Applying mascara is one of the most important steps in your makeup routine. Even when you’re in a rush and don’t have time to do a full face, or if you just like to wear very minimal makeup, chances are mascara is the one product you won’t forget to apply. And it’s no wonder why. It defines lashes, darkens them making them longer, sometimes thicker, and just beautiful. But how do you apply it properly to get the best results? Here are a few tips and tricks..
1. Apply mascara after eyeshadow and eyeliner: mascara should be the last step in your eye makeup routine. First, apply eyeshadow, then line your eyes with eyeliner and finish with mascara. If you apply mascara first, it will smear, flake and just make a mess.
2. Curl you lashes before applying mascara: curling your lashes is not a must (I often forget to do it lol!), but it helps to open up the eyes and make you look more awake. If you decide to use an eyelash curler, then do so before you apply mascara otherwise you’ll end up with lashes that look clumpy and weirdly-bent.
3. Apply mascara properly: applying mascara is easier than it seems. Place the wand at the base of your lashes and wiggle it in a zig-zag motion and drag it up through the lashes. Then, hold the wand on the upper side of the lashes, at the base, and pull through. This will remove clumps.
4. Apply mascara on the lower lashline: if you decide to apply mascara on the lower lashes, which will make eyes appear wider, simply hold the wand perpendicular to the eye and then move it back and forth.
5. Apply a little mascara at a time: start by applying one coat of mascara by using two or three strokes to one eye and then do the other. If you’re not satisfied with the result, proceed with a second coat for a more intense effect. By applying a little at a time, you’ll avoid applying too much. If your lashes become clumpy or spidery then you have definitely used too much product (which also leads to smudges).
6. Get rid of clumps: to avoid clumps, simply wipe the mascara wand with a tissue to get rid of excess product. If you still apply too much, use an eyelash comb to remove clumps.
7. Check for smudges: once you have applied mascara, check for smudges and flakes. If there are any, remove them with a q-tip and, if necessary, retouch your makeup.
8. Use waterproof mascara only on special occasions: waterproof mascara is hard to remove and so shouldn’t be used everyday. All that tugging and pulling when you are taking it off is not good for the delicate eye area and can lead to irritations and even wrinkles. Instead use waterproof mascara only when you’re going to the beach/pool or for special occasions when you know you’re gonna shade a tear or two.
Do you have any more tips or tricks on how to apply mascara? Share them in the comments!
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Great tips! My lashes are so long and naturally curled that they sometimes leave spots on my lids above the crease if I open my eyes too wide when the mascara is still wet. I have to be careful.
Trisha´s last [type] ..How to Find the Red Lipstick Shade That Looks Best on You
Trisha, thanks. That’s a bit annoying but I so envy you for having long and naturally curled lashes! Lucky you!
Great tips Gio!
I loooove mascara 
x
Stavroula Plag´s last [type] ..Review – Johnsons Baby Top-to-Toe Shampoo & Shower Gel
Stavroula, thanks. I love mascara too, it’s a fab product!
Nice post! I’m not sure about the last one, though. I have to wear waterproof mascara most of the time, otherwise it tends to flake on me, plus I like how wp mascaras hold a curl better. I think as long as you have a very good, oil-based makeup remover, it’s ok.
Makeup Morsels´s last [type] ..Presenting- Real False Lashes
Makeup Morsels, I guess if you have a very effective remover that takes everything off gently in just a few swipes then it’s not that bad. It’s the tugging and pulling that’s bad and if you manage to avoid that while taking the wp mascara off it won’t damage skin.
i’ll never wear non-waterproof mascaras, since skin around my eyes tend to be oily, that anything that’s not waterproof, it’ll smudge on me.
i guess as long as you are being gentle enough when removing makeup, it should be fine, it helps if you are using a gentle eye makeup remover too
plue´s last [type] ..Biotherm Aqua Relax Moisturizing Body Emulsion
Plue, I used to wear waterproof mascara often but I found most of them quite hard to remove so I stopped. But yes, if you manage to remove them quickly and gently without pulling/tugging, it should be fine.
thanks for sharing the great tips and tricks.
Fane, you’re welcome.
I love these tips! I agree with using waterproof mascaras infrequently. I have sparse lashes and I can’t afford to lose a strand!
herroyalbleakness´s last [type] ..Got Relatives and Friends in Japan I do
herroyalbleakness, oh yes, that’s another downside of waterproof mascara. All that pulling and tugging just isn’t good for skin and lashes. I so wish they were easier to remove!
Gio, thanks for the tips!! I’m a great fan the lash comb (get a metal one, plastic is useless), it makes even the cheapest mascara actually wearable!
(my routine is: mascara on one eye, comb while wet, mascara on other eye, comb, repeat)
I even comb lash primer when I use it!
Leo, you’re welcome. I love lash combs too, they separate and declump lashes so well. I agree with you that the plastic ones aren’t that good though. And I never thought of using it with a lash primer too, I will have to try it!
this is very useful!
i agree that you should only use waterproof mascara on special occasions
Celeste, glad you find it useful. I love waterproof mascara but it’s a pain to remove so it’s best not to use it often imo.