Love Island beauty routines aren’t just about what fans see on screen. From fresh manicures to root touch-ups and lash secrets, contestants’ grooming often happens off-camera, shaping the glossy looks that define each series.
Do contestants get manicures and beauty treatments during filming?
Something's definitely afoot, and insiders have spoken up in recent seasons. Season five's Lucy Donlan said in an interview with Capital FM, “Every two or three weeks we’d have nails, hair, that kind of thing done. And we’d get a Maccies as well.”
Love Island’s host Laura Whitmore confirmed to OK! that “on Saturday, when there is no show on, their eyelashes and acrylic nails get redone,” with former islander Kady McDermott corroborating that nails were done inside the villa. Whitmore also noted that while spray tans may not be officially acknowledged as part of the routine, the islanders certainly fake their summer glows inside the villa.
In short, manicures, lash maintenance, hair touch-ups, and other treatments have become a regular rhythm, scripted by production schedules and echoed by former contestants.
The specifics: lash care, extensions, and serums
Many Love Island staples rely on lash artistry, from extensions to serums. Some contestants have leaned into natural lash care rather than heavy extensions. For example, Toni Laites has drawn attention for her long, healthy lashes and her use of a lash serum rather than relying solely on extensions. The Glow For It Lash Growth Serum has been highlighted as a popular secret behind a fuller lash line, shared as she prepared in the dressing room.
Meanwhile, discussions about lash techniques often reference famous alums and their looks. Camilla’s lashes sparked online intrigue; rumors about semi-permanent extensions circulated, but it was later clarified that she does her own false lashes daily. The dedication to that fluttery look became a talking point for fans comparing on-screen glamour across seasons.
In terms of lash products commonly associated with Love Island alumni, Ardell lashes appear frequently as the go-to choice for fluttery, polished looks. The lineup includes Ardell Demi Wispies, Faux Mink Wispies, Naked Lashes, and other styles that deliver a blend of volume and natural definition. Collaborations like Molly-Mae Hague’s with Tatti Lashes also keep the villa’s lash wardrobe in the spotlight, extending the branding beyond the show.
What about overall skin and tan care?
Beyond lashes, fake tanning and skin upkeep are part of the backstage beauty kit. The blue dressing room carpet, the visible tan stains, and the routine of touch-ups all point to ongoing attempts to maintain a sun-kissed, camera-ready glow throughout filming. While exact spray tan protocols aren’t publicly scripted, the consistent summer-bronze aesthetic remains a hallmark of the show’s look.
Tips inspired by Love Island insiders and beauty pros
- Use oil-free lash removers and cleansers to protect lash extensions under sun exposure.
- Choose a lash serum with proven growth support to maintain lash health between extensions or in lieu of them.
- Look for lightweight lash options (like the Demi Wispies or Naked series) for a natural yet polished finish that reads well on camera.
- Prepare the dressing room for easy touch-ups so looks stay fresh during long filming days.
Influential lash trends linked to Love Island alumni
The show’s long-running influence on lash fashion is evident in the popularity of Ardell styles and collaborations. For Molly-Mae Hague, the Everyday Lash by Tatti Lashes remains a best seller, while Maura Higgins is associated with a fuller, glam lash aesthetic that translates well to red-carpet moments. The overall effect is a universal standard for fluttery, eye-opening lashes that fans try to emulate long after the finale.
As viewers, we’ve seen from the villa that the secret to a lasting “Love Island” lash look is a combination of daily maintenance, high-impact lash products, and strategic, non-dramatic enhancements that stand up to high-definition scrutiny.
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In sum, contestants do receive regular beauty treatments during filming, often on a discreet schedule between episodes. Lash extensions may be present for some, while others rely on trusted serums and carefully chosen lash products to preserve a wide-eyed, camera-ready gaze that has become a defining feature of Love Island’s beauty culture.