Mascara is one of the first makeup products many of us learn how to use. If you wear mascara on a near-daily basis, the way you brush it on is second nature to you. But we bet you don’t spend much time doing it – and even less time wondering if you’re doing it right! However, if you notice it regularly results in clumps, it’s time to revisit how to apply mascara.
Choose the right formula
Mascaras come in a range of formulas (lengthening, volumising, curling, or waterproof) with different brush types. It’s important to choose the right mascara for the lash look you’re after. For example, if you try to achieve volume by using a lengthening mascara, it’s going to create clumps because you’ll need so many coats.
Best all-rounder: XtendLash Mascara, $28
Best for length: Double-Ended FibreLash Mascara, $22
Best for volume: FatLash Volumising Mascara, $22
Best for waterproof: Waterproof Full Lash Mascara, $22
Prepare your lashes
It’s essential to apply mascara to clean lashes. If there’s any trace of existing mascara, it will get caught in the coat you’re applying and cause clumps. Use a cleanser or makeup remover to ensure your lashes are completely clean. Next, prepare your lashes for lift-off by styling them with an eyelash curler. This step helps your lashes appear longer and curlier, as though you’ve come from a lash lift appointment.
Comb Eyelash Curler, $15
Coat the wand properly
The biggest mascara faux pas is pumping the wand in the tube to pick up product. Doing so introduces more air into the formula, and as you know, that’s going to impact its performance. Instead, twist open the tube, give the wand a gentle swirl, and then lift upwards in one smooth motion.
It sounds counterintuitive, but the trick to achieving luscious-looking lashes is using less mascara, not more. If you apply too much, it’s likely to result in clumps. For this reason, mascara tubes have built-in stoppers to prevent too much product from coating the brush. You should also use it to wipe off excess product from the brush.
Use the correct technique
If you apply mascara at blink-and-you’ll-miss-it speed, your work won’t be precise. By taking a little more time with it, you can create better results with fewer clumps.
Begin by placing the brush horizontally against the base of your lashes. Use a zig-zagging motion to pull the brush from root to tip, coating and separating each lash. Then turn the wand 90 degrees so the brush is vertical. Gently coat the tips of your lashes and any short lashes you may have missed. A vertical brush position also works well for reaching those hard-to-get bottom lashes.
Time your next coat
There’s a sweet spot for when to apply your second coat of mascara. The first coat needs to be slightly dry, but not so much that it has fully set. This takes about 30 seconds – and it’s no coincidence that it takes about that long to work on your other eye! Time it perfectly by following this order:
- First coat, first eye.
- First coat, second eye.
- Second coat, first eye.
- Second coat, second eye.
Two coats of mascara should be enough to give your lashes the look you’re after. Applying more increases the chances of it clumping.
These steps might take a bit more time than usual, but they’re sure to help you apply mascara like a pro and reduce the chance of clumping. That’s definitely worth the effort!
