give your lashes the best possible chance of reaching 30+ wears.
Lash Care FAQ
Can micellar water damage magnetic lashes?
Yes, it can. Even though micellar water is often marketed as gentle or oil-free, it contains oil-like cleansing particles that can break down the adhesive on the lash band really fast. That is why I recommend alcohol wipes or a brief warm water clean instead.
Do magnetic lashes lose their magnetism over time?
No — the magnets themselves do not weaken over time. Our magnets are strong, yet slim and tiny, so they give maximum hold with minimal weight or discomfort. In most cases, if lashes stop performing well, it is due to build-up, poor care, or damage to the lash band rather than the magnets losing strength.
Can you sleep in magnetic lashes?
Yes, you can sleep in magnetic lashes, but it is not the best way to preserve them. Sleeping in them increases the chance of bending the band, crushing the fibres, or shortening their lifespan. If you want to get the most wears possible from each pair, removing them before bed is still the better habit.
Are magnetic lashes safe for sensitive eyes?
Absolutely. Our Magnetic Liner and Magic Liner are both gentle and hypoallergenic, which makes magnetic and Magic Lashes one of the best options for sensitive eyes. If you wear contact lenses, there is no issue either — the lashes sit on the lash line and do not come into contact with your lenses at all.
How do you know when it’s time to replace your lashes?
Usually, the signs are quite obvious. If the lash fibres are shedding, the band is losing shape, the lashes no longer sit neatly, or the magnets are not gripping as well as they should, it is time for a fresh pair.
Signs Your Lashes Need Replacing
If your lashes are starting to look uneven, feel misshapen, shed fibres, or stop sitting properly against the lash line, it is probably time to replace them. A good pair should still look neat, hold its curve, and apply cleanly. Once the band is too worn or the fibres are too sparse, a fresh pair will always look better and feel easier to wear.
If there is one thing I would want every lash wearer to remember, it is this: lashes are not high-maintenance, but they do reward the right kind of care. After 7 years of working with lashes, the biggest mistake I still see is people being too rough, too oily, or too casual with storage.
Keep it simple. Clean them gently. Keep oil away. Put them back in the case. That is how you get the most out of every pair, whether you are wearing magnetic lashes or Magic Lashes.
And if you ever feel unsure, come back to this page and use it as your reset. A good lash routine only takes a minute, but it can make a very real difference in how your lashes look and how long they last.
About the author
Marcha is the Owner and Founder of Witchy Lashes. With 7 years in the lash industry and over 20,000 customers served, she has helped thousands of women get better results, better longevity, and a more comfortable lash experience through practical, experience-based advice.
