Q&A Beauty

Look and feel your big-day best with help from the professionals

All Of A Flutter

I love the look of false lashes, but I’ve never worn them myself. Should I try them for my wedding day? What advice do you have for me?

Clare says: Yes to trying out lashes, but not on your wedding day, as you may not get on with them. I recommend to all my brides to book a Bridal Creation Session (trial) with myself around two to three months before their big day. This gives us plenty of time to try different lashes and create your desired look.

Factors to take into consideration are your eye shape, whether you have a hooded lid, are a glasses wearer, eye size, allergy to latex (as you’ll find it in most glues). Not to worry if you do have an allergy, as latex-free glue can be used instead. Once we’ve established the look you want to go for, it’s a case of experimenting with a strip lash, small corner clusters, individuals or sometimes, depending on the length of your natural lashes, a lash lift and tint, which can be a game changer!

My professional tips for applying a strip lash are as follows:

•Ensure your lashes are clean and use an eyelash curler to gently lift and curl them, before applying a light coat of your favourite mascara.

•While you allow that to dry, measure your chosen false lashes to your natural lash line and trim any excess.

•Apply lash glue along the false lash line, and allow it to go tacky (around 40 to 60 seconds), then gently apply along your lash line. Top tip: never close your lid fully, always have your eye open and slightly looking down into the mirror, this makes for a neat and tidy fix, with no gaps. Ensure you add light pressure along the lash.

•Then onto the next eye, and once both sets are fixed into place, add more mascara onto your natural lash, lifting them into your false lash. This gives a seamless finish as well as an extra layer of security, keeping your lashes in place.

To find out more, check out our expert’s website: Clare Lake Make-up Artist & Beauty Professional, www.clarelakemakeupartist.co.uk

The Perfect Fit

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I recently tried the Hydrate + Plump collection, formulated with hyaluronic acid. The highlight for me was the Eye Cream (£24.99) designed to visibly lift, smooth and awaken eyes. With a cooling gel-like formula, its doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue, sits perfectly beneath make-up and has visibly smoothed the skin around my eyes while improving the look of my dreaded dark circles. Discover the right products for you at https://rocskincare.co.uk

No Filter

The love for no make-up make-up shows no signs of abating, with TikTok tutorials on the subject gaining 868 million video views. We’re all looking for those minimal, multi-purpose everyday make-up items that enhance the skin to give maximum impact with minimal product, and it’s a notion that’s also made it’s way into the world of bridal beauty.

I love Pearl Beauty’s Setting Powder. Set your make-up to last all day with this lightweight formula that offers the perfect soft focused, almost filtered appearance, while controlling shine without adding any extra weight or texture to the skin. £24, www.pearlbeautycosmetics.com

Pucker Up

Huda Beauty has welcomed its latest innovation and I’m here for it! Huda Beauty Lip Blush: Creamy Lip & Cheek Stain is a must-have for your wedding day as the ultimate go-to for buildable, hydrating, and long-lasting colour. The innovative formula has a plush, light, ultra-comfortable creamy feel, thanks to a boost of hyaluronic acid powder and coconut extract. £21, available in five shades, www.cultbeauty.co.uk