Ladies Who Lash

You have something old. You have something new. You have something borrowed and something blue. Still, you’re forgetting one thing all brides need in their wedding day arsenal: some eye-popping, groom heart-stopping, bridesmaid envying eye lashes!

Alas, our own eye lashes rarely reach the echelons we so desire on this, our biggest of days, but don’t fret–here are all the tips you need to perfect the art of false lashes to knock ‘em all dead!

Individual Lashes

Individual lashes are going to give you the most natural overall look and are far easier to apply than you would expect. In fact, they are the easiest when you’re solo.

I recommend using Ardell lashes, which (and this is key) come in a variety of lengths to match your natural lashes. You want to either match them to your natural lash length or go slightly longer, but make sure you don’t go too long or they won’t blend naturally.

There are two options in applying individual lashes. The first is to space them apart, sporadically along the lash-line. This will give you the most natural appearance. Option number two is to cluster them one next to another for a more dramatic look. With each technique it is important to apply them directly at the base of your lashes so that the adhesive bonds to your actual lashes instead of your skin.

Flairs

Flairs are a quick and easy way to add some drama to your lashes and are easier to apply than full strips. All you need to do is take a full strip and cut them in half or into quarters. Then take that portion of the strip and apply it to the outside corners of your upper lash-line. This technique works especially well with strips that “flair” or taper from shorter to longer, lifting the whole outer-corner of the eye.

Full Strip: Natural

Full strips may be the hardest to apply, but the payoff is definitely worth the effort. If you can get a friend to help apply these, you will be in even better shape.

Look for false lashes that have a thin, flexible band, like Shu Uemura’s Black V False Eyelashes. The cheaper brands tend to have a thicker more rigid band which causes the corners to pop up when you’re trying to adhere them (or even worse, after you adhere them!). The idea here is to give yourself a fuller looking lash, while still making it look quite natural.

Full Strip: Glamour

Use these puppies when you’re looking for the most “va-va-voom!” We’re suspending disbelief a little here, so go for something big, fun, and glamorous! We want the lashes to be adhered in a way that still looks natural, but in a form that makes mother nature do a double take!

This includes all those funkier styles like spiked lashes, crystal embellishments along the band, and those thick, retro, Lucille ball lashes. MAC has great glamour options like their #42 Lash.

Lash Glue

MAC’s Duo adhesive is my personal pick for lash glue. To apply, coat the entire surface lightly and evenly. Too much and they’ll clump and ooze everywhere; too little and they’ll end up in your champagne glass at the reception! For extra staying power when applying individuals, try Ardell’s LashTite. This will ensure your lashes stay put all day but requires an adhesive remover, so remember to pack some in your honeymoon toiletries bag!

Practice makes perfect lashes, so to ensure that you don’t add any unnecessary stress on your wedding day have a few dry runs. You can spice up a night out with your soon-to-be and/or at the rehearsal dinner. Cheers to your luscious lashes, ladies!

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