On Definition: How to Apply Mascara

Mascara is the one product almost everyone owns and few apply to its full effect. Done with a little technique, it opens the eyes, adds volume and length, and takes fifteen seconds. Done in a hurry, it clumps, smudges, and flakes. The good news: the fixes are small and specific.

How do you apply mascara properly?

Apply mascara by placing the wand at the base of your upper lashes and wiggling it side to side as you sweep up to the tips — the wiggle at the root deposits colour where it adds the most volume and lift. Do one to two coats, and let the first dry slightly before the second.

Starting at the root and wiggling is the whole secret to volume; sweeping only the tips gives you spidery, sparse lashes. Look down into a mirror to reach the base, and pull up and slightly out toward the ends. Our Le Mascara is built to build without clumping when applied this way.

How do you apply mascara without clumping?

Avoid clumps by wiping excess product off the wand before applying, using thin coats, and not overloading the tips — clumping is almost always too much product at once. If a clump forms, comb it out with a clean spoolie while it's still wet.

Never pump the wand in and out of the tube (it forces air and dries the product); twist it instead. Two thin, wiggled coats beat one thick one every time. Keep a clean spoolie nearby to separate.

How many coats of mascara should you use?

One to two coats is ideal for most looks — the first coat defines and lengthens, the second builds volume. Beyond two coats, mascara tends to clump, flake, and weigh lashes down rather than adding more.

Let each coat dry for a few seconds before the next so they build cleanly rather than smearing together. If you want more drama, a lash primer or false lashes does more than a third coat.

How do you make lashes look longer with mascara?

Make lashes look longer by wiggling at the root, sweeping fully to the very tips, and coating the outer lashes slightly more to elongate the eye — a lash curler before mascara adds noticeable lift and length.

Reaching the tips is where length reads; many people stop short. Curl first, then apply from root to tip, concentrating a touch more on the outer corners to open and lengthen the eye shape.

How do you stop mascara from smudging?

Prevent smudging by letting mascara fully dry, not touching your eyes, and choosing a smudge-resistant formula if you have oily lids or watery eyes — a light setting under the eye also helps. Waterproof formulas resist smudging most but are harder to remove.

Most under-eye smudging comes from oil transfer or applying moisturizer/concealer too close to the lash line. Set the area lightly, and let mascara set fully before you look down or blink hard.

FAQ

What's the correct way to apply mascara? Place the wand at the base of the upper lashes, wiggle side to side, and sweep up to the tips — one to two thin coats. The root wiggle adds volume; reaching the tips adds length.

How do I stop my mascara from clumping? Wipe excess off the wand, apply thin coats, don't overload the tips, and comb through with a clean spoolie while wet. Twist (don't pump) the wand to keep the product from drying out.

Should I curl my lashes before or after mascara? Before — always curl on bare lashes. Curling after mascara can break coated lashes and ruin the curl. Curl first, then apply mascara from root to tip.

How many coats of mascara is too many? More than two usually clumps, flakes, and weighs lashes down. One to two thin, well-applied coats look fuller than three heavy ones. For more drama, use a primer or false lashes.

How do I apply mascara to my bottom lashes? Use the tip of the wand and a light hand, holding it vertically to coat the short lower lashes without depositing too much. Less product prevents smudging under the eye.

Divina's volumizing mascara for lift and definition: Le Mascara →. For fuller lashes over time, Le Sérum Cils.

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