Bridal Makeup: Create Your Own Version of Katy Perry's Sexy, Full Lashes

Bride-to-be Katy Perry has the whole voluptuous lash thing down to a science. Seriously, she's like a mascara commercial on steroids. Want this dramatic lash for your wedding makeup? Read on ...

Grow your own:
Take things into your own hands and amp up what your mama gave you. "All of my clients love NeuLash , $150," says Mary Schook, lash specialist and founder of msapothecary.com. OK'd by derms and ophthalmologists, it gives you longer, thicker lashes while upping shine and elasticity.

Schook also loves Talika's Lipocils Expert, $55 to thicken and repair existing lashes. "Mascara often makes lashes brittle and this helps prevent them from breaking." (It stimulates growth and curls them, too.)

Eyelash extensions:
"These are perfect for brides," says Schook. You don't need mascara, so there's no chance of having raccoon eyes at the wedding. You'll also wake up every morning of your honeymoon looking perfect, she says. Who wouldn't want that? Find a technician at lavishlashes.com.



False lashes:
"Most people find strips easier to apply than individual lashes, but I'm also a big fan of demi lashes," says Schook. Try Ardell Fashion Lashes 101, $4.49. "Their smaller size makes them even easier to apply and they add depth to the outside of the eye for a great cat eye look," she says. If dramatic eyes are what you want for your bridal makeup, these are the way to go.

Schook's tips for applying lash strips:
Step 1: Cleanse your eye area of any makeup or oils so the glue holds firm.
Step 2: If you're using a full strip, measure the lash to the eye and trim. (Strip lashes generally already have adhesive on them to anchor them to the case. Take advantage of the tackiness to practice positioning the lashes.)
Step 3: Curl your lashes.
Step 4: Use liquid eyeliner to draw a thin line as close to your lashline as possible. Allow it to dry. This allows room for any mistakes and helps camouflage the strip.
Step 5: Dot some glue onto the lash box (you're using it like a palette). Wait about 10 seconds for the glue to get tacky, then take a toothpick, or the end of a makeup brush, dip it into the glue and apply a thin coat to the strip of the lash.
Step 6: Using a flat-edged pair of tweezers, guide the strip towards your eye. Keep it at about a 45 degree angle, placing it as close to the root of your lashes as possible. Make sure it's perfectly positioned while the glue is still wet.
Step 7: Lightly curl your lashes again with the strip in place.
Step 8: Apply more liquid liner on top of the false lash and smudge with a brush.
Step 9: Apply mascara from the base of the lash to about mid-lash. (Don't do the entire lash or you'll look like Rupaul's long lost sister.)
Step 10: Comb the lashes so they don't look clumpy.

Are you already blessed with false-looking lashes? Then use these simple mascara tricks to get your longest, thickest lashes might be all you need.

By Alison Rowe