How to apply mascara correctly and without clumping can be used by any women who uses this makeup tool.
If you’re like most women, mascara is one of your top two or three can’t-live-without beauty products. But even though you may think you know everything there is to know about applying mascara, you can probably still learn a trick or two.
And for the awesome Last Minute Beauty Tricks check out the detailed post to preserve your skin and make it look radiant.
How to Apply Mascara Correctly and Without Clumping Lashes
The best method for applying mascara correctly is a two-step method, says Andrea Q. Robinson, a onetime Vogue beauty editor, beauty industry exec and author.
Step one: Hold the wand close to the lid horizontally and in a quick back-and-forth – almost vibrating motion – move the brush from the roots to the ends of the lashes. This will give you coverage.
Step two: Change the wand to a vertical direction and move back and forth like a windshield wiper. This is for separation and will help prevent clumps.
When Do I Use a Waterproof Mascara?
Waterproof formulas are too tough on your lashes for everyday use, Robinson says. You’ll have to rub hard to loosen the color, and in doing so you risk breaking your lashes.
Save the waterproof mascara for those times you know you’ll be tearing up – like a weepy movie or your best friend’s wedding. And keep in mind that most regular formula mascaras will wear well throughout the day without smudging, and are easily removable with soap and water or makeup remover.
How to Apply Mascara for Volume and Length
Do you have droopy lashes that won’t stay curled? Try curling them twice, suggests Hollywood makeup artist Brett Freedman.
First curl them before you apply mascara. And then give your lashes a second curl after your mascara is on and dry.
My personal trick to lengthen your natural lashes, and even the false lashes, is to apply eye lash primer as the first layer. Then, follow with your favorite mascara over the primer.
The result of such use of mascara over the lash primer is stunning. I am a huge fan of this duet when it comes to mascara tips and tricks for daily use.
Best Way to Apply Mascara on False Lashes
If you’re going to pump up your lashes with individual false lashes, apply them after the first coat of mascara.
“That way you can see exactly where you want a little extra fullness and length. Then apply another coat of mascara to marry your real and false lashes together,” says Brett Friedman.
Using Two Mascaras for Classy A Look
Colored mascara looks gorgeous in candlelight. Purple, blue or emerald mascara “reads black,” until you get next to light, when your lashes show a touch of hue. It’s subtle, but it gives your lashes a little more interest.
Want to know how to do this beauty mascara trick? Use a coat or two of your regular black mascara, then layer just the tips of your lashes with a colored mascara.
Tip: Deep blue mascara looks good on every eye color.
To discover many other aspects that affect your eye health and skin around the eyes, check out this details post on the Best Tips for Beautiful Eyes.
Mascara and Lash Primer Best Product List
This mascara is one of my favorites. It volumizes and hydrates the lashes.
It is also Vegan and Cruelty Free.
I have used this product for the past few years and really like it.
GrandePRIMER coats your lashes to prepare them for mascara application
and boosts its effects. Its formula is smudge proof, water resistant,
and suitable for contacts. It truly is your mascara’s new best friend.
This primer formula is creamy and covers your lashes from root to top.
I like that its formula contains nourishing argan, jojoba, and coconut oils to strengthen and condition the lashes.
It is Cruelty Free and does have a Leaping Bunny Certified by Cruelty-Free International symbol.
This black mascara is Clump free and Smudge free. What does it mean? It means for you that it glides really well along each lash fiber.
It is easy to remove with water or makeup remover.
One more perk: this 4D silk fiber mascara contains gentle ingredients for lens wearers.
It can be used on fake lashes as well.
This waterproof and long-lasting Mascara formula ensures that your eyelashes stay gorgeously long, thick and voluminous all day through rain, tears, and sweat. Stay the length, thickness and volume that last all day!
This hypoallergenic 4D silk fiber lash mascara contains gentle ingredients. Your eyes will be protected by a natural and non-toxic formula. It is safe and friendly for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
No clumping, smudge-proof, long-lasing columinous lash formula will leave you looking stunning.
Your eyes will be protected by a natural and non-toxic formula. This hypoallergenic 4D silk fiber lash mascara contains gentle ingredients that are safe and friendly for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Fiber Eyelash Mascara gives your eyelashes a boost of volume and length instantly, and it provides Defined an Voluminous lashes just in a single application.
Use my trick to apply a layer of this colorful mascara to gain a gorgeously majestic look in an instant.
This 4d silk fiber lash mascara can make your eyelashes look thicker, longer and more charming.
Made with non-toxic ingredients, this mascara is suitable for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes.
Again, use my trick of overlaying a colorful mascara over the black one.
This yellow/golden hue will be a stunning addition for any party and celebration.
Made with non-toxic ingredients, this mascara is suitable for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes.
This 100% natural formula is made with a variety of responsibly sourced ingredients like jojoba oil and community sourced beeswax. These ingredients condition and strengthen the lashes to keep them healthy.
61 thoughts on “5 Things You Never Knew About How to Apply Mascara Correctly And Without Clumping”
great tips. My mascara is sometimes clumpy and I did not know why until now.
Jackline,
Happy to be helpful. Obviously, there are many other ways to do so. But these come from the tested by me.
I always make mistake while applying mascara. Will try your tips next time.
these tips and ideas are truly amazing and lovely one..glad you shared this with us..great work though..
I always apply mascara in two layers, two different brands: a normal one, and one for volume. It makes such a difference and my eyelashes look amazing.
Joanna,
Your way is a great one as well. The difference in formulations give a potent effect – more volume.
these are great information for those who wear mascara
I don’t wear mascara so often but these are great information I would love to know. Thanks!
