Adding a set of false lashes or lash extensions is such a pretty way to emphasise wedding day eye makeup. A good set really elevates a look, whether a smoky eye or a classic bridal look and best of all, there’s a false lash for everyone. Maybe you have long lashes and need volume, or short lashes that need extra length – we’ve got you covered here.

Aside from looking utterly glamorous, wearing false lashes also helps if you get teary-eyed during your ceremony, as you can wear them with little or no mascara, meaning no smudging. As choosing the right lashes for your wedding look can be challenging, we’re diving into the best false lashes for brides, including the lowdown on lash extensions and lash lifts.

What to Know About Strip Lashes

Removable false lashes are the fastest way to add length, volume and glamour to your eye look, and are a relatively inexpensive buy that looks great on everyone. Strip lashes are the most commonly used false lashes as they are so easy to apply. Tjhese cover the entire lashline in one pre-styled strip, and can be as dense or as light as you like. For example, for your rehearsal dinner or hen do, go for dramatic strip lashes that looks party-ready, but on the big day choose a more natural looking set.

Applied with an eye-sensitive glue, false lashes are great if you’re worried about your mascara running from either heat or emotions. For this reason, they are ideal for destination or summer weddings. Before choosing your false lash set, choose the right glue – it makes a difference – and always patch test. We have a whole post on how to clean and reuse false lashes here!

We like:

1. Huda Beauty Lash Glue as not only is it weatherproof (and tear-resistant) but black too, so no tell-tale white glue popping through, €18.
2. MAC’s Duo Non-Latex Lash Adhesive is more a clear colour than white and contains no latex in case of allergies, €11.95.
3. For a full false lash effect, Sculpted by Aimee’s Full Flutter Lashes are reusable and very glam, €6.50.
4. MAC’s False Lashes No4 are long and feathery for a more natural lash effect, €16.

What to Know About Individual Lashes & Wispies

When shopping for false lashes you might also consider individual lashes or wispies. Individual lashes resemble a few lashes clumped together, which are then glued along the lash line with spaces in between. The beauty of individual lashes is the lash effect is more natural, compared to a full strip lash.

Wispies, on the other hand, are a full strip of lashes but the hairs are different lengths and some with more curl. The centre hairs of a wispie strip can be longer than the rest, creating a wide-eyed effect on the eyes. So you get length and volume that looks totally natural.

Demi wispies are more natural looking, as they have a shorter band for the inner corner of the eyes and a flared and feathery finish at the other end. Our top advice is that if you find the perfect pair before your wedding, buy three or four sets, so you can try them before the big day. Alternatively, buy a bumper pack with multiple sets of the same lash inside.

We like:

1. Lilly Lashes Luxury Synthetic Lite in Chic are multi-dimensional wispies with light volume for a very elegant false effect, €10.45.
2. Sweed’s All Black individual lashes are perfect for the fashion-forward bride, €16.
3. Ardell’s Wispie False Lash Multipack (€27.95) or Eylure Texture 117 Lashes, €17.45 are great bumper packs.

Top Tip: Whatever you choose, be sure to bring a set to your wedding makeup trial so your makeup artist knows how to build the false lashes into your look.

What to Know About Lash Extensions

Lash extensions are popular with brides because they last much longer than temporary false lashes, and might see you through your honeymoon if you take care of them properly. The process is lengthy (two to three hours using 80 to 140 lashes) but customisable, as everything from length, to depth and curl, is decided beforehand.

Salons use mink, silk and synthetic hairs, and faux mink is available if you have an allergy or objection to natural hair. With lash extensions, each hair is attached to a natural lash to make it look like your lashes only better, and there are different tints available, so black isn’t your only option.

Tips for Lash Extensions:

• If you do want the drama of black lashes, your own lashes may need tinting beforehand.
• The life cycle of your own lashes mean they shed naturally every six to 10 weeks, so the lash extensions will fall off too.
• A refill session every few weeks will keep your lashes looking full.
• Follow your technician’s advice to get the most out of your extensions. Do not rub your eyes, and no oily eye products like bi-phase makeup remover.

What is a Lash Lift?

A pre-wedding lash lift might be all you need if you favour a more natural look, or are sensitive to lash glue. Professional salon treatments such as Yumi lashes, Dolly Lash Lift and LVL are like a perm for your lashes, as they lift and curl your own lashes. Most salons will tint your lashes before starting the lifting process. This can take up to 40 minutes as they straighten the lashes first, before setting them in a curl. But as the end result will see your lashes tinted and curled for weeks – just long fluttery lashes with no mascara or adhesive!

10 Steps to Apply False Lashes Like a Pro

1. Measure the lash strip against your lashes, and trim the outer end if you need to, but don’t discard the excess – it can be used as a wispie another time.
2. Choose false lashes that complement your eye shape.
3. Before you apply lashes, curl your own lashes to open up the eye and apply one coat of mascara for a seamless blend.
4. Gently flex the lash strip so it’s easier to bend and attach.
5. After applying lash glue wait 40 seconds for it to become tacky and then add the lash.
6. Use dark or black adhesive if your natural lashes are dark.
7. Apply the lashes as close to the lash line as possible and position in the centre of the eyelid when applying, pressing each end into place.
8. Use tweezers or a lash applicator to squeeze the lashes onto the lash line.
9. Add a thin line of eyeliner to merge the lashes with your natural ones.
10. To remove the lashes, grip the outer end and pull away gently.

For more bridal beauty, see our top tips on makeup and hair and follow us on Instagram. We also have a list of the best makeup artists in Ireland!