The eyes are the window to the soul and are an incredibly charming part of the face. They catch attention and express emotions. Many of us use mascara in our daily beauty routines to boost our natural beauty and lengthen it. However, everyone’s eyelash volume varies, affecting the desire to enhance them for a more striking eye look. This is where false lashes and lash extensions step in, offering a way to elevate your bridal appearance. Yet, discerning between the two can be as challenging as choosing the perfect gown.
To guide you through this beauty journey and help you make the best choice for your wedding day look, we turn to Carla Dyson, a professional makeup artist and founder of The Creative Directory, renowned for her expertise in bridal beauty.
MEET THE EXPERT
Carla Dyson is a renowned makeup artist with over a decade of accolades across many continents. She is celebrated for her wealth of knowledge, unique artistry, and attention to detail.
Carla has honed her craft in Melbourne, the UK, and Europe for the last 14 years. Also, she has participated in both Melbourne and Australian Fashion Week.
Her natural ability and years of training have helped her build trust with each and every one of her clients. In addition, her calming nature, bubbly personality, work ethic, and desire to make people feel like their best selves, means she is able to connect with her clients and let them shine emotionally.
False Lashes
False lashes are a quick and easy way to enhance your natural lashes and add drama to your eyes. They come in various styles, from natural-looking to full and voluminous, allowing you to customize your look based on your preferences and wedding theme. They are typically made from synthetic fibers or natural materials like mink or silk.
One of the main advantages of false lashes is their versatility and ease of application. They can be applied using either strip lashes or individual lashes. Strip lashes are pre-made strips that adhere along the lash line with lash glue. Individual lashes, also known as eyelash clusters, are small clusters of lashes that are applied directly onto the natural lashes to create a customized look. “Personally, I prefer to apply individual lashes as they’re customizable, so I can enhance each eye shape. They’re much more comfortable to wear than strip lashes and won’t fall off if you cry,” says Carla. “My favorite lashes for brides are Sweed’s No Lash-Lash – these are super fine and natural looking). They’re perfect for photos and very light and comfortable to wear,” she adds.
Carla thinks mascara should still be applied even if you wear false lashes. “I like to apply mascara after the falsies. It helps create a streamlined blend between natural and applied lash. However, I know many artists prefer to do mascara first and then apply lashes after.”
Lash Extensions
Lash extensions allow achieving longer, fuller lashes that last for several weeks. They are applied by an experienced technician who individually attaches synthetic or silk lashes to each natural lash using a special adhesive. Plan to get a lash lift at least 6 weeks before your wedding day.
From Carla: “Lash extensions can be fine when done right. However, I’m sure all makeup artists have seen some not-so-great lash extensions in their time. If not applied correctly, they can be heavy and drag down the outer corner of the eye. They can also make it difficult for your makeup artist to apply eye makeup – you have to work around the lashes to blend eye shadow and apply liner.”
If you are heading off on a honeymoon or having a destination wedding, then semi-permanent lash extensions may work best as they’ll stay on for a few weeks and last the duration of your celebrations. To preserve their longevity, avoid rubbing or pulling on the lashes, and don’t use oil-based makeup removers or products around the eye area, as these can weaken the adhesive bond.
Trial Run
Whether you opt for false lashes or lash extensions, scheduling a trial run before your wedding day is essential. Carla recommends the brides have a trial for their makeup and will apply the lashes at the trial. “This allows the bride to see how comfortable they are and make any amendments to the application for the big day. It’s also necessary to test the glue on the bride to ensure she has no allergies or reactions on the wedding day.”
