How to Apply Mascara
Mascara can be the key component to making your eyes stand out. It doesn’t matter how beautiful your eyeshadow is, if you forget your mascara no one is going to notice your eyes. On the other hand, if you don’t know how to apply mascara, everyone is going to notice the clumps on your eyelashes and probably the raccoon circles under your eyes. Don’t despair, knowing how to apply mascara is simply a matter of practice and some tips from the experts.
Buy the Right Mascara
It might be tempting to save money and buy the cheapest mascara available, until you get home and put it on only to find out that it smears too easily or doesn’t go on well. It is well worth the money to invest in quality mascara. Some things to keep in mind when purchasing mascara:
- Formula: Some mascaras state that are designed to create extra long lashes, others are for sensitive eyes, while others are for thickening the eyelashes. Make sure you read the label and choose one that is right for you.
- Waterproof: Waterproof mascara is good for people who are going to wear it for a long day, who perspire a lot or are going to be in the sun and perspiration is inevitable. It is more difficult to wash off, but then again that is why you buy it. Women with sensitive eyes should avoid waterproof mascara since it contains chemicals to help make it waterproof.
- Colors: Some women like a variety of colors while others simply want the one they wear everyday and others want a colorless mascara to simply lengthen their eyelashes. Colors can be fun, especially at night for going out. Black is the typical color of choice, it adds drama and creates a sexy, fuller look.
Applying Mascara
Now that you have bought your mascara you are ready to apply it. The first time you do may be awkward; however, you will soon find yourself able to put your mascara on just about anywhere there is a mirror.
First, don’t make the mistakes that many women make and pump the brush in and out of the tube. This not only doesn’t get mascara on the brush it pushes more air into the tube which causes the mascara to clump up and dry out faster. Open the tube and pull the wand slightly out of the bottle but not to where you can see the brush. Twirl the brush around a few times and you will have enough mascara for your use on one eye. Repeat for the second eye.
Check the mascara wound to make sure there are no hairs that could have fallen onto it from your head. If you start applying mascara and there is something on the wand, you will get mascara on your face and have to start over.
Next, start applying the mascara to one eye. Start at the root of the upper eyelid. As you bring the brush up the eyelash, slightly zigzagging as you pull it up the eyelash to help keep the individual lashes separate. If you want your eyelashes to sweep to outer corners of the eye, pull the brush that direction as you apply the mascara.
Apply one or two more coats for the perfect look. You need to apply your second and third coats while the first one is still wet or you will get clumps that are unattractive. This means that you put your second and third coats on quickly and before you move to the other eye.
At this point, some women use an eyelash curler to make their eyelashes curl upwards and out. If you are going to use one, you should do so before the eyelashes dry and then apply a final coat of mascara after you curl.
Once you have the upper eyelashes complete on the first eye, repeat the process with the second eye. You will come back to the lower lashes. This will give the upper lashes time to dry so that if you blink while doing your lower lashes you won’t have mascara underneath your eyes.
Lower Lashes
Now that you have completed the upper eyelashes on your second eye, go back to the first eye and apply mascara to the lower lashes. Use less mascara on your lower eyelashes than you do your uppers. You should start at the base of the lower eyelid and very slowly pull the brush down the eyelash. Repeat with the other eye.
Knowing how to apply mascara is a technique that takes time to learn. You will undoubtedly have better days than others. If you notice you have clumpy eyelashes, check your mascara, it may be time to get a new tube or even switch brands. Pay attention to your eyes at the end of the day also, if your mascara has rubbed onto your skin and you look like a raccoon, you might want to try a waterproof one. In time, you will have beautiful eyelashes just like Cleopatra.