Mascaras

You can have semi permanent lashes without having to use special mascara. I have them regularly as my friend does them. They look amazing. You just need to be aware that you can't rub your eyes & remember to pat your eyes dry after a shower. Apart from that they don't need anything else. Also, as long as they are removed correctly, you wont lose your own lashes. hth

I had the semi permanent ones done to see what they were like but the ones I had were quite natural looking & I like glam/dramatic so I ended up wearing stick on strip lashes.

My friend who owns a salon has just sent one of her beauticians on a course to learn how to do LVL lash enhancing. She is proper raving about it & I think I'm going to have it done! Here's the link she's put on her website about the procedure

https://nouveaubeautygroup.com/lvl/watch-a-treatment/

• LVL Lashes will add length, volume and lift to your natural lashes – without the need for lash extensions
• A completely natural , low maintenance treatment, with no harsh perming techniques
• Treatments take just 45 minutes, and last up to 6 weeks

I had the semi-permanent ones for my wedding and they looked great. They lasted about a week although the salon did say I could go back for them touching up before I went on honeymoon but I didn't have time so I just removed them. I just used normal mascara and used wipes around the eye area rather than the usual flannel that I normally wash my face with. The first night trying to sleep in them is uncomfortable but then they are fine. Have a trial and see what you think, I had them put on for my hen do to see what they were like.

I am going to get lash extensions too. Although testing them way before the day to make sure I like the effect

For mascara, I use Blinc - rain, flood and tear proof!

Hello,

Welcome to the quest for perfect mascara - I have been on this quest for about 15 years! There's a clinique waterproof one in a white tube with a funny wand that both lengthens, thickens and doesn't budge without an oil based remover but my absolute fave of the mo is 'they're real' by benefit. I used to covet their 'bad gal' lash but I've found that it smudges quite badly on the dance floor, but 'They're Real' manages to stay put even through a spin class! I get comments on my lashes loads and asked if they're fake when I use this mascara. I'd give it a wriggle in store and have them plonk some on you for nowt before you buy.

Each to their own about the falsies but I deffinitely couldn't cope not rubbing my eyes all day!

I use They're Real by Benefit too. When I asked whether it was waterproof the shop assistant said water resistant, but I always have trouble removing it even with a top quality waterproof eye make up remover. I've gone for a cheapo Maybeline this time and I can definitely tell the difference.

I echo this about 'They're Real' from Benefit. I always get comments when I use it! I had my MUA stick some individual false lashes on for my wedding day. They were great and came off easily the next day in the shower.

It's funny I've heard such mixed reviews about Benefit 'they're real'! The reviews in mags etc always say it's great but friends who've tried it said it's rubbish, so it's interesting to hear from you girls that people in real life DO actually like it! Is it good in terms of volume and length? I use cheapo Asda or Boots make up wipes though and I find it's a nightmare to take off water proof mascara with those?

Hearing mixed reviews about the semi-permanent ones then, I might see if anywhere else does them, as it sounds like the beautician I spoke to might've given me the wrong information...

It's funny I've heard such mixed reviews about Benefit 'they're real'! The reviews in mags etc always say it's great but friends who've tried it said it's rubbish, so it's interesting to hear from you girls that people in real life DO actually like it! Is it good in terms of volume and length? I use cheapo Asda or Boots make up wipes though and I find it's a nightmare to take off water proof mascara with those?

Hearing mixed reviews about the semi-permanent ones then, I might see if anywhere else does them, as it sounds like the beautician I spoke to might've given me the wrong information...

All salons near me seem to offer some kind of semi-permanent ones (I'm in Leeds). They generally offer the strip lashes (I had these) or the individual lashes which I think last longer and are more expensive. Worth looking into both though.

Le Volume De Chanel is great - I got a tester from a magazine and it's amazing, so many people comment on how nice my lashes look.

The benefit one is meant to be the best selling mascara in the world - I have just ordered it for my birthday as a test.

The semi permanent ones are good although they are a bit annoying after a while (in my opionion) I am thinking of having them done the day before so they still look fresh on the day x

Benefit "They're Real". Its fabulous. I barely have any eye lashes and it makes them look good. Both my sisters and 2 best friends use it too. Each time one of them bought it for the first time they felt the need to tell me how great it is - I was already using it. It's a bit pricey so every time I'm in duty free at an airport I try to stock up. I find it's easiest to remove with proper eye make up remover, rather than face wipes.

Try Cluster Lashes, they last between 3-5 days and look fab. All lash extensions done correctly shouldn't damage your lashes. Maybe go for a consultation with a local beautician

I'm another person who's a fan of Benefit 'They're Real'.

I used to work on the airline so got it cheaper than the retail price but it's a brilliant mascara. Really thickens and lengthens your lashes. Might be worth buy a travel sized one and giving it a try out before you buy the real thing....

I've had semi permanent lashes on myself too - tried before my own wedding day a few years back - and although they look good, I found getting eye make up off a nightmare as the fibres from make up wipes used to get stuck on the lashes, I could also feel them digging into my eyes when sleeping. I didn't enjoy them.

Jen xx

I'm a big fan of Max Factor 2000 calorie, but don't get on at all well with Benefit They're Real.

For volume and length, I really like YSL Shocking, but it does tend to flake, so isn't really 'wedding day' material. In the end, I wore a combo of Max Factor Masterpiece and 2000 calorie waterproof on my big day, and it worked beautifully. I also had my eyelashes tinted before the wedding to make sure they looked really lush and plump before any mascara was applied though, and would recommend this to anyone.

Buy avon mas areas with the silicone brush that separates the lashes alternately get some individual lashes put in ...

I highly recommend max factor false lash effect mascara waterproof - I use it on all my brides and love it. Juliet x

I use Clinique High Impact mascara, best one I've found. However it does run quite easily so I just stick a coat of my cheapo day to day waterproof mascara over the top which seems to work.

I have just seen on the Clinique website though that they do a waterproof version now.

I'm another one who didn't get on with the Benefit mascara

Hi.

The bare Minierals waterproof one is great,

Lynne

I'm a big fan of the BenFit they're real mascara too. Gives a great effect and has staying power. The brush takes a bit of getting used to and I have poked myself in the eye a couple of times (ouch). But you can buy mini trial size versions for £10. Might be worth doing to see if you like it and if you get along with it.

Previously I have also loved Armani's mascaras, they are great. But tres expensive. I also like Lancome Hypnose - but again super expensive. A lot to lay out if you just want to try them and see how they are.

Ooh does anyone know where I can buy the mini trial size benefit one? Thanks for replying everyone, I think I've definitely decided against eyelash extensions as not only are they more expensive than I thought (like £50?!) but friends who've had them haven't given the best feedback, and I think they sound just a bit too much high maintenance for me!

Im still on the hunt for waterproof false eyelash glue though as I wouldn't feel right not wearing falsies on my wedding day.

I'm sure you can buy trial size ones in boots, even the ones that don't have benefit counters

I absolutely love Max Factor false last effect mascara. I haven't used anything else since I discovered it.

YSL Faux cils effet... my fave by a mile. x

I'm gonna sit on the Benefit train aswell its a great value mascara!