How long does eyelash glue really last?
Does eyelash glue expire? How long does lash extension glue last, exactly? If you have these questions, we have the answers. As always, we’re here to share our wisdom and expertise with lash artists to make your lives that little bit easier.
Lash adhesives do have an expiry date, and there is a correct way to store them. In this post, we will cover all the important advice, including what happens if you use expired eyelash glue on clients. Most of all, we will share tips on how to get the most from your eyelash adhesive.
How long is lash adhesive good for?
Unopened and stored correctly, lash adhesive can last 3 to 6 months from the manufacture date. Once opened, it will usually last around 4 weeks if you are using it on 4 to 6 clients per day.
The main ingredient in most lash adhesives is Cyanoacrylate, which gives it a long shelf life - especially when stored properly and used according to instructions.
Our best-selling glue, JetSet Pro Lash Adhesive can last up to 12 weeks if opened infrequently. However, the more you use it, the faster it will need replacing. To make things simple, all adhesives follow the same basic storage rules.
The best way to store your lash adhesive
- Keep the bottle tightly closed and always store it upright.
- Once opened, keep it in a cool, dry room (around 19°C is ideal).
- For longer-lasting freshness, store it in an airtight lash glue container.
- Always check the bottom of the bottle for the manufacture and expiry dates.
- Avoid storing your lash adhesive in the fridge or freezer. Condensation can build up and shorten its shelf life to less than 2 weeks.
What are the signs that your adhesive should be replaced?
- Black carbon pigment separates and you can see the clear adhesive.
- The glue becomes clumpy or too runny.
- It turns tacky even after a good shake.
- The glue has dried out and won’t come out of the bottle.
If any of these apply, it’s time to say goodbye to the old and bring in the new. Using expired adhesive can lead to poor lash retention and unhappy clients. It also increases the chance of a reaction—and the only reaction we want from our clients is a happy one!
Tips for using lash glue when applying eyelash extensions
- Cleanse first. Always wash the client’s lashes before applying extensions to ensure better adhesion.
- Prime properly. Use saline solution or, ideally, an alcohol-free lash primer. Primers with alcohol can dehydrate lashes and affect glue setting time.
- Choose the right glue. Pick a lash adhesive that suits your environment and skill level. Beginners should avoid adhesives meant for advanced users.
- Shake the adhesive. Shake the bottle thoroughly before use. Remove the cap and cover the nozzle with an adhesive pin or lint-free tissue. Shake for at least 60 seconds before treatment.
- Pick your glue sticker or palette. Be mindful of where you place your glue drops, as different surfaces can make the adhesive dry faster.
- Tailor how much you use. Adjust the amount of glue based on room humidity. The colder the room, the less adhesive you should use.
- Keep the bottle clean. Wipe the nozzle after each use with lint-free glue wipes.
- Keep your glue drop fresh. Replace the glue drop frequently to account for changes in humidity and consistency.
Why do you have to shake your bottle of lash glue?
Shaking your bottle of eyelash glue ensures that all the ingredients mix properly. Lash adhesive is made up of several components, some of which contain tiny, harder particles. For the best results, you need to shake the bottle thoroughly to combine everything evenly. Skipping this step can cause the adhesive to perform poorly, which may prevent extensions from properly attaching to the natural lashes.
