Many of us are constantly on the hunt for the Holy Grail of mascara as well as the best way to apply it. We eagerly await every new product launch, hoping for better results than the last. However, you cannot believe the ads since many stars and models often wear false eyelashes!
Even though a great mascara will help a lot, the secret to great lashes goes much deeper than that. Details, such as how you handle your mascara wand and care for your natural lashes, can make a big difference.
Therefore, I am sharing my best mascara secrets to give you the best-looking lashes ever. Pair these tips with the best mascaras, and you will get the luscious lashes of your dreams.
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Different Types of Mascara
With mascara, you can instantly make your lashes look gorgeous. Whether you want length, volume, or curl, there is a mascara formula for you.
Mascara enhances the eyes in many ways. Besides darkening the lashes, it can also lengthen and volumize them. As a result, your eyes will appear larger and brighter. Additionally, fuller lashes give the eye area a more youthful appearance.
Most mascaras contain formulas that offer multiple benefits, such as length and volume or curl and length. Generally, mascaras fall into three categories:
- Volumizing mascaras can give you a lot of thickness and often add additional length.
- Lengthening mascaras add length to the ends of your lashes to open up your eyes.
- Curling mascaras add flair to flat lashes and add volume.
So, how do different mascara formulas work their magic? The brush is the key to applying mascara. Sparser bristles will add more product to the lashes, which can be overwhelming or clumpy for those with fewer lashes.
Wispier, denser bristles will comb the product through your lashes for more definition and less clumping. You may also want a mascara wand that deposits more product and makes your lashes more dramatic if you have naturally long lashes.
How to Apply Mascara
- Apply mascara in layers. Begin by applying two or three strokes to one eye and repeat with the other eye. Rotating this way a few times will give you gorgeous lashes! It may take some trial and error to figure out the right amount. If you overdo it, your lashes may become clumpy and spidery. Practice will give you perfect lashes!
- Try the wiggle technique for thick, full lashes. Simple, but it works! Wiggle the brush back and forth at the roots of the lashes and then pull upward to the tips. Doing this creates the appearance of density at the lash line and adds length.
- Use a clean mascara wand or spoolie brush to comb through lashes. It will remove any excess mascara or clumps and help separate the lashes. It is also great for refreshing lashes before applying more mascara. Just spritz the brush with water. Wiggle it across your lashes to soften dried mascara, then apply your second coat.
- Replace your mascara three to six months after you open it. It is important from a hygiene perspective. Older mascara formulas begin to flake, clump, or smear.
- Write the date you first use the mascara somewhere on the back or bottom of the tube. You may forget how long you have had the product. This ensures you are using the mascara in its prime.
- If your mascara consistently smears, switch to a lesser emollient eye cream or concealer. Rich moisturizers, eye creams, or creamy concealers can cause mascara to break down and smear (even waterproof versions).
- Use a cleansing balm to take off your mascara and keep your lashes in good shape. Even using a good cleanser will tug and pull at the lashes. Doing this daily may pull at the delicate lashes. This can increase eyelash fallout.
What to Avoid When You Apply Mascara
- Do not pump the wand. It forces air into the mascara and causes the formula to go bad too quickly.
- Do not add water or other liquids to thin out or remoisten your mascara. Doing this can create a breeding ground for bacteria you do not want to be in contact with your eyes.
- Do not forget to apply mascara to the lower eyelashes. With the mascara wand parallel to your eye, move the brush back and forth over the lower lashes. Use a clean mascara wand to finish removing any excess mascara.
- Avoid wearing waterproof mascara every day. Removing waterproof mascara requires tugging and wiping around the eye area. Doing this consistently will cause the lashes to fall out and the skin to sag. Sure, waterproof mascara has its place, but think twice about wearing it every day.
- Avoid curling your lashes after applying mascara. Curling your lashes after putting mascara can pull hairs out. Instead, use an eyelash curler before you apply mascara. It will avoid unnatural-looking, severely bent lashes that clump.
- Do not judge a mascara by its price. Expensive mascaras are not necessarily better than inexpensive mascaras. Mascaras from the drugstore are often as good if not better than those from the department store. There is no need to waste money, and it definitely will not help you get longer lashes.
- Finally, do not share your mascara with anyone. You have no idea what type of eye infection your friends may share with you. Better to be safe than sorry (no pink eye, please!).
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