The lash industry has grown at lightning speed in recent years. With new techniques, trends, and brands launching constantly, it’s becoming harder for lash artists to stand out. To truly stand out from this competitive landscape, joining a lash competition isn’t just a bold move — it might be the smartest step in elevating your lash career.
More than just a creative challenge, lash competitions are career accelerators. They help you grow technically, build your brand, and connect with major players in the industry. In this blog, we’ll break down why every lash tech should consider participating in at least one competition during their career — whether it’s your first online lash competition or a prestigious lash global championship.
What is a lash competition?
A lash competition is a professional event where lash artists showcase their skills in a timed or themed setting and get judged by industry experts. These events can be held in-person or virtually, making them accessible whether you’re in a bustling city or working from a cozy home studio.
There are two main types of competitions:
- Offline (In-person): Held at lash events, trade shows, or hosted by brands. Competitors lash on live models under strict supervision.
- Online lash competition: You submit photos or videos of your lash work following specific guidelines — a great entry point for beginners or international participants.
Popular lash extension competition categories include:
- Classic Lashes
- Volume Lashes
- Mega Volume
- Wispy or Strip-Lash Effect
- Fantasy or Creative Set
- Salon Look (realistic, everyday lashes)
Want to find the perfect style to showcase in your next competition? Check out our Top Eyelash Extension Styles in 2025 to get inspired with trending lash looks.
What do you get from attending lash competition?
1. Build your personal brand
Entering a lash competition helps establish your name in the industry. Even if you don’t win, having your work judged, displayed, or published boosts your visibility. You’ll collect photos, certificates, and feedback that look impressive in your portfolio and on social media.
Brands and clients are more likely to trust a lash artist who’s bold enough to compete — it shows professionalism, confidence, and passion.
2. Gain credibility & trust
When you tell a client or salon owner that you’ve competed in a lash extension competition, you instantly add credibility to your name. It shows that you’re committed to high standards and continual learning.
If you’ve placed in a lash global championship or even a niche competition, it gives you a powerful marketing edge and justifies premium pricing for your services.
3. Level up your skills
There’s no better way to challenge your technique than through a lash competition. The time pressure, detailed criteria, and scrutiny from judges push you beyond your comfort zone.
You’ll refine everything — from your fan creation and symmetry to adhesive control and styling. Many competitions offer judge feedback, so you’ll walk away knowing exactly where to improve.
If you’re new to competing, make sure you’re properly equipped! Use our Lash Extension Kit for Beginners Checklist to get started with confidence.
4. Networking opportunities
A lash competition isn’t just a solo effort — it’s a chance to meet others in the industry. From educators and judges to fellow competitors, these events are filled with people who can open doors.
You might discover a new brand partnership, gain a mentor, or collaborate with a fellow artist you admire. These relationships can lead to guest training spots, ambassadorships, or future job offers.
5. Get featured & promoted
Some lash competitions partner with top beauty brands or lash publications. Competing in a high-profile lash contest increases the chance of being featured by sponsors or publications, boosting your online authority and bringing in new clients.
Being seen on a global platform — especially if you’re competing in something like a lash global championship — can bring in hundreds of new followers and boost your online authority.
6. Career boost: From artist to educator
Dream of teaching one day? Winning a lash competition or placing as a finalist gives you credibility when applying to be an educator or launching your own course.
Many trainers and lash mentors started out by standing on a competition stage. It shows you’re not just skilled — you’re committed to excellence.
7. Challenge yourself & build confidence
Let’s be honest — it’s intimidating to put your work out there. But competing is one of the fastest ways to build confidence.
Whether you win or not, going through the process will teach you more about your skills, mindset, and potential. You’ll prove to yourself that you’re capable of much more than you think.
Should you join a competition even if you’re new?
Absolutely. One of the biggest myths about lash competitions is that they’re only for experts. In fact, many events have separate categories for beginners or junior lash artists.
Even if you don’t feel ready to win, just entering places puts you ahead of 90% of lash techs who never dare to try. The growth you’ll gain is worth every second of effort.
If you’re considering your first competition, knowing how to prepare for lash competition is the key to success. Use these lash competition entry tips to gain a significant edge over the competition:
| Tip for First-Timers | Why It Benefits Your Entry |
| Choose the Right Competition and Category | Benefit: This ensures your focus is realistic and maximizes your chance of placing by allowing you to compete against peers at your current skill level (e.g., beginner/junior categories). |
| Read the Rules Meticulously | Benefit: Avoid immediate disqualification or loss of points due to technical errors, allowing your skill to be the sole focus of the judge’s assessment. |
| Practice with a Purpose Under Time Pressure | Benefit: This simulates the competition environment, training your speed and accuracy so you can execute complex work flawlessly within the strict time limit. |
| Actively Seek Professional Feedback | Benefit: You gain an objective outside perspective from mentors or peers, identify hidden flaws, and apply high-level corrections before the actual lash contest submission. |
| Connect with Experienced Competitors | Benefit: You gain invaluable inside knowledge on logistics, judging expectations, and mental preparation that is often not found in the official rule book. |
It’s more than just a trophy
A lash competition isn’t about being “the best” — it’s about becoming better. It’s your opportunity to push limits, elevate your reputation, and join a community of lash artists who take their craft seriously.
So if you’ve ever felt the spark to do more, to grow, and to be recognized — this is your sign. Step out of your comfort zone and say yes to your first (or next) lash competition.
Get Competition-Ready with CharmLash
Explore our premium lash trays, adhesives, and accessories trusted by lash pros.
Need help preparing for a competition? Reach out to our team or DM us on Instagram — we’re here to support your glow-up!
