From undereye smudges to clumps and flakes, learning how to apply mascara correctly is important for any eye look. There’s nothing worse than applying a full face of makeup, only for your best mascara to end up in smears or black specks across your face. Although using mascara may seem straightforward, there are a few application tips to keep in mind for the best results.
For starters? Make sure your lashes are clean. “For all of my clients, I start with a gentle cleanse over their entire face, including their eyes,” says makeup artist Emily Gray, whose clients include Lana Del Rey and Marren Morris. “I love using Shiseido Facial Cotton Pads, because they’re gentle on the skin and don’t tug or shed, with Sisley Paris Eau Efficace Gentle Makeup Remover. This micellar water takes off any remaining eye makeup, which makes it the perfect prep for any eye or lash look.”
If you use a lash curler, Gray has a few tips on protecting your hairs from damage. “First, I like to start with curling the bare lashes; this is important to do prior to putting on mascara,” she says. “I’m certain that we have all seen those videos of an innocent person accidentally taking off all their lashes with a lash curler and their mascara still wet. Please, curl your lashes prior to putting on mascara.”
Once your lashes are prepped, here comes the fun part: using the mascara wand. To help break down how to apply mascara correctly, Gray shares her best methods and tricks.
Featured in this article
.png)
What is the correct way to apply mascara?
You may be tempted to go straight in with loads of product, but for the best lash look, Gray recommends starting little by little. “I like to take the wand and scrape the excess product off,” she says.” “I prefer to work in thinner layers and build up the lashes.”
Start from the bottom roof of the lashes and “wiggle” your way to the top. “Work on the other eye and allow that coat to dry before adding another layer. Depending on the product, I like about three to four coats of mascara.”
If you like a separated lash look, Gray recommends picking up a lash comb. “For extra definition, I like to take the comb and go through all the individual lashes, making sure there are no clumps. I would just advise being careful as lash combs are metal and sharp. Do not stab yourself accidentally!”
How do I avoid clumps in my mascara?
“Some tips and tricks to avoid clumping are to work in thinner layers and use a lash comb after mascara,” says Gray. “I find using too much product right off the bat causes really clumpy lashes, so make sure you’re taking off the excess product.”
Unless you’re into a clumpy lash look—in that case, pile the product on. “More coats equal more drama, more length,” Gray adds.
Gray loves Catrice Hyper Lash Mascara, which separates lashes for definition, length, volume, and curl. “Plus, it comes in multiple colors and a waterproof option,” she says.
What should you not do when applying mascara?
Avoid starting at the top of lashes. Beginning at the root creates volume and a strong foundation. If your lashes are too top-heavy, the mascara may weigh your lashes down and cause the opposite effect. “It’s super important to start at the base and to build up there,” says Gray. “To get the best, most even layers of mascara, I always recommend starting from the base.”
Should you pump your mascara?
Pumping your mascara is usually not necessary, unless you’re running out of product or want to evenly distribute the formula. “I pump my mascara to make sure I have the product all in the bristles and not just on the tip of the brush,” says Gray. “If it’s a newer mascara, you do not have to do this. There will be plenty of product in the tube, so it’s not necessary.”
How can I prevent my mascara from smudging?
If you have oily skin, you can be more vulnerable to smudging. “Oil breaks down makeup,” says Gray. She recommends trying a tubing mascara with more staying power. “Sometimes waterproof mascara can still smudge on more oily skin types, so I always recommend more of a tubing mascara to people who have this problem. I like the tubing mascara because it’s easy to take off and it stays all day,” she adds.
.png)
