False eyelashes are a quick way to get long, thick, and lush-looking lashes. If you’re planning on wearing false lashes regularly, it’s likely that you have some questions, like “How long does eyelash glue last?”
Unopened eyelash glue has a shelf life of about three to four months. Once your eyelash glue has been opened, you can expect it to last for around four to five weeks. If you notice a change in the texture of your glue, it’s likely that it’s gone bad.
What Is Eyelash Glue?
Eyelash glue is an adhesive that’s designed to keep false lashes in place.
The adhesive is applied to false lashes, allowing them to be secured to the lash line.
The glue typically dries very quickly, which means false lashes don’t have to be held in place for long.
Eyelids are very delicate and can easily become irritated or inflamed. Lash glue is formulated to be safe to use on eyes.
While most glues are strong enough to keep lashes in place all day, the adhesive can usually be removed with an oil-based makeup remover.
There are many different lash glues on the market, which means you can search for a product that’s a good match for your needs.
What Type Of Glue should I use?
Some of the factors you’ll want to consider when choosing an adhesive include:
Eye Sensitivity
If you have sensitive eyes, you’ll want to choose a gentle glue that won’t cause irritation.
Lash glues formulated for sensitive eyes may not last as long as other products, but you’ll be able to apply your lashes without any issues.
Drying Time
The lightning-fast drying time of most lash adhesives allows you to apply false eyelashes in minutes.
If you’re new to wearing false lashes, however, you may need a product that won’t cure as quickly. That way, you’ll have time to get your eyelashes into place.
Humidity
Climate can have a big impact on lash glue, which is why you should look for a product that was formulated for a climate like yours.
Check to see what the ideal humidity level for a glue is and compare it against the humidity levels where you live.
Longevity
If you want to wear your lashes all day, you need an adhesive that will last.
When you’re comparing adhesives, see how much time you’ll have before the glue starts to break down.
Color
Lash adhesives are available in several colors.
It’s most common to see clear glues that are virtually undetectable and black glues that are designed to match your lashes.
The best color depends on your personal preferences!
Is Eyelash Glue Different From Eyelash Adhesive?
While there are different types of eyelash glues, the terms “lash glue” and “lash adhesive” are used interchangeably.
Lash glue is just a special adhesive that’s formulated for false lashes. All lash glues use an active ingredient called “cyanoacrylate.”
What’s cyanoacrylate? It’s the industrial term for a fast-acting adhesive with many applications.
There are five different types of cyanoacrylates, and the ingredient is found in all kinds of adhesive products, including lash adhesives and super glues!
Although formaldehyde is found in cyanoacrylates, it isn’t a risk for most lash glues.
Since these adhesives are designed to be used on the eyes, most products only contain trace amounts of formaldehyde.
In fact, one study found no detectable formaldehyde in lash glues. (1)
How Long Does Eyelash Glue Last?
Lash glue has to be stored in bottles that allow air to flow. Because of this, the shelf life of lash adhesive is limited.
As long as it’s properly stored, an unopened bottle should last somewhere between three and four months.
After it’s been opened, it will usually last four to five more weeks.
Since lash glue doesn’t last that long, this isn’t a product you’ll want to stock up on.
Instead, it’s best to buy fresh glue as you need it. Keep track of when you open your lash glue so that you can buy a new bottle when it’s close to expiring.
Signs Your Eyelash Glue Has Gone Bad
If you’re trying to see if your lash adhesive is expired, you can’t just rely on the calendar.
You’ll also want to pay attention to the product itself. If something seems off, there’s a good chance it’s gone bad.
Some signs to watch out for include:
Unusual Odor
If you notice a change in the way your lash glue smells, there’s a good chance that it’s expired or is starting to expire.
Changes In Consistency
The consistency of a lash adhesive can also change when it goes bad. Your lash glue might look stringy, or you may see ingredients separating.
It’s Dried Out
Adhesives can dry out if the bottle isn’t closed properly. If you see dried glue, it’s a sign that you should throw your product away.
What Happens If You Use Expired Eyelash Glue?
If your product has been open for more than five weeks, but it still seems to be usable, you don’t have to toss it out right away.
Expiration dates are just an estimate, and a few days aren’t likely to make much of a difference.
With that said, you should keep in mind that products like eyelash glue gradually deteriorate over time.
Using a product that’s very old could potentially be damaging to your skin.
Products that are past their shelf life also tend to be less effective.
If you have an unopened bottle of lash glue, and you’re not sure if it’s still good, check the bottom of the bottle.
You should see a batch code or lot number printed there.
Reach out to the manufacturer with that batch code and ask them if the product is still good.
When Should You Replace Eyelash Glue?
After you’ve opened a bottle of lash glue, you should plan on replacing it within four to five weeks.
Using a permanent marker, write the date you opened the product on the bottle.
Switch to a new bottle when your lash glue is close to the end of its shelf life.
You should also make sure you pay attention to the product itself.
The shelf life for lash glue is only an estimate, and products can expire much sooner than that.
If you notice a change in odor or a change in the consistency of a product, it’s always best to throw it away.
While people usually want to get as much use out of their products as possible, it’s not safe to use expired products near your eyes.
Try not to use a lash adhesive for more than six weeks after it’s been opened.
If you have any doubts about the product, you should always play it safe and switch to a new bottle of adhesive.
Can You Revive Dry Eyelash Glue?
If a newly-opened bottle of lash glue has dried out, you may still be able to salvage it.
If the bottle is cold to the touch, it’s possible that the cold temperature has impacted the product’s consistency.
Bring it back to room temperature and see if there are any changes.
If that doesn’t seem to fix the product, try shaking it up. Close the bottle tightly and shake the product for a few minutes.
After you’ve shaken it up, open the bottle back up to see if the glue is back to normal again.
Does your lash adhesive seem to dry out very quickly, even when you’ve closed the bottle tightly?
If you’ve been having a lot of issues with dry lash adhesive, it’s possible that there’s too much moisture in the air around you.
The cyanoacrylate in your lash glue can react to high levels of moisture. (2)
Thankfully, you can easily fix this problem with a dehumidifier. If you’re able to remove some of the excess moisture from the air around you, your lash glue should last for longer.
What Is The Best Way To Store Eyelash Glue?
Lash adhesive should be stored upright in a dark, dry space.
While many people store beauty products in refrigerators, you won’t want to do this with lash glue.
Keeping your glue in the fridge could expose it to more moisture, which could impact the consistency of the product.
It’s generally best to keep lash glue at room temperature. Both high and low temperatures could potentially degrade the product.
However, you’ll want to make sure you keep the product away from direct sunlight; the sun’s rays can break down active ingredients in beauty products.
The ideal way to store eyelash glue and other beauty products is a storage container, cupboard, or shelf.
That way, you can limit its exposure to the elements. You may want to invest in a waterproof makeup storage container that can keep your product safe.
If you live in a climate that’s very humid or dry, you may also need to use a dehumidifier or humidifier to keep your product in good shape.
Not only will this prolong the lifespan of your eyelash adhesive, but it will help protect your other beauty products as well.