Do you wish your eyelashes were thicker? Do you wish you had Heidi Klum's leg length lashes? Are you afraid that your mascara brush will poke your eyes if you don't know how to apply it? In this article we will show you how to choose and correctly apply the mascara that best matches your lashes and gives you the full, long lashes you desire.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Choosing Mascara
Step 1. Decide what you want from a mascara
There's a mascara for almost every type of eyelash improvement - curl, add volume, lengthen, sharpen, grow faster, waterproof; and many products combine these effects. Take a look at your eyelashes and decide what type of repair is needed.
- For sparse lashes, look for mascara that thickens or adds volume with a large round brush with lots of bristles. You can also find a combination primer and mascara formula, which is perfect for thickening lashes and keeping them healthy.
- If you have short lashes, look for mascara that lengthens with a small brush with thick bristles. A small brush will allow you to apply it close to your eyes and ensure that you coat each lash.
- If you have full lashes but want to make them appear longer and sharper, choose a mascara that lengthens your lashes but has a long brush with evenly spaced bristles to separate your lashes.
- To curl your lashes, try mascara with a curved brush.
- For a natural, everyday look, find mascara with a rubber brush and evenly spaced bristles. Many brands of mascara available at drugstores or pharmacies have this type of brush. The waterproof mascara will likely last all day.
- If your lashes are uneven or damaged, check the ingredients in the mascara. Phyto-keratin and panthenol can help your eyelashes grow. Use a thicker brush on your lashes.
- You only have to use mascara for three months before changing it, so go ahead and experiment with different brands and formulas until you find the perfect mascara.
Step 2. Choose a mascara color
For most, black is the safest. This color gives the illusion of being long and bold, and can really make your eyes pop. But if your eyelashes are red or blonde, choose brown, wear light brown for everyday and dark brown for a more dramatic look.
Experiment with colored mascara. Green mascara can bring out the purple in blue eyes, purple can enhance green eyes, and blue and purple can brighten your skin
Step 3. Buy an eyelash curler, if you like it
If you're serious about getting gorgeous lashes, an eyelash curler is the key. This will lift your lashes and allow more light to hit your eyes, making them look bigger and brighter. It may not seem like it, but an eyelash curler can make a big difference.
Look for an eye curler with round rubber pads, which will help curl your lashes instead of bending them at a sharp angle
Part 2 of 4: Applying Mascara to Upper Eyelashes
Step 1. Curl your eyelashes first
Apply the curler to the base of the lashes and gently squeeze the curler for about 10 seconds. Then slide the curler into the center of the lashes, and squeeze for 10 seconds. Finally, curl the tips of your lashes by squeezing the curler for another 10 seconds. This will ensure that your lashes have a natural curve instead of being bent at sharp angles.
If you don't have a curler or you're too afraid to use it, use your fingertips to push and curl your lashes when they're wet
Step 2. Remove the brush from the mascara tube by turning it back and forth instead of pumping up and down
Twisting will allow the brush to pick up the mascara, as most people think when they pump the brush in the tube. What they actually do is force air into the tube, which will dry out the mascara.
Step 3. Remove excess mascara with a tissue or lip tube
Too much mascara can cause clumping. Wiping the mascara brush slightly will give you the right amount of mascara.
Step 4. Look up to lift your eyelashes
You should still be able to see yourself