How to Apply Mascara

Think about what you're hoping to achieve with mascara. There are many different types of mascara that enhance lashes in various ways – from adding volume, length, definition, and promoting growth, to providing waterproof protection. Some formulas offer a combination of these benefits. Look at your lashes and decide which aspect you'd like to improve.

• If your lashes are thin, opt for a volumizing mascara with a large, round brush and plenty of bristles. You can also find mascaras that contain nourishing ingredients to strengthen your lashes while thickening them.
• If you have short lashes, choose a lengthening mascara with a smaller, dense brush. A smaller brush will help you apply the product more precisely to each lash.
• If you already have thick lashes but want them longer and more defined, pick a lengthening mascara with a long wand and evenly spaced bristles that can separate each lash.
• If your lashes are uneven or damaged, check the ingredients for products containing phyto-keratin and panthenol to help promote lash growth. Use a larger brush to coat your lashes more thoroughly.
• Remember to replace your mascara every 3 months. Feel free to experiment with different brands and formulas until you find the one that works best for you.
• Use waterproof mascara only for special occasions, like pool parties or watching tear-jerking movies. Waterproof formulas are hard to remove and may dry out your lashes, making them brittle.

Choose the Right Mascara Color. Most mascaras are black, as the dark shade creates the illusion of thicker, longer lashes and highlights the eyes. However, if your lashes are red or blonde, brown mascara might be your best option. You can wear lighter brown mascara for everyday looks and dark brown for a more dramatic effect.

• Experiment with colored mascaras. Green can bring out purple hues in blue eyes, purple enhances green eyes, and blue can brighten your complexion.

Use an Eyelash Curler Before Applying Mascara. If you want truly stunning lashes, the secret is an eyelash curler. It lifts your lashes, allowing more light to reach your eyes, making them appear larger and more radiant. It may sound unbelievable, but a good eyelash curler can make a significant difference.

• Look for a curler with a round rubber pad that curls your lashes without creating kinks.

Expert's Advice

EXPERT ADVICE

Laura Martin, chuyên gia thẩm mỹ, trả lời: "Dùng kẹp bấm mi trước khi chải mascara. Nếu bạn chải mascara trước khi bấm mi, mascara có thể bị vón cục hoặc dính vào kẹp bấm mi."

Lấy cọ mascara ra khỏi ống bằng cách vặn tới lui thay vì nhấc lên nhấc xuống. Động tác vặn giúp mascara dính vào cọ mà nhiều người cứ tưởng rằng nhấc lên nhấc xuống mới là đúng. Thực ra, khi làm vậy, họ sẽ chỉ đẩy không khí vào ống và làm khô mascaara.

Remove excess mascara onto a tissue or the mouth of the mascara tube. Too much mascara on the wand can cause your lashes to clump together. Gently wipe off the wand, leaving only a small amount of mascara on it.

Look up to lift your lashes. You’ll still be able to see your reflection in the mirror through the outer corners of your eyes.

• Open your mouth if you tend to blink when applying mascara. It's harder to blink when your mouth is open wide.

Place the wand at the base of your lashes and give it a gentle wiggle. Apply most of the mascara at the root of your lashes to make them appear longer without weighing them down at the tips.

• Wiggling the wand while applying helps curl and lift the lashes for a more voluminous effect.

Brush the mascara towards the tips of your lashes using a zigzag motion or continue to wiggle the wand. The zigzag movement helps extend and thicken the lashes while minimizing clumping.

Apply another coat of mascara. Try to limit to one or two coats at most. The more you apply, the more likely the mascara will dry out on your lashes, causing the new layer to clump.

• Mix different mascara formulas. For example, apply a lengthening mascara first, followed by a thickening mascara. Test it at home before going out, as some mascaras may not blend well together and can cause clumping.

Don't forget to apply mascara to the inner and outer corners of your lashes. Many people focus only on the middle section of their lashes, which can make the eyes appear smaller. Remember to coat the lashes at the inner corner, the middle, and the outer corner.

• If you struggle to apply mascara to the inner corner, carefully tilt the wand at a 45-degree angle (don't worry, you can straighten it back out). This will make it easier to coat the lashes at the inner corner without smudging mascara on your face.
• You can also apply mascara to the underside of your lashes for easier application.

Use a spoon, tissue, or a thin triangular makeup sponge under your lower lashes. This will help you apply mascara without smudging it onto your skin.

Use the tip of the wand to apply mascara to your lower lashes. It's best to use a very small wand if possible, as this gives you better control and allows you to get closer to the lash line.

• Consider using brown mascara on your lower lashes, even if you've applied black mascara to the top. Brown mascara will open up your eyes and look softer, preventing the heavy, dramatic effect of black mascara.

Fix makeup mistakes with a cotton swab. If you accidentally smudge mascara onto your face or eyelid, wait for it to dry before attempting to fix it. Trying to remove it while it's still wet will only make the mess worse. Once dry, dab a bit of moisturizer on the tip of a cotton swab and gently press it onto the smudge. Lightly rotate the swab to clean up the stain without disturbing the eyeshadow underneath.

Loosen clumps with a clean mascara wand. You can use a disposable mascara wand or repurpose an old one (be sure to wash it first with soap and water). Brush the lashes from root to tip, twisting the wand as you move forward. This technique will help break up clumps and give your lashes a sharper, more defined look.

• Try to do this while the mascara is still wet for the best results.
• If you don’t have a clean wand, you can use a toothpick to break apart clumps instead.

Thicken lashes with baby powder. If your lashes still don't look as thick as you'd like, here's a trick: Apply an additional coat of mascara, then dust translucent powder or baby powder onto your lashes (you can use a makeup brush or the tip of a cotton swab to apply it). Follow up with another coat of mascara.

• The powder will help the mascara adhere better and add volume to your lashes.

Remove mascara every night with eye makeup remover. It may seem like a small detail, but leaving mascara on overnight can dry out your lashes, making them brittle and more prone to falling out.