The best lash removers and how to use them

What is a remover?

A remover is a professional product for removing eyelash extensions. It dissolves the adhesive, allowing the artificial lashes to be removed gently without damaging the natural ones.

Types of lash removers

There are three types of remover: cream, gel and liquid. The main difference is the consistency.

An artist needs to understand when to use each type of remover and how to work with it, so that removal is comfortable for the client.

Cream remover

The most popular and the safest formula. The thick cream does not run, so it can even be used to remove eyelash extensions at home.

Cream remover is well suited to full removal, while spot removal requires experience. It is easy to work with and economical to use.

• The safest and most convenient consistency

• Lashes can be removed even with the eyes open

• Dissolves adhesive in 5–⁠10 minutes

Gel remover

The most versatile type: suitable for both partial and full removal.

The thick, pliable gel does not spread while it works and is not absorbed into the skin, so it is very unlikely to run onto the mucous membrane. However, the warmth of the skin can make the gel more runny.

• For partial and full removal

• The client’s eyes must be tightly closed during removal

• Dissolves adhesive in 2–⁠4 minutes

Liquid remover

Also known as a debonder, it is indispensable in a lash artist’s work.

Liquid remover has the highest concentration of the adhesive-dissolving agent. It contains two components: propylene carbonate and water. The liquid formula is ideal for cleaning adhesive off tools, but when removing lashes it easily runs onto the mucous membrane and can cause a burn.

The exception is spot correction: a tiny drop of remover is applied with a microbrush or tweezers. Even then, experience is needed to avoid causing the client pain or harm, and beginners find liquid remover awkward to use.

• Not suitable for full lash removal

• Concentrated: for cleaning adhesive off tweezers and spot removal during infills

• The fastest: processing time is 1 minute

The choice depends on the artist: some prefer a thick cream, while others save processing time with a gel.

How remover works

Removers contain gentle solvents that dissolve any adhesive base and break the bond between the artificial lash and the natural one.

The remover is applied to the bond between the artificial and natural lash and left for the required time, which depends on the type of remover. After that, the artificial lashes come away easily, and the natural lashes are cleaned of any product residue.

If some lashes do not come off the first time, the removal is repeated on those spots.

How to use remover

What you will need:

• Remover of your chosen type

• Hydrogel eye patches to isolate the lower lashes

• Curved extension tweezers

• Disposable nylon or silicone brushes

• Microbrushes in a convenient size

• Lint-free wipes or cotton buds

• Gloves

How to remove:

1. Treat the lashes with primer, then isolate the lower lashes and the lower eyelid itself with hydrogel eye patches.

2. Using a microbrush, apply the remover to the bond between the artificial and natural lashes, close to the roots. The remover must coat the bond on all sides; otherwise, the lashes will not come off cleanly and the procedure will have to be repeated.

3. Leave the remover on for the required time, which depends on the type and brand of remover.

4. Remove the remover together with the artificial lashes using curved tweezers or a microbrush. If any artificial lashes remain, repeat. The extensions can also be combed out with a brush along the lash line.

How to clear away remover residue

The lashes must be cleaned of remover thoroughly: any residue weakens the bond at the next extension appointment and shortens wear time.

Remover residue does not wash off with water. It is removed with tweezers, lint-free wipes or microbrushes. To prevent a white film, you can also wash the lashes with a foaming lash shampoo. The lashes are then combed through and are ready for new extensions.

Which remover to choose

Just as with tweezers, every artist looks for the remover that suits them best. Experienced artists already know what works for them, but beginners find it harder to choose.

For beginners, we recommend a cream remover. It is easier to use than a liquid one, its dense texture does not run onto the mucous membrane, and a little goes a long way.

The best removers for lash removal

We compare cream removers only. They are the most popular type, and comparing them with gel and liquid removers would not be fair.

BARBARA

The thick texture does not spread into the eyes. Leave it on for 3 to 10 minutes, then wipe the remover away along with the artificial lashes. Available scented and unscented.

Enigma Original

The soft, dense cream is easy to spread over the lashes. Leave it on for 5–⁠7 minutes. It does not irritate or sting the eyes and does not run.

Extreme Look

A lightweight remover with a pleasant scent and a silky texture. It suits clients with sensitive eyes. Leave it on for 2–⁠4 minutes.

Lash&Go Ariel

The soft yet dense texture is easy to spread over the lashes and does not get into the eyes. It goes on and comes off quickly. Leave it on for 3–⁠5 minutes.

Be Perfect

The Intense range: the soft texture quickly coats the bond and dissolves the adhesive without leaving clumps. Leave it on for 4–⁠6 minutes.

elSHINE Basic Pure

A gentle professional formula. Leave it on for 3–⁠5 minutes. That is enough time to dissolve the adhesive without damaging the natural lashes.

E’CHELLE Professional

Suitable for both experienced and beginner artists. It is easy to apply and does not run, so the risk of it getting into the eyes is minimal. The hypoallergenic formula suits sensitive skin and does not dry out the natural lashes. Leave it on for 3–⁠5 minutes.

TimBale

Our own cream remover. Thanks to a small mark-up, it is affordable, and its quality is as good as premium brands. It suits both beginners and professionals. Leave it on for 2–⁠3 minutes. It leaves almost no residue after removal.

Le Maitre Aloe vera

A South Korean cream remover: it does not thicken in the jar and smells of aloe. Processing time: 3–⁠5 minutes.

Lovely

A cream remover with an aloe scent: an easy-to-use consistency, dissolves adhesive quickly without lumps, and vitamin E conditions the lashes. Processing time: 5–⁠7 minutes.