Opulent eyelashes are to makeup what the strapless gown is to bridal fashion.
“Lashes are all the rage,” Elizabeth says. “It’s a very strong trend that shows no signs of slowing down.”
There are a number of ways to get the look, depending on the bride’s budget and timeline. Will you achieve luxurious lashes with the help of strip lashes or extensions? Or will you grow your own through the magic of stimulating serums?
Lash extensions, in which individual lashes are attached to your own, will last through your honeymoon and a few weeks beyond. Expect to pay about $200 for a full set of 80-100 lashes per eye and $100 for a demi-set of 45-60 lashes per eye.
Serums such as GrandeLASH-MD and City Lash start at about $65 for a three-month supply and take approximately four weeks to work their magic. The serum is applied like liquid eyeliner to the base of the top lashes only. You also can dab a little on your brow line to stimulate hair growth in sparse patches.
Elizabeth favors Ardell strip lashes—“they look like mink”—and are available at Target, Walgreens and Sally’s beauty supply stores for less than $5. Eylure also offers a line of lightweight, pre-glued lashes sold in both continuous strips or clusters at Ulta and other outlets.
Sweringen often applies lashes in individual clusters, then finishes with several coats of waterproof mascara.
If Mother Nature has blessed you with naturally long lashes, mascara is all you need. Napoleon Perdis Mesmer-Eyes waterproof mascara, found at Nordstrom and various beauty stores, lengthens and curls lashes and won’t run or smudge no matter how many happy tears are shed.
Waxing or threading produces a polished brow line, forming a natural frame for the eyes. The goal is to clean up the brow line, not reduce it.
“Brows are thicker this year, more filled in,” Sweringen says. “The very thin arched brow has fallen out of fashion.”
Because tweezing and waxing can cause temporary redness, Elizabeth recommends getting brows in shape well before the big event.
“Brows must be waxed at least five days before the wedding,” she says.
Insider Beauty Tip: If you add mascara, discard strip lashes after one use. If you don’t use mascara, you can wear lashes multiple times.
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