A MUA’s Guide to Eyelashes for Your Wedding Day

When it comes to your wedding, lashes are a big deal! In my experience, nearly every bride wears some kind of false lash, even those who never usually do. That’s the beauty of lashes these days – you can go all out or achieve a more subtle, defined look. My preference is natural-looking lashes that keep people guessing. Is she wearing a few extra lashes for volume or is it just an amazing mascara?! If you’re considering lash enhancements for your wedding day, there are plenty to choose from. Let’s look at the options together…

The post includes affiliate links which means I’ll earn a small amount if you use them to make a purchase. This does not affect the price you pay. Many of the products listed are available from Look Fantastic. Use the code LFTFLAURENELLE to receive a discount on your purchase. When you do, I’ll earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting my small business.

individual/cluster false lashes and strip lashes with eyelash glue and mascara

Patch Tests, Trials & Aftercare

Never have a lash treatment without a patch test first and I’d always recommend having a trial run prior to your wedding day. For best results, it’s vital you follow any aftercare advice you’re given. Lashes may need to be rehydrated/nourished with a conditioning product, washed in a certain way, or you may not be allowed to get them wet for 48-hours.

Lash Lift

A lash lift is a modern version of an eyelash perm. It’s designed to enhance your lashes by providing a natural-looking lift and curl that can last for weeks on end. They’re amazing, but depending on the intensity of the curl, I may not be able to add individual or strip lashes on your wedding day. If you go for this option, I’ll probably recommend adding a few coats of mascara and leaving your lashes as they are.

Semi-Permanent Lash Extensions

Semi-permanent lash extensions are synthetic eyelashes (either single lashes or fans) that are applied to each natural lash, making them look longer and fuller. They generally last a few weeks and grow out with your natural lashes unless you decide to continue treatment with regular infills. This makes them a good option if you’re going on your honeymoon straight after the wedding.

If semi-permanent lashes are part of your usual beauty routine, stick with them. You’ll look and feel most like yourself with the same style of lashes. If not, weigh up the pros and cons. Bear in mind, you may lose a few lashes between your appointment and your wedding day. Semi-permanent lash extensions tend to look best when they’re the focus of the eye look. If you want a full smoky eye with lots of product, then having lashes applied after eyeshadow on the day might be a better option. However, it’s completely up to you and I’ll always work around your lash preferences.

Lauren Elle Makeup Artist applying lipliner for bride on wedding day

My Signature Individual/Cluster Lashes

I can apply individual/cluster lashes one by one on your wedding day, adding definition in exactly the right place. There is no additional charge for this service and it’s available for anyone in your wedding party who is having their makeup done by me. Although they are technically only made to last the day, I often receive emails from brides telling me their bridesmaid still has her lashes on a few days later!

There are lots of reasons to love this type of lash enhancement. They don’t take long to apply, and unlike strip lashes, there’s no band, making them more comfortable to wear. You also won’t have to worry about them pinging off on one side during the day! We can achieve a subtle lash look, enhancing your natural lashes by adding a few clusters at the outer corner, or you can have a full set of full, fluffy lashes. It’s completely bespoke and unique to the individual.

Whether you’re talking to guests up close or having your photos taken from further away, you’ll always have beautifully defined eyes. There’s no need to wear a lot of eyeshadow if you don’t want to. Individual/cluster lashes can give you all the definition you need. I generally use less mascara too, which is always a positive thing when happy tears are involved! Individual/cluster lashes also tend to be the best option for anyone wearing glasses.

individual cluster lashes

Still Not Sure What to Go For?

Please don’t worry – we’ll figure it out together! I recommend attending your makeup trial with natural lashes (unless you always have semi-permanent lash extensions, in which case come with them as they usually are). Along with the rest of your makeup, we’ll discuss what you want your lashes to look like on your wedding day. If you opt for false lashes, you’ll then have the chance to experience application, wear them all day, and make sure they’re comfortable. For more information, read What to Expect at Your Bridal Makeup Trial.

Lauren Loves

To remove all your eye makeup including false lashes, I recommend La Roche Posay Respectissime Waterproof Makeup Remover. It’s very effective while also being kind to your eyes. Make sure you shake the bottle first to activate the product. Lancôme Bi-Facil Makeup Remover works in the same way and is another excellent product.

Find Out More

If you’re getting married and you haven’t booked your Makeup Artist yet, you can learn more about my approach to bridal makeup here. If you’re already one of my brides, you should have received an invitation to book your trial. Working on your questionnaire? My Instagram is a great place to look for inspiration! 

Real wedding photo credit – Chris J Turner Photography