Mascara is one of the most timeless and classic products within makeup, and it is one of the easiest things to use to instantly transform your entire makeup look into a glam professional end result.
Mascara is the fastest way to draw attention to your eyes, and having long and dark eyelashes will instantly give you a glammed-up feminine look.
So basically, mascara is the VIP of makeup, and it also comes available in many different types of mascara and colors, giving you even more options for your final makeup look.
But, like with everything, there is a certain way to apply mascara in order to get the best results and make the most out of what it adds to your appearance. So how do you properly apply mascara?
Everyone seems to have different tips and tricks, so which actually works?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. With a step-by-step guide and some tips to make your mascara look as amazing as possible…we’ll turn you into a pro in no time!
Bonus: Do you know how often you should replace your mascara? It’s probably not what you think.
Step-By-Step Guide for Applying Any Mascara
If you’re a complete beginner at using mascara, there is no need to panic. Just follow this easy step-by-step guide, and enjoy the instant transformation.
But before we get started, it’s worth noting that mascara is usually one of the last makeup products to be applied. It comes after any other eye makeup that you’re planning on using, and it works as a sort of finishing touch that gives your lashes the extra touch to instantly look better than ever.
1. (Optional) Curl Your Lashes:
Not everyone likes taking this step, which is why it is optional. However, it is highly recommended in order to ensure the best results!
For this, use an eyelash curler, and curl your eyelashes. This will lift and lengthen them, and it will also help the mascara be applied a lot easier, with it also adhering better.
2. Use Some Eyelash Primer:
An eyelash primer will look exactly like mascara, but the product will be translucent, as it is just there to prime the eyelashes beforehand. This will thicken and separate your eyelashes so that they’re ready for the mascara, and it will also help the mascara adhere a lot better and stay on for longer.
Plus, some eyelash primers also help strengthen the eyelashes so that they are healthy and well looked after.
Once you have applied the primer, wait at least 30 seconds before the next step.
3. Apply Mascara on Upper and Lower Lashes:
There are many different types of mascaras with different wands, which affect the application of the mascara onto the eyelashes…but we’ll focus on the basics.
When applying mascara, make sure you first remove the wand from the bottle by twisting it and then wiping off any excess product on the edge. This will help avoid leaving any big clumps of product on your eyelashes.
To apply the mascara to the top eyelashes, look up. Place the wand at the base of your eyelashes, underneath, and wiggle it across. Then run the wand upwards, to coat the entire length of your eyelashes. Some people find that blinking helps to drag the eyelashes across the wand.
To apply the mascara to the lower eyelashes, make sure you are using less product, as the lashes there are thinner and weaker, and do not need as much mascara. Place the wand on top of the eyelashes, at the base, and then drag it outward to cover the entire length.
You can repeat these steps a few times until you get the desired thickness of mascara on your eyelashes. Just remember to not let the product dry in between coatings, so act fast! (This will avoid hurting the lashes themselves).
4. Cover and Separate All Eyelashes:
After you’ve applied mascara on the upper and lower lashes, you will have to go over the corners of your eyes to get the eyelashes in the most awkward positions. For this, you will have to angle the wand a little. Use diagonal strokes, and make sure every eyelash is covered!
5. Clean Up Any Mistakes:
When applying mascara, it’s pretty easy to make mistakes, and it’s normal to get a few smudges of the product here and there. Especially if you have long eyelashes that brush against the top of your eyelid!
So once you’re done, take some makeup remover and clean up any smudges and mistakes carefully, without removing the general makeup you’ve already applied!
6. Let It Dry!
Until the mascara is fully dry, which will take a minute or so, the product is prone to smudging if you blink or rub your eyes. So let your mascara dry before doing anything else!
Tricks and Tips for Improving Your Mascara
Now that you know the basics of how to apply mascara properly, we can give you a few extra tips and tricks so that you can take it to the next level and truly become a pro.
Here are some of our favorite pieces of advice:
- Coat both sides of your eyelashes:
If you want to have a full volume effect for the most luscious lashes possible, then we recommend coating both sides of your eyelashes. So instead of going underneath your upper lashes, and that’s it, also coat them from the top. This will make them even thicker and even darker, for a bolder and more intense end result.
- Holding the wand vertically:
The lower lashes can be tricky to cover properly, as they are a lot shorter. A good trick is to hold the wand vertically, instead of horizontally or at an angle. Then simply run it down each individual lash, and it will be so much easier to cover them all!
- Use a business card or similar:
For those with extra long lashes, it can be super frustrating, as you will almost always get smudges on the eyelid when applying mascara. So a good solution is to use a business card or similar, by placing it between your eyelashes and the eyelid, while applying mascara. Once the product is dry and will no longer stain or smudge, remove the card, and you’re done!
