When it comes to mascara, you want the whole nine yards: length, thickness, and extreme volume. But many are intimidated by this little tube of sticky black stuff, and need to brush up on your mascara applying technique, welcome to Apply Mascara 101. This post is intended as your guide to learning how to properly apply mascara, or to hone your mascara applying skills in order to apply mascara the way the professional makeup artists do. These simple mascara tips can give you long, thick, voluminous eyelashes that last all day every day
Mascara - Eye Makeup Removers - Waterproof Mascara (if necessary) - Eyelash Comb - Eyelash Curler - Facial Tissue - Cotton Swabs
Step foot in the mascara section in any drugstore and you’ll be faced with a very wide selection of types, colors, and brands of mascara, enough to make your head spin. You could be tempted to go with “fancy” with no regard to “practical”, but you’ll be better served if you think ahead. Consider the different mascara choices that present themselves to you and select one based on the occasion you’ll be wearing it and the type of your lashes. Lengthening, thickening, long-lasting, curling, waterproof, all those are possibilities. As a general rule, daytime occasions require you add length, whereas when going out at night you might want to opt for a long-lasting formula, or a thickening one.
As for color, if you’re a blonde or redhead, brown mascara is a good choice for you. If your lashes are of a dark color, you can mix it up: choose brown for casual circumstances, and black for for more a more striking look. As for brands, if you feel more comfortable with a specific brand, go for it, but avoid giving the brand more importance than the appropriateness of the mascara you’re considering.
Apply all other eye makeup BEFORE applying your mascara. To curl your lashes, you’ll need an eyelash curler. The best way to use a curler is to get as close to the eyelash line as you can without pinching your eyelid, crimp and count to five slowly. Walk the curler down your lashes as you pump, so you don’t get a harsh bend. Depending on the length of your lashes, do this repeatedly until you have curled all the way out. Most people can do this 2-3 times.
First of all, be sure you are working on a clean canvas, this canvas being the eyelashes. Remove the wand from the tube in one pull. Pumping the mascara will push air into the tube, potentially drying out the formula and introducing bacteria into it. Don’t waste mascara by wiping it off a tissue. Instead, wipe the extra product off on the opening of your mascara bottle.
Start by applying the wand to the base of your outer lash. Draw the wand gently up to the tips. Repeat this step, moving to the middle and inner lash. Always hold the wand parallel to your eyelid. Roll the brush slowly on the upward stroke to promote separation of the lashes.
For the lucky girls with thick and long lashes, one coat will probably do. For girls with thin and/or short lashes, let the first coat dry, and go for that second coat. Always allow the first coat of mascara to dry before applying the second coat.
Finish by applying one coat to your bottom lashes. This really opens up your eyes. In any case, use less mascara for the lower lashes. Begin where the lashes meet the rim of the lower eyelid, and gently stroke downward. If your lashes are super short, skip the bottom lash.
Gently use a mascara comb to de-clump. The eyelash comb will separate the wet lashes. Also blot the lashes with tissue paper if necessary to remove excess mascara. Use your fingernails to remove any bags of mascara that have collected onto the tips of your lashes. Use a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of eye makeup remover to clean up any smudges around the eye.
For Thicker Eyelashes. Holding your mascara in a horizontal position, apply your mascara at the base of the eyelash line and “wiggle” your brush all the way up to the top of the lashes. The bristles of the wand will seperate lashes. This way, you’ll get mascara on each individual lash, instead of clumping five eyelashes together.
For Longer Eyelashes. Hold your brush in a vertical position, apply your mascara pulling the brush up, this will feel odd at first but it definitely works.
Comb. A lot of inexpensive brush sets come with a plastic lash comb. Do yourself a favor, throw it away and find yourself a metal comb. This will straighten out any mascara mess you may have gotten yourself into. Like the commercial says, you don’t want tarantula leg eyelashes!
If your mascara is too thick, it is probably time to buy a new tube. Thicker mascara is harder to apply and often gives your lashes the kind of spider look that isn’t too appealing.
To get more product on the mascara wand, place it inside the tube and twirl it. Do not pump it in and out, as this will pump air into the tube and cause your mascara to dry out faster.
Finally, don’t try and apply mascara without using a mirror. It will most likely go wrong.