Your choice of lashes can make a huge impact to your finished bridal makeup look. But, with so many different options to accentuate your natural lashes so you can achieve a fuller, more defined look for your wedding day, how do you choose the option that is best for you?

Each bride will have individual preferences when it comes down to choosing the right wedding day lashes. Your decision may come down to the finished look you want to achieve, budget or even comfortability. So, to help with your decision, I have weighed up the pros and cons of your lash options for your wedding day.

Semi-Permanent Lash Extensions

Lash extensions are very precise technique consisting of individually applying synthetic or natural hair fibres which are attached to the base of each eyelash with surgical glue.

What are the pros?

• They look great – A more dramatic look than mascara, yet far more natural than strip (or individual) false eyelashes. When done right lash extensions are stunning.
• Long lasting option – Typically lash extensions will stay looking good for around 2 – 3 weeks, which means you can continue looking glam for your honeymoon. And with regular fills, your overall lash extensions will last indefinitely.
• There’s no need for mascara, curling or tinting – No mascara will mean you won’t have to worry about it smudging or running on your wedding day.
• No visible strip or glue – Lash extensions blend seamlessly into your natural lashes meaning they are a very natural looking option.

• Bespoke look – A good technician will make sure your lashes are customised to your eye and face shape. Many different finishes are achievable such as length, thickness and different curl patterns.

What are the cons?

• They’re expensive – As with anything, the prices for lash extensions can vary hugely and it will also depend on the lash type you choose, but you’re probably looking at around a cost of £75 – £150.
• Time consuming application – It takes around 2 hours to apply lash extensions – each extension is applied to your own individual lashes so it can be a painstaking process!
• They’re high maintenance – To keep lash extensions looking good and last a long time, they need to be properly cared for. Not only does this mean regular brushing and washing using lash cleanser, but also avoiding rubbing your eyes, using mascara or using oil-based products near your eyes.
• They need touch ups – To keep your lashes looking full you will need infills every 2 – 3 weeks as they shed with your natural lash cycle. They don’t shed evenly so can end up looking patchy.
• Lengthy removal process – Your lash extensions will shed with your natural lash cycle and so will eventually fall out on their own, but this can take some time and there’s always some stragglers that stay hanging on! You can’t pull them out as this will damage your natural lashes, but you can have them removed properly at your salon.

LVL Lashes

The LVL process chemically lifts, curls and tints your lashes – basically a perm for your lashes!

What are the pros?

• Very low maintenance – No daily maintenance, no glue, no removal process and no limits on makeup or skincare
• Great for straight lashes that won’t hold a curl – The curling process will open up your eyes without needing to reach for those eyelash curlers every morning!
• They look great with and without mascara – Although LVL enhances your natural lashes so they still look great without mascara, this is a great option for if you still want the option of wearing it, or if you like that “mascara lash” look
• Great for fair lashes – A great option for bride’s with naturally fair lashes that want their natural lashes enhanced
• Long lasting – Your lashes will stay looking tinted and curled for 6 – 8 weeks, meaning you can continue to rock your lashes for the honeymoon.

What are the cons?

• They’re not compatible with false lashes – LVL doesn’t work well if you want to wear false lashes on top as they push the lashes up too high
• They don’t add length or thickness – If your lashes are naturally short/sparse they will still lack in length and fullness.
• You can’t get them wet in the first 24 hours
• They’re fairly expensive – Although not as much as semi-permanent lash extensions, LVL will cost around £50 – £100.

Individual Cluster Lashes

Individual cluster lashes are applied to the base of your natural lashes with glue and used on one off occasions.

What are the pros?

• They’re natural looking – Although not as natural and seamless as lash extensions, individual cluster lashes can be a great alternative so add length and fullness to your own lashes without looking “too much”..
• They’re customisable – Individual cluster lashes come in different lengths and thicknesses which means they can be chosen to suit your lash type or the finished look you want to achieve. They can be used just to fill in gaps, or even just on your outer lashes to accentuate that winged, cat eye look.
• They’re fairly comfortable – They can take a few moments to get used to as they initially feel a bit heavy, but you soon forget you have them on.
• They can be used with all eye makeup
• They’re not expensive – Most bridal makeup artists probably include individual cluster lashes in their service, but a set will only cost you about £5 – £7.
• Easily removed – Cluster lashes are easily removed at the end of the day without damage to your natural lashes

What are the cons?

• They’re not a long-lasting option – You can use a semi-permanent eyelash glue to apply cluster lashes, but they still won’t last longer than a few days. I usually opt for a temporary glue so they can be easily removed at the end of the wedding day.
• They’re fiddly to apply by yourself – If you have a makeup artist for your wedding day this won’t be a problem, but if not, I would advise getting a friend or family member to help you apply them.
• There’s a possibility of visible strips or glue – If not applied correctly, you may be able to see strips where the lashes have been applied or even blobs of dried glue, taking away from that natural finish.

Strip Lashes

Strip lashes are a ready-made strip which is applied to the base of your natural lashes with glue and used on one off occasions.

What are the pros?

• They’re quick to apply – The ready-made strip means there’s no faffing around applying individual lashes or clusters, making it the least time-consuming option for lashes.
• They’re customisable – Strip lashes come in a wide variety of options from a light and wispy natural layer, to thick and fluffy.
• Glamorous look – Strip lashes are a great option for brides wanting a high impact, dramatic look for their lashes.
• They can be used with all eye makeup
• They’re in-expensive – A set of strip lashes will usually cost around £5.
• Easy to apply by yourself – With a bit of practice, strip eyelashes can be easily and quickly applied by yourself.
• Easily removed and even re-used – Strip lashes are easily peeled off at the end of the day and if properly cared for and cleaned, can even be re-used.

What are the cons?

• They’re not a long-lasting option – Strip lashes are removed at the end of the day and so are for occasion use only.
• They can be uncomfortable – If you’re not used to wearing them, strip lashes can feel quite heavy and the lash ends can sometimes irritate your eye when wearing them.
• They can lift or peel throughout the day – When we blink or close our eyes, our eye shape changes causing tension on the strip which can cause the strips to lift or peel throughout the day. I always recommend carrying around a tube of glue for any emergency touch ups you may need throughout the day!
• Not ideal if you have watery eyes – If your eyes are watering when you try and apply you strip lashes; the glue will not adhere properly which can cause the strip to come away and lift.
• There’s a possibility of visible strips or glue – If not applied correctly, you may be able to see strips where the lashes have been applied or even blobs of dried glue, taking away from that natural finish.

So, what lashes should you choose for your wedding day?

You need to have a think about what it is you want from your lashes before you make a decision. Do you have a higher budget, want something that will last through to your honeymoon and don’t mind the extra maintenance? Then semi-permanent lash extensions could be a great option for you. Are you looking for a natural looking, commitment free option? Then individual cluster lashes are probably the way to go. Still unsure about the best option for you? Speak to your makeup artist or beautician/technician and they will be able to go through the options with you.

Whatever you do decide, I would definitely recommend having a trial run before your wedding day. Whether this be false lashes at your bridal trial or trialling lash extensions at your salon – to make the most of them, have them done before a holiday or even your hen do! You will need to make sure you’re happy with your decision; check they’re comfortable, that they achieve your desired look and that you don’t have any reactions to the glue or other products used. You will also be able to suggest any tweaks you want to make on the wedding day application such as less full or a longer lash length.

I hope you will find this guide helpful for choosing your perfect Wedding Day Lashes!