One thing we see many engaged people neglect are their lashes, and why you SHOULD get lash extensions for your wedding. When you think about how much you’ll cry and wipe your eyes, fake lashes really might not do the trick for your wedding beauty, ya know? Why do your photographers care? Well, lashes show up big time in images, and we want you to look and feel your best in photos. That gentle flutter, the way your eyes pop, and how glam you’ll feel all produce INCREDIBLE results in photos if you take a few simple steps to up your lash game prior to the big day.

We interviewed The Beauty Bar owner and lash expert, Amanda, about her top tips for luscious lashes. She didn’t hold back with the info, and we are loving it! Bookmark these simple tips to guide you in lash extensions for your wedding day, and you’ll be set no matter how many tears fill your eyeballs.

1. WHY LASH EXTENSIONS HOLD UP

We’ve all seen that person at a wedding who sobs down the aisle and by cocktail hour, her fake lashes are looking, well, fake. The benefit of lashes is that they’re totally sculpted to your natural eye shape and mega secure–tears don’t stand a chance.

2. FIND THE RIGHT ARTIST

Everyone and their mother does eyelash extensions these days. You really need to vet your lash people, and (trust me) this is not an area where you want to find a deal. You’re trusting someone to work extremely close to your eyes and create a semi-permanent look. Do you want a Groupon for that? NO. When looking for a lash artist these are qualifications you should seek out:
+ Licensed Aesthetician or Cosmetologist
+ Certified in Eyelash Extensions
+ Insured

3. LASH BRANDS MATTER

When you start looking into lash brands, there are sooo many to choose from. From Bella Lash to Extreme to Novalash, which is the best? It’ll make anyone’s head spin just trying to figure it out, so here’s the answer: Novalash. It is the only brand whose adhesive is 100% formaldehyde-free! (Ew, do NOT put that type of chemical near your eyeballs, thank you very much)! Another few reasons to choose Novalash is that it is oil-proof and immediately waterproof. With other brands, you’ll be waiting 24 hours to swim or workout (who has time for that with bachelorette parties and a consistent gym routine)?!

To find a Novalash artist, go to novalash.com then click “find a stylist.” It will pull up a map making it easy to find a trusted professional near you.

4. CHOOSING A LASH STYLE

So many people new to the lash extension game just assume they’re going to walk out looking like Cardi B, and that is NOT the case. Most of our clients really prefer a more natural lash look, and this is really trending with wedding glam. Many lash artists have both “classic” and “volume” lash extension options. Classic is when one extension is applied to one natural lash. This gives a natural and structured look, which will give you a far more natural look than any stick-on, false lashes. Volume is for that elevated, Hollywood luxe feel when 3+ fibers are applied to one natural lash. The end result for any of these can either be natural and whispy or dense and glamorous, which is why it’s so important to really consult and hire a trusted lash artist. Each fiber varies in length and diameter allowing the artist to choose what best fits your personal style and your natural lashes. Trust your artist–they’ll guide you in the look you want!

3. WHEN SHOULD I GET MY LASHES DONE PRIOR TO THE WEDDING?

I recommend either doing a patch test or receiving a full set about 4-6 weeks prior. Very rarely, people can have an allergy to Cyanoacrylate, a medical adhesive which is what the “lash glue” contains. If you skip on a trial and then find out you’re allergic a few days before the wedding, your face and life will feel like hell. Your artist can do a patch test by applying an ample amount of extensions on your lashes and just waiting a day or two to see if you have any sensitivity to them. If you aren’t sure what type of lashes you want, go get a full set of one of the styles at least one month out. If you decide you want to go bolder or more natural, you can adjust at your next appointment. Win-win!

To ensure your lashes are fresh for the day of your wedding, make your appointment 2-5 days prior. Your lash extensions will last at least 3 weeks before needing a fill, which is AMAZING for a low maintenance, beautiful honeymoon look.

Thanks, Amanda! You’d better believe your photographers over here are going to be upping their lash game soon. Amanda sees clients at her salon right in Santa Barbara and is also booking wedding and event clients for 2020. Loved these tips? Here’s how to get healthy wedding hair.