For a fuss free, glamourous wedding look, eyelash extensions are your answer.
They give you long, fluttery lashes that even Bambi would envy, with no chance of mascara running down your face if emotion gets the better of you on your big day. Plus, they also mean you can go totally make up free on your honeymoon, while still looking like the goddess that you are.
What are Eyelash Extensions?
Unlike traditional false lashes, eyelash extensions are applied by a technician who hand-glues the extensions on top of your natural lashes. You can’t feel them when they’re on, and you can go as dramatic or as natural as you like.
Your technician will tailor the extensions to your eyes, so you’re sure to end up with a look you love – there’s no fear of looking like a drag queen (unless that’s what you want, in which case, it’s totally possible).
How Long Does Eyelash Extension Application Take?
The application can take up to three hours, especially if you’re going for a very full on, fluttery look, but trust us, it’s worth it for the end result.
How do You Look After Eyelash Extensions?
Firstly, don’t get them wet for the first 24 hours – goggles in the shower it is!
Secondly, lash extensions need a little bit more attention than natural lashes – you can’t scrub at them with make up remover.
Only use cleansers that are formulated to be safe with lash extensions. Avoid oil based cleansers, as these can weaken the glue and cause your extensions to fall out prematurely.
Wipe downwards when removing make up to avoid disrupting your lashes, too.
If your lashes look a bit tangled (it can happen!) a use a fluffy spoolie to separate and tidy them – your lash technician might give you a brush especially for this at the end of your appointment.
“Always brush your lashes to ensure they are pointing in the right direction,” adds Aarti Dahiya, Assistant Trainer at lash extension specialist Browhaus. “Also, avoid sleeping on them so that they stay in place and don’t get twisted.”
Can You Wear Makeup with Lash Extensions?
The beauty of lash extensions is that you don’t need mascara, and it’s advised not to apply mascara on top of your lashes, because you’ll then need to remove it.
If you want even more definition than your lash extensions provide, avoid cream based eyeliners, as the ingredients can break down the lash glue.
If you’re planning on having lash extensions for your wedding, try to have them in place for your bridal make up trial, as they will change the over all look of your make up. Your make up artist will need to know you’ll be wearing extensions.
We recommend a trial application of your lashes, too, just to be sure that you like them, and are happy with the results / don’t want them more dramatic or a little bit subtler.
How Long do Eyelash Extensions Last?
Lashes should last the same length as your normal lash cycle, which is up to six weeks, but normally last about two to three weeks. They fall out with your natural lashes.
If you’re going on your honeymoon straight after you wedding, your lash extensions should last for your holiday, which is a great bonus.
How Long Before the Wedding Should Lash Extensions be Applied?
“Get them done as close to the wedding as you can, to ensure they stay as full as possible for the big day,” says Aarti.
We’d recommend three to four days before the wedding. If you have sensitive eyes, they can become bloodshot, and you don’t want red eyes in your wedding photos!
Lash Extension Review
We sent Alex Oxley, from our sister brand Wedding Style Collective, to trial Browhaus’ lash extension offering. Here’s what she had to say.
“I went to Browhaus in Covent Garden for a fresh set of Dolly Individual lashes. On my arrival to the salon, my beautician Amira spoke to me about what kind of natural eyelashes I have, and which kind of false individual lashes would suit my eye shape. It was interesting to learn that she suggested putting longer lashes in the middle, to make my eyes appear wider and more open. If you have bigger eyes they would suggest putting longer individual eyelashes on the end, and go from long on the outside to short towards the corner of the eye. We discussed what look you could go for; from full glam to very natural.”
“The application itself took around two hours. It started with removal of any make up or oils, as well as a clean of my natural eyelashes to prepare for the extensions. A soft hydrating gel pad is then stuck underneath your eye to keep your bottom lashes down, to guarantee they are not stuck to the top lashes. Some tape is used to ensure the eye is ready and held in place for the application to start. The therapist then individually glues each dolly eyelash to one of my own eyelashes, using tweezers and special lash glue. She used a mixture of short and long lashes in the middle as she suggested, with shorter ones on the ends. This is the long part of the process, where for two hours my therapist worked on my eyelashes as I lay on a bed with my eyes closed.”
“After my eyelashes were complete, my beautician combed through my lashes to make sure that none were stuck together, and removed and reapplied any that had turned the wrong way. She then used a product to set the glue, as well as using a handheld fan to ensure they were dry. I was encouraged to blink my eyes several times once they were ready to be opened as it is normal for your eyes to water. My beautician then provided me with a small lash brush to take care of my eyelashes with once I left the salon.”
“Amira instructed me not to get the lashes wet for at least 24 hours, and not to comb them through until the next day. It is then important to resist rubbing the eyelashes, as this can pull out and damage your natural lash. I was advised to avoid oil-based products and eye make up remover as this will likely remove the false eyelash extensions, and suggested using micellar water instead to remove make up products. Be sure to avoid saunas, or swimming as the glue is not made for heat and water. “
“These eyelashes would likely last two to three weeks, before you would choose to have them infilled, or professionally removed. My beautician informed me that you have a natural lash cycle, where more than 10 natural lashes fall out a week. Therefore the eyelash extensions will also fall out across this time period.”
“Overall, the eyelashes looked fantastic. I personally felt I did not need to wear mascara or eyeliner, and they looked natural but beautiful. I didn’t even feel like I was wearing false eyelashes, and there was no weight on my eyelid. They lasted well for two weeks and I was happy with the look and feel.”
“My only negative is that my eyes were bloodshot for a couple of days following the treatment, and one eye was a little sore on the outer lash area. It is a long treatment, and I left the salon after two and a half hours so be sure to set some time aside, as you will not be able to open your eyes once the treatment has started.”
“I would certainly suggest getting your eyelashes done if you are part of the wedding party, or perhaps going on a hen trip, as this allows you to look and feel glam without any unwanted mascara smudges or worries.”
As you can see, Alex’s lashes still look natural and delicate, just a little more fluttery than natural lashes.
If you’re after a high-glam lash style, Browhaus offer this too – Charlotte, who works for another of our sister brands, Bridal Buyer, trialed a more dramatic set of lashes, perfect for hen dos and weekends away with your best girls.
If you’re not sure you fancy the maintenance that lash extensions entail, check out our review of lash tinting, for a subtly defined wedding look.
