Live Your Life, Keep Your Lashes

Oil, Water & Eyelash Extensions: Why NovaLash Aftercare Is Different

Zaynnab Ayoobi

Last Updated: Oct 9, 2026

If you’ve had eyelash extensions before, you’ve probably heard the same rules over and over: avoid oil, keep your lashes dry, skip the pool, stay away from oil-based makeup, be careful cleansing your eyes.

These rules exist because some adhesives genuinely are affected by oil and water — poor retention, premature shedding, you name it. But that assumes every system works the same way. NovaLash doesn’t.

NovaLash has built its system around a different idea: its adhesives are designed to be immediately waterproof, oilproof and sweatproof, letting clients keep up their normal hygiene and lifestyle right after their appointment. So — can you actually use oil? Wash immediately? Swim? Work out? Here’s what makes the NovaLash approach different.

Why Clients Are Usually Told to Avoid Oil

The logic is simple: with some lash systems, oil can interfere with the adhesive bond and hurt retention — so clients get told to swap their makeup remover, avoid oily skincare near the eyes, and scrutinise every ingredient label.

NovaLash takes a different stance. Its adhesive is specifically described as oilproof, so clients using this system don’t need to follow that same oil-avoidance routine — the brand actively supports oil-based makeup and aftercare products alongside it.

The takeaway: the correct aftercare depends on the adhesive system, not a blanket rule. If your artist uses NovaLash, follow NovaLash’s own guidance rather than applying rules written for a different brand.

So - Can You Actually Use Oil?

Yes. NovaLash’s oilproof adhesive is built to hold up against oil-based products without breaking down, and the brand’s own aftercare range reflects that. cleanLASH, for example, contains pomegranate seed oil and is formulated specifically for NovaLash extensions — designed to cleanse, moisturise and condition both the extensions and the natural lashes underneath.

In other words, “oil is always bad for extensions” isn’t a universal truth — it’s true for some systems and not others. The better question to ask is simply: which adhesive is being used?

What About Water?

A second common rule: avoid water right after your appointment, usually tied to letting the adhesive cure properly. NovaLash’s position here is the same — its adhesives are designed to be immediately waterproof, so clients can shower, swim, exercise and go about water-related activities straight after the service (provided the extensions were applied correctly, per NovaLash’s professional instructions). No need to plan your week around avoiding the shower, or panic over a splash of water on your new set.

Fitting Extensions Into an Active Lifestyle

Extensions should make life easier, not more complicated. Because NovaLash’s adhesive is built to handle water, oil and sweat, clients can keep exercising, swimming, showering and spending time in humid conditions without the restrictions common to other systems — useful whether you’re heading to the gym, travelling somewhere warm, or just washing your face at night.

Does That Mean You Can Skip Cleansing? No.

This is the part that surprises people: NovaLash actually pushes the opposite of “keep it dry and untouched.” Natural lashes are hair — they collect oil, makeup and environmental debris whether or not they’re wearing extensions — so cleansing stays essential. NovaLash recommends regular cleaning with cleanLASH pads specifically, which are designed to remove buildup from the lash line while conditioning both the extensions and the natural lashes, without snagging.

The goal isn’t to avoid oil out of fear; it’s to use products that are actually compatible with your adhesive system, and to keep the lash line genuinely clean.

Makeup and Retention

Yes, you can wear makeup — including oil-based products — with NovaLash extensions, thanks to the oilproof adhesive. NovaLash also makes its own extension-friendly mascara and eyeliner, giving clients more room to build a normal beauty routine instead of eliminating every oil-containing product on principle. (As with any extension service, products should still be applied carefully around the eye and removed properly.)

On retention specifically: there’s a common assumption that avoiding water and cleansing automatically makes extensions last longer. NovaLash argues the opposite — good hygiene protects both appearance and the health of the natural lashes underneath. Skip the cleansing, and buildup accumulates around the lash line, making extensions more prone to losing their fluff or tangling. Regular cleansing and brushing is the actual retention strategy here, not restriction.

The Real Lesson: Not Every System Works the Same Way

If another brand tells its clients to avoid oil or water, that advice may be exactly right — for that brand’s adhesive. It just doesn’t automatically transfer to NovaLash, which is specifically engineered and marketed as oilproof and waterproof. Different adhesive technology means different aftercare rules, which is also why lash artists should educate clients based on the exact products used in their service — not a generic script.

NovaLash Aftercare in Short

With NovaLash, you can:

Wash and shower immediately after your appointment
Swim
Exercise and sweat
Use compatible oil-based makeup
Use NovaLash’s own oil-containing aftercare products
And you should cleanse regularly and brush your extensions gently

These recommendations are specific to the NovaLash system — always confirm which adhesive and products your lash professional is actually using before assuming the rules carry over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use oil-based makeup remover with NovaLash extensions? Yes — NovaLash’s adhesive is designed to be oilproof, so oil-based removers and makeup won’t break down the bond the way they might with other systems. Still apply and remove products carefully around the eye area.

Can I shower or swim right after my appointment? With NovaLash, yes — the adhesive is designed to be immediately waterproof, so normal water contact doesn’t require a waiting period, as long as the extensions were applied correctly by a trained professional.

Does using oil-based products affect retention? Not with NovaLash’s oilproof adhesive. In fact, the brand’s own cleanLASH product contains pomegranate seed oil and is formulated specifically to support retention while conditioning the lashes.

How often should I use cleanLASH or clean my extensions? NovaLash recommends regular cleansing as part of your normal routine — not something to avoid. Consistent, gentle cleaning helps prevent buildup, twisting and tangling.

Does this waterproof/oilproof advice apply to any eyelash extension brand? No — this is specific to NovaLash’s adhesive technology. Other systems may genuinely require avoiding oil and water, so always follow the aftercare guidance that matches the exact adhesive your artist used.

Can I switch to oil-based products if I already have extensions from a different brand? Not automatically. Confirm with your lash artist which adhesive was used before changing your aftercare routine, since products that are safe for NovaLash may not be compatible with every system.