The Mascara Guide: How To Apply Mascara

When it comes to eyelashes, much like eyebrows, no two pairs are quite the same. Just like the hair on your head, lashes can be thick or thin, full or sparse, curly or straight, long or short, and a full spectrum of colors. For this reason, mascara formulas differ just like shampoos and conditioners to give you the end result you want.

From lengthening to volumizing, there’s a mascara for every lash type and every effect. Whether you’re unsure how to apply mascara or which formula is best for your lash preferences, our Global Artistry Lead, Janeena Rumsey, shares her mascara application tips.

How To Apply Mascara

Wondering how to apply mascara for the best-looking lashes? Here are some artistry tips that will get your lashes looking extra in just a few swipes.

Always start by curling your lashes before application. Follow with Lash Thickener and Conditioner if you’re going for a full lash look and let this dry. With the mascara wand, start at the base of your lashes and wiggle it back and forth to coat the lashes evenly while keeping them separated. To prevent your mascara from clumping, let each coat dry for about 30 seconds before adding the next. To remove clumps, run a Spoolie Brush through the lashes to separate.

“To give your eyes an extra lift and a slight winged effect, concentrate most of your mascara application towards the tail end of lashes—outer cluster, and really load them up with pigment for extra drama," adds Janeena.

“For a more open and rounded effect, apply an extra coat (or two) to center lashes. Or for longer looking lashes, apply an extra coat to just the tips of lashes."

If you love length and volume don't be afraid to layer to different formulas. "Try layering our Lash Lengthening Mascara and Volumizing Mascara or use one for upper and the other for lower lashes,” she shares.

Never share your mascara. A tube of mascara is good for about a year after opening, but with regular use, it should only take about 3 to 6 months to finish one up.

 

 

The Best Volumizing Mascara 

This formula creates a darker and full lashline while creating a volumizing effect with its thick, oversized wand. The tapered end makes applying to the lower lashes easy. Volumizing Mascara is available in one shade: black.

“For the ultimate volume effect, apply your mascara with your brush facing up and outward. This helps to get every lash. Get in at the base of your lashes and wiggle up for even distribution,” shares Janeena.

The Best Lengthening Mascara

This mascara formula is ideal if you’re looking to add length and definition. The long, flexible, silicone brush head is very gentle and evenly distributes pigment over the entire length of the lash. Lash Lengthening Mascara is available in one shade: black.

“To make sure you’re getting good lash separation and to avoid clumping, wipe off any excess formula by scraping the brush against the lip of the wand before applying,” adds Janeena. “Fan out the lashes by starting at the outer corner of your eye, and pull lashes up and out with brush. Move to center of the eye and pull upwards. For shorter lashes on inner eye and lower lashes, try holding the brush vertically and use the tip to coat and separate.”

The Best Water Resistant Mascara

This water resistant, lengthening, volumizing formula delivers high-impact color and conditioning bamboo and provitamin B5 with a straight, spiralized wand for even application. The mascara won’t stand up to a dunk in the swimming pool, but it will stay put for a few tears. This is a great option for anyone with excessively oily lids, as oil comes from the base of the lashes and breaks down your makeup, leading to smudging. Water Resistant Mascara is available in one shade: black.

How To Prime Lashes

Pre-game your mascara with a mascara primer. Lash Thickener & Conditioner is a lash conditioner that adds thickness and volume to the lashes prior to mascara application. It goes on white but will be totally covered after you add your usual mascara. The difference is instantly noticeable.

How To Remove Mascara

Use a cotton pad to remove your mascara and wipe downward in the direction of your lashes, not upward as this can damage your lashes and even pull them out. 

Always be gentle when removing makeup around the eye area. Don’t tug, scrub, or rub.

Use a gentle formulation like our Gentle Makeup Remover and keep eyes closed as you easily remove all traces of eye makeup. For more stubborn, water resistant formulas try a cleansing oil like Essential Cleansing Oil.

Have fun experimenting with different effects, mixing and matching your favorite mascaras to create an eye statement that's all you.