False Lashes for Brides: Lifestyle Tips for the Big Day

Eleven a.m. wedding toast. I was a bridesmaid, and the bride had just hugged me. I laughed, then hiccuped, then cried a little. My lashes? Perfect. The bride's lashes? Also perfect. But I've seen brides lose a lash in the middle of a hug. And I've seen a gorgeous pair of falsies end up on a piece of cake. It doesn't have to be like that. These lifestyle tips are the things I ask every bride about before her wedding day.

THE 3 BIGGEST BRIDE LASH MISTAKES

One — applying falsies on the day while already wearing makeup. You need a clean lash line. Two — choosing a lash that fights your eye shape. A heavy lash can make hooded eyes disappear. Three — forgetting to blot your eyes throughout the day. Tears are the enemy. Each one leaves a trace of salt that can loosen the glue over time.

YOUR 4-WEEK BRIDAL LASH TIMELINE

Four weeks before: test two or three lash styles with your daily makeup. Take photos from every angle.
Three weeks before: practice applying and removing them. You should be able to do it in 10 minutes.
Two weeks before: wear the lash for a full evening. Eat, dance, laugh. Cry in front of a mirror if you have to.
One week before: cut your lash to your eye shape and store them in a safe place.
The night before: clean your eyes thoroughly, and skip any heavy eye creams.

HOW TO MAKE LASHES SURVIVE TEARS, SWEAT, AND HUGS

To survive tears, keep a tissue folded in half and press it against your lower lash line, not your eyes. Sweat? Set your lash adhesive with a hair dryer for 10 seconds. Hugs? When you hug someone, tilt your chin up so your lashes don't brush against their shoulder. Sounds silly, but it works.

FAQ

How do I keep a lash from lifting in photos?

Use a strong adhesive and press down with tweezers once the lash is in place. Then take a flash selfie to check.

What if I cry during my vows?

Pat, don't wipe, and try not to rub your eyes. Use a tissue under your eye to gently dab away tears.

Can I wear falsies if I have sensitive eyes?

Yes, choose lashes with a hypoallergenic adhesive and a thin, flexible band. Test them at least two weeks before the wedding.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BRIDAL LASH

For your wedding day, you need lashes that are lightweight, have a flexible band, and hold their curl after being worn for 12 hours. You also need a style that doesn't overpower your face in real life, because your wedding photos will include both close-ups and distance shots. Test every lash by wearing it from 2 p.m. to midnight.

THE BRIDAL LASHES I RECOMMEND TO EVERY BRIDE

I've worn many lashes through weddings — as a guest, a bridesmaid, and a bride. PHANSTA LASHES are the only ones I've never seen lift or flake on a wedding day. They're light, soft, and made to move with you. If you've been hunting for a lash that survives the tears and the toasts, these are it.