Lesson of the Day: How to Apply Mascara

One question I get a lot from people is what mascara I use. I have somewhat normal size eyes, but I swear when I apply a good mascara, they look so much bigger and brighter. So, I don't leave the house without mascara! 

Here, I share with you my favorite tips and tricks for mascara application

To ace your mascara application, follow these 3 simple steps:  

1. Step 1: Wiggle the wand left to right at the base of lashes. It's the mascara placed near the roots -- not the tips -- that gives the illusion of length.

1. Step 2: Pull the wand up and through lashes, wiggling as you go. The wiggling part is key because it separates lashes.

1. Step 3: In this final step (which I always skip), close the eye and place the mascara wand on top of lashes at the base and pull through to remove any clumps.

Pick the Best Mascara for You

When picking a mascara, you should consider the formula you want (lengthening, thickening, waterproof or non-clumping). 

You should also consider price. You can get a good basic drugstore mascara or spend more money on a luxurious mascara. I find the fancier mascaras go on with less clumping and last longer, but it's likely no one would be able to tell if you were wearing a drugstore brand or a department store brand. I really love the L'oreal Voluminous mascara for a drugstore brand and Lancome's mascara if you don't mind the splurge.

How to keep lashes from clumping:

For some, lash combs are just too much work. But for some makeup artists, they're a great invention and keep lashes glob-free and perfectly separated. To use a lash comb, first apply mascara at the lash base, then wiggle the lash comb through to the tips of your lashes.

Not into the lash comb? Get rid of clumps  by removing excess mascara from the wand. Wipe wand on tissue, this eliminates blobs BEFORE you start.

Another great way to get rid of clumps is to sweep a clean, fresh mascara wand through lashes when they're wet. Either buy new ones or recycle old ones. 

Recycle an old mascara wand if you don't want to bother with spoolies. When you finish a mascara, clean the wand in a cap-full of eye makeup remover, then wash with soap and dry. Keep it clean by washing it whenever you wash your makeup tools.

Don't Be Afraid to Mix Mascaras

A trick makeup artists use to make lashes pop is apply one coat of lengthening mascara, followed by one coat of thickening mascara. Remove excess product with a clean spoolie wand (see above).

Try a Colored Mascara

Basic mascara rules are simple: Black works for everyone but can be harsh on light-skinned blondes. Blondes should opt for brown/black by day and reserve black for night. Burgundy or plum colors make blue eyes pop, as do blue mascaras. Purple mascara looks great on brown eyes.

Use an Eyelash Curler

I cannot live without my eyelash curler. Curling lashes gives eyes the appearance of being wider and brighter. Shoot warm air from your blowdryer on the curler for 3-5 seconds to warm it up before curling lashes. Make sure you curl your lashes BEFORE the mascara so you don't rip out any lashes.  My favorite curler is hands down Shu Umura. 

Use a Mascara Primer

If you want an extra boost, a lash primer is a step well worth it. It makes your lashes appear thicker while conditioning them. I usually only do this step when I have a special occasion. 

Don't apply more than 3 coats!

Usually 2 coats is plenty to make your lashes look their best, however if you must apply a 3rd coat that is the maximum I would recommend. Any more coats of mascara and it will end up looking clumpy and un-natural.