This is really useful for applying mascara. I am going to have to try some of these out really soon. I like giving my eyelashes a bit of volume.
Jasmine,
I like using mascara with the primer. It really gives them volume and an interesting look. It really amuzes me especially being home and working out of home office.
You’ve got me thinking about colored mascara now because I’ve never tried it before….maybe I should!!
Why not, Hannah?
Colored mascara, when used with purpose, can only add to your sparkle.
Great tips, I’m the worst at applying makeup. I really need to practice. Plus my lashes are super short
Bella,
A really cool trick to extend your lashes is with Primer.
First, add white primer to your lashes, then add your mascara. The results are stunning. I do it frequently.
Mascara makes such a huge difference on the lashes. I usually just stick on fake lashes because i like the more dramatic look. These are great tips though!
Fake lashes can be beautiful, too.
If they are easy and work for you, gosh, run with it!
These are really nice range of products for mascara…thanks for an informative and educative post!
So many of these tips I didn’t know! I remember when I was little, I’d watch my mum put on her makeup and always loved watching her do her mascara.
Emily,
Mascara was always kind of a mystery to me.
The mascaras I watched the grownups were putting on were not a match to the today’s ones.
They were mascara blocks and plastic brushes. Agh, not pleasant.
My skills in using mascara is a bit bad, so I’m really glad you shared these tips with us, thank you!
Just take one tip and perfect it.
I know you can master it all.
Very interesting. I’ve been mostly makeup free since Covid started, however I can’t hold back from applying mascara!
I do not wear a ton of makeup. But I like mascara.
With the skin care routine and mascara, that’s what makes my day.
I’m terrible at applying mascara! These tips help a lot!
Mae,
If you want to master the mascara routine, you can.
Just start applying it.
I would recommend the water-based mascara and a primer to make your lashes look stunning.
These are really amazing tips! Saving this!! Thank you!
Thank you, Toni.
These tips have been tested and proved to work. I use many of them all the time.
Love these tips and I can’t wait to try them. I use very often mascara!
Catalina,
Mascara really adds to the dramatic effect in our lives and in pictures.
These were some wonderful tips! Using waterproof mascara was always my go-to until I saw this post so thank you for sharing!
Kileen,
We all learn from each other.
Glad you can use some of the tips.
Those are some wonderful tips to keep in mind. Some I haven’t even thought about yet and definitely learned something new.
Lyanna,
We learn from each other, which is pretty extraordinary to me.
I rarely use mascara because I am afraid of the clumping and mess. I will definitely be trying this tomorrow!
Marie,
This is the best response ever: if these tips have encouraged you to use mascara, what a bliss!
These are some great tips. I’m glad I read this. I don’t wear a whole lot of makeup, but mascara is one that I do wear. I always hated when it got clumps. I’ll be trying these tips now.
i didn’t know a few of these tips. ive been putting on mascara daily for almost my entire life. super interesting.
Katrina,
Your mascara looks awesome.
But if you picked up one to tow tricks for your mascara pro application – wow, what a pat on my back!
Enjoy, my friend.
I will try this method next time I apply mascara. This seems like it would be mess-free
love all the tips!!! i would totally try them tomorrow! specially number 3
Jane,
I’ve updated my tips and tricks on how to apply mascara.
Have had some time while staying at home.
I will show this to my wife.. she applies it every day!
It’s always a pain for me to apply mascara. My eyes and eyelashes are so sensitive! Maybe this list will help! Thanks!
thanks for sharing these great tips!!!
What a fun list. I didn’t realize there were things to know, but clearly there were, and good/cool things too! I’ll remember the false eyelashes tip when I dress up for Halloween this year (already got my glitter lashes ready to wear). 🙂
Rosey,
Mascara and eyelashes can be amazing for dress-up and daily classic look.
Great tips thank you! I’ve never tried colored mascara before!
It’s so true about the waterproof mascara. I never thought about wearing it only on the days when I really needed it to be waterproof!
I love these tips, thank you! I want to try the colored now.
I can’t wait to try step 2 of tip 1. I’ve never applied that way, but it makes sense!
Great tips! I love my waterproof mascara, though. I find it to be gentle and easy to remove after the day has ended. Also, I find that a lot of people who curl their lashes after putting on mascara end up ripping their eyelashes out, because the mascara, whether wet or dry, tends to clump up on the rubber pad on the curler and stick to your lashes. Maybe it doesn’t happen all the time!
Jessica,
I usually use oil to get the mascara off and to ease the process of removal.
For may daily use, I use light mascara with highlights at the tips of the eyelashes.
I like the tip about using a different color on the tips for night time wear-it will definitely make a difference. All the rest was very good advice especially the fact that regular mascara is just fine-no real need for water proof mascara for every day wear.
Michele,
Take only what you like and need, GRL!
Enjoy!
Great tips. Mascara is absolutely the most difficult part of makeup application, in my opinion.
I have tiny, see-through lashes…these tips are GREAT! Thank you!
These are great tips! I have an issue with my eyelashes curling too much! I am going to try some of these tips though.
Thanks for the tips I have never tried to put mascara on the top of my lashes. I will have to try that. Since the first time I’ve used an eyelash curler, I have not stopped. It makes a huge difference.
Amber,
Mascara could be real fun to play with. I experiment with different products and layers.
I always use waterproof mascara without even thinking about it, great tips.
My lashes are too short to curl, I’ve never even bothered with an eyelash curler. Didn’t know that about the waterproof mascara though.