How to Apply Mascara

Guide Note Regardless of your eyes' shape, size or color, a coat of properly applied mascara can make them look bigger and brighter. How to Apply Mascara will show you how to choose the right mascara, obtain the best results and avoid the dreaded clumps and smears.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Step 1: Pick the Type and Color
• Step 2: Prepare Your Lashes
• Step 3: Apply the Mascara
• Tips and Tricks
• Conclusion
• References

Mascara Application Tips

1. Choose a mascara color that complements your eyes or simply go with basic black.
2. Select a formula that will prevent smudges and plump or lengthen your lashes.
3. Try a hypoallergenic, waterproof formula if you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses.
4. Curl your lashes before applying mascara for added definition.
5. Press a layer of powder under your eyes to help prevent smearing.
6. Apply the mascara from base to tip with a wiggling motion to coat the lashes.
7. Use a lash comb to remove clumps.
8. Replace mascara once a month to avoid the growth of bacteria that can irritate sensitive eyes.

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Introduction

• Whether you want a natural daytime look or a dramatic one for night, mascara can help lengthen, thicken and curl your lashes for beautiful results. Selecting the proper formula and applying it correctly is the key to obtaining striking, expressive eyes.¹

Step 1: Pick the Type and Color

• Picking the proper mascara color and formula will help you complement your eyes and improve the condition and look of your lashes.

Choose the Type

1. 

   (Creative Commons photo by ookikioo)
   Waterproof Mascara: Consider it for the smudge resistance and longer wear.²
   • -The formula uses sealants to coat lashes and prevent smearing.³
   • -Try a hypoallergenic waterproof mascara if you wear contact lenses since it won't flake, irritate eyes or damage the contact lenses.⁴
   • -You'll need waterproof makeup remover or another oil-based product to remove it.⁵
2. Thickening Mascara: Use it to add volume to skimpy lashes.⁶
   • -The formula uses films, waxes and heavy pigments to plump lashes.³
   • -Consider using a single coat since excessive thickening mascara can clump and flake off.³
   • -Thickening mascara can be removed with mild makeup remover liquid or pads.⁷
3. Lengthening Mascara: Use it to extend and tint the tips of your lashes.⁸
   • -The formula uses a thinner composition with waxes or fibers to make lashes appear longer.³
   • -Only apply two layers at a time since lengthening mascara can clump and flake if applied too heavily.⁹
   • -Thickening mascaras that use fibers to build lashes may flake and irritate eyes.³

Choose the Color

1. Select a color that's a shade darker than your lashes.¹⁰
2. Use basic black regardless of your lash color for a dramatic look.¹¹
3. Opt for lighter colors like brown or soft black if if your hair and complexion are fair.¹²
4. Try different colors like blue or burgundy for a variety of effects.¹³

Step 2: Prepare Your Lashes

• After you've applied your other eye makeup, like eyeshadow and eyeliner, get your lashes ready to accept the eye-defining mascara.¹⁴

1. Apply powder under your eye to prevent smearing and help remove stray mascara.¹⁵
2. Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler for added definition.¹⁶
3. Apply a coat of eyelash primer for extra conditioning and length, if desired.¹⁷

Step 3: Apply the Mascara

• Follow these simple steps to achieve a natural, yet voluminous look.

Add the Mascara

1. Sweep the wand under your lashes from the base of the lash to the tip.¹⁸
2. Wiggle the wand slightly back and forth to coat the lashes and minimize clumping.¹⁹
3. Consider coating the top of your lashes for extra definition.²⁰
4. Check your mascara in natural light after each coat to see if you need another. Excess mascara can lead to "spider eyes."²¹

Remove Clumps

1. Sweep a lash comb or dry mascara wand through your lashes to remove clumps, wiping the comb with a tissue to clean it between uses.²²
2. Wipe your mascara wand periodically to remove excess mascara that can clump on your lashes.²³
   • 
     
     
   • YouTube: How to Apply Mascara (Time: 1:13)

Tips and Tricks

• Consider the following tips to improve the shelf life, safety and application of your mascara.

1. Create the effect of wider eyes by applying mascara to the bottom lashes.¹⁹
2. Avoid pumping the mascara wand in the tube, which can cause the product to dry out and become harder to apply.¹⁹
3. Replace your mascara once a month to avoid the build up of bacteria that can irritate sensitive eyes and potentially cause eye infections.²⁴
   • Replace it sooner if you notice a change in its smell, color or consistency.²⁵

Conclusion

• By following the same basic steps and suggestions whenever you apply mascara, after your shadow and liner, you'll be able to achieve eye-catching results every time.²⁶

References for How to Apply Mascara

1. ↑ Suite 101: How to Apply Mascara
2. ↑ iVillage: Top 10 Favorite Waterproof Mascaras
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4} Prevention: Going to Great Lengths
4. ↑ New York Times: Contact Lenses and Makeup (March 7, 1987)
5. ↑ Cosmetic Chemist: How to Remove Waterproof Mascara
6. ↑ Beauty & the Bath: Mascara Makeup Reviews  
7. ↑ Cosmopolitan: How to Remove Mascara  
8. ↑ Walmart: Mascara 101
9. ↑ Mascaras.com: Lengthening Mascara
10. ↑ Kohls: Choosing Colors
11. ↑ Walmart: Mascara 101
12. ↑ Kohls: Choosing Colors
13. ↑ Makeup For Life: How To Choose Mascara
14. ↑ iVillage: Flawless Eye Makeup
15. ↑ Genius Beauty: Mascara Application Secrets
16. ↑ Beauty Tips: How to Curl Your Eyelashes  
17. ↑ Expert Village: How to Apply Eyelash Primer (Time: 2:28)
18. ↑ Sacha Cosmetics: Applying Mascara
19. ↑ ^{19.0 19.1 19.2} About.com: 15 Mascara Tips and Tricks  
20. ↑ YouTube: How to Apply Mascara (Time: 1:13)
21. ↑ Connected Photographer: Beware of Spider Eyes
22. ↑ Makeup Moxie: The Ultimate Mascara Secret
23. ↑ About.com: Fixing Clumpy Lashes  
24. ↑ Acuvue: Basics for Healthy, Comfortable Eyes
25. ↑ Self: Beauty Q&A
26. ↑ Styles101: How to Apply Mascara