Looking for a simple way to give your wedding day look some oomph? Consider lash extensions. They can be full enough so you don’t need mascara and waterproof, so you avoid black streaks running down your face during teary-eyed nuptials. We talked to expert Nathalie Smith, founder of MYNC Beauty in Toronto:
Why can lash extensions be a good idea for brides?
They don’t need mascara so it provides a makeup look that isn’t going to smudge or melt from the “I Do” to the emotional speeches.
Will they last from the wedding through to the end of the honeymoon?
We see a lot of brides who are either having a destination wedding or they’re heading out on their honeymoon shortly after the wedding. Eyelash extensions are fully waterproof and they last for several weeks, making them a great option for time spent on the beach. It’s low maintenance but yet you look glamorous.
How does the application process work?
Appointments are typically one hour and can cost from $90 to $195 for the initial set. Brides should arrive without wearing mascara or eye makeup. We can, if necessary, remove product from the lashes, but it can affect how well the adhesive adheres.
Is the application standard or are there options?
Your lash stylist will do a consult with you. The lashes are highly customizable with various curls (from soft curl to very dramatic), thicknesses and lengths (from 8mm to 15mm long). It’s all about creating a look that’s right for the client.
What about taking care of them?
Once the lashes are applied, clients should keep their lashes dry for 24 hours to allow the bond time to cure.
How long will they last?
The lashes will begin to fall out naturally after two to three weeks in one of two ways. They’ll either de-bond on their own through normal wear and tear or will fall out with your natural lashes. When that starts to happen clients can come back to us for a fill.
Can you use mascara with lash extensions?
You can maintain your normal beauty routine; you just want to make sure you aren’t using oil-based products, as the oil will break down the lash bond faster. You can use a mascara – just make sure it’s oil-free. Same thing goes for cleansers, liners and shadows. Nothing too creamy or smudgy around the eyes should be okay. Most lash providers will have safe mascaras in the lounge that you can pick up on your way out.
What is the most popular style or lash look?
We see a lot of brides. Some like a very natural look and just add two coats of mascara. Some brides are all about the drama.
Whose celebrity lashes do clients currently covet?
Kardashian lashes are extremely popular. Many clients come in wanting lashes like Kim’s. That mega-volume look is definitely a hit. Our most popular package, though, is a lot more natural. It’s pretty but translates well from office to evening.
Are there any downsides to lash extensions, such as an allergic reaction?
Allergic reactions aren’t common but can happen. I recommend to brides that they come in a week or two before their wedding and give the lashes a start. That way they have the extensions on for rehearsals and the events leading up to the wedding. Then a day or two before the wedding, a bride could come in for a fill. This let’s the bride know that she won’t have any issues.
Where to find them?
Eyelash bars (like MYNC) are popping up in major cities across Canada and existing beauty bars are beginning to offer lash services, too. Like MYNC, Caryl Baker Visage (the OG beauty bar) has begun offering lash extensions to clients and has seen huge success. With locations in Toronto and Calgary offering lash extensions, Caryl Baker Visage’s certified lash stylists use Xtreme Lashes to create a custom lash-look for you based on your personal style, desired look and natural lash density.
Originally published in Today’s Bride magazine, Fall/Winter 2015.
