Lash Extensions for Oily Skin in Saskatoon | Expert Guide

Can You Get Lash Extensions with Oily Skin in Saskatoon?

Have oily skin and worried that lash extensions won’t work for you? You’re not alone! This is one of the most common concerns I hear from potential clients here in Saskatoon. The good news? Oily skin absolutely doesn’t disqualify you from having beautiful, long-lasting lash extensions.

As a certified lash technician with over 5 years of experience at Étoile Lash Studio, I’ve worked with countless clients who have oily skin, and I’ve developed proven strategies to help your lash extensions in Saskatoon last just as long as anyone else’s. The key is understanding how oil affects lash retention and following a customized aftercare routine.

Let me share everything you need to know about getting lash extensions when you have oily skin, from application techniques to daily maintenance that actually works.

Why Oily Skin Affects Lash Extension Retention

First, let’s talk about what’s actually happening. Lash extension adhesive creates a bond between your natural lash and the extension. This bond is strong and waterproof, but it can be broken down by oil exposure over time.

Here’s how oil affects your lashes:

• Natural sebum (skin oil) is produced around your eye area
• Oil travels along the hair shaft toward the lash line
• When oil reaches the adhesive bond, it gradually weakens it
• Over time, this can cause extensions to shed prematurely

This doesn’t mean you can’t have lash extensions! It just means we need to be strategic about application and aftercare. I have many regular clients with oily skin here in Saskatoon who maintain beautiful lashes year-round, even during our humid summer months.

Professional Application Techniques for Oily Skin

At Étoile Lash Studio, I use specific techniques when working with clients who have oily skin:

Premium Oil-Resistant Adhesive

Not all lash adhesives are created equal. I use medical-grade adhesive specifically formulated to be more oil-resistant than standard formulas. This creates a stronger initial bond that holds up better against natural oil production.

Thorough Pre-Application Prep

Before applying any extensions, I cleanse your lashes completely with a professional primer that removes all traces of oil, makeup, and buildup. This creates the cleanest possible surface for optimal adhesive bonding—it’s the foundation of good retention.

Strategic Lash Mapping

For clients with very oily skin, I sometimes recommend slightly shorter extensions in areas where oil tends to accumulate (like the inner corners). This reduces weight on the bond while still creating a beautiful, full look.

Just last week, a client from Stonebridge came in frustrated because her lashes from another salon only lasted a week. After switching to my oil-resistant adhesive and following a proper cleansing routine, her refills now last the full 2-3 weeks!

Daily Aftercare for Oily Skin: The Game-Changer

Here’s the truth: proper daily cleansing is even more important for oily skin than for other skin types. Many clients think they should avoid touching their lashes, but regular cleansing actually improves retention by removing oil buildup.

Morning and Evening Cleansing Routine

What you’ll need:

• Oil-free lash extension cleanser (I can recommend specific brands)
• Soft cleansing brush or clean fingertips
• Clean spoolie brush
• Lint-free towel

How to cleanse (takes 2 minutes):

1. Wet your lashes with lukewarm water
2. Apply cleanser to your lash line using gentle downward strokes
3. Massage gently along the lash line where oil accumulates most
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
5. Pat dry with a lint-free towel (never rub!)
6. Brush through with a clean spoolie once completely dry

If you have very oily skin, I recommend cleansing twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed. This might sound like a lot, but it takes less time than applying mascara and removes the oil that would otherwise break down your adhesive.

The Biggest Mistake People Make

The #1 mistake I see? Avoiding cleansing because they’re afraid of losing lashes. This actually causes more shedding because oil buildup weakens the bonds. Proper cleansing with the right products extends your retention, not shortens it.

Product Choices That Make or Break Retention

When you have oily skin and lash extensions, your skincare and makeup products matter more than you might think.

What to AVOID Near Your Eyes

❌ Oil-based cleansers (coconut oil, cleansing oils, micellar waters with oil) ❌ Heavy moisturizers around the eye area ❌ Oil-based makeup removers ❌ Waterproof mascara (requires oil-based remover) ❌ Oil-based sunscreens on your forehead (oil migrates down) ❌ Face oils and serums near the eye area

What to USE Instead

✔️ Oil-free lash cleansers (specifically for extensions) ✔️ Water-based or gel moisturizers (keep them away from lash line) ✔️ Oil-free makeup removers (for eyeshadow and liner) ✔️ Mineral sunscreens (less likely to migrate than chemical ones) ✔️ Oil-free primers and foundations

During Saskatoon’s dry winters, I know it’s tempting to use rich moisturizers, but keep them at least 1cm away from your lash line. Your extensions will thank you!

Lifestyle Adjustments for Better Retention

Beyond products, a few simple lifestyle tweaks can dramatically improve how long your lashes last:

Sleeping Habits

If you’re a side sleeper, try using a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials create less friction than cotton and don’t absorb oils from your face the same way. I have a client who’s a nurse working night shifts, and switching to a silk pillowcase added almost a week to her retention time!

Touching Your Face

We all touch our faces more than we realize, especially during Saskatchewan’s allergy season. Each time you touch your eye area, you transfer oil from your hands to your lashes. Try to be mindful and avoid rubbing your eyes.

Managing Excess Oil

If you notice oil production increases during certain times (hormonal changes, stress, summer heat), increase your lash cleansing to twice daily during those periods. Some of my clients cleanse an extra time midday during July and August when Saskatoon gets humid.

What to Expect: Realistic Retention Goals

Let’s set realistic expectations. With oily skin and proper care, here’s what you can typically expect:

Average retention: 2-3 weeks before needing a refill (same as other skin types!) With excellent aftercare: Some clients go 3-4 weeks Without proper cleansing: 1-2 weeks (this is avoidable!)

The difference between good and poor retention usually comes down to daily cleansing consistency. I’ve seen clients go from frustrated weekly shedding to beautiful 3-week retention just by implementing a proper cleaning routine.

Special Considerations for Saskatoon Climate

Living in Saskatoon means dealing with extreme temperature swings and dry indoor heating in winter. Here’s how to adjust:

Winter Care (October-March)

• Indoor heating can actually increase oil production as your skin tries to compensate for dryness
• Keep using oil-free lash cleanser even when your face feels dry
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom to prevent over-production of oils
• Be extra careful with heavy winter moisturizers around your eyes

Summer Care (June-August)

• Increased humidity and heat can boost sebum production
• Cleanse more frequently if you’re sweating (gym, outdoor activities, lake trips)
• Oil-blotting papers can help remove excess oil from your face before it migrates to lashes
• Rinse your lashes with clean water after swimming at Lake Diefenbaker

When to Book Your Refills

With oily skin, I recommend booking refill appointments every 2-3 weeks rather than pushing it to 4 weeks. This ensures you always have a full, beautiful set and prevents the frustration of sparse-looking lashes.

What happens at a refill:

• I remove any lashes that are ready to shed
• Clean away any oil or buildup around the lash line
• Apply fresh extensions to new natural lash growth
• Give you a clean spoolie and remind you of best practices

Many of my Stonebridge and Nutana clients schedule standing appointments (same day and time every 2 weeks) to make it easy to maintain their lashes alongside their busy schedules.

Success Stories from Saskatoon Clients

One of my favorite success stories is a client who works at the University of Saskatchewan in a research lab. She has very oily skin and was convinced lashes “just wouldn’t work” for her after a bad experience elsewhere.

After our consultation, we started with a hybrid set and I taught her the proper cleansing technique. She committed to twice-daily cleansing and switched to oil-free skincare products. Now, 8 months later, she’s one of my most consistent clients with excellent 3-week retention!

Another client from Evergreen was frustrated because her lashes would look perfect for a week, then suddenly shed in clumps. We discovered she was using an oil-based facial serum at night that was migrating to her lash line. After switching to an oil-free alternative and keeping it away from her eyes, her retention improved dramatically.

The Bottom Line: Oily Skin + Lash Extensions = Totally Doable

Having oily skin doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy beautiful, long-lasting lash extensions in Saskatoon. It simply means you need:

1. A skilled lash technician who uses premium, oil-resistant adhesive
2. Consistent daily cleansing with oil-free lash cleanser (morning and night)
3. Smart product choices (oil-free everything near your eyes)
4. Regular refills every 2-3 weeks
5. Realistic expectations and patience as you find your routine

The clients I see with the best retention are the ones who embrace the cleansing routine and make it a non-negotiable part of their day—like brushing their teeth. Once it becomes a habit (which takes about a week), it’s completely second nature.

Your Customized Aftercare Plan

When you book your appointment at Étoile Lash Studio, I provide:

• Professional assessment of your skin type and oil production
• Customized aftercare instructions specific to your needs
• Product recommendations that work in Saskatoon (available locally!)
• Troubleshooting support between appointments
• Honest guidance about realistic retention for your situation

Whether you want natural classic lashes, textured hybrid lashes, or dramatic volume lashes, we’ll find the perfect style and maintenance routine for your skin type.

Don’t let oily skin hold you back from the convenience and confidence of beautiful lash extensions. With the right approach, you can absolutely have long-lasting, gorgeous lashes here in Saskatoon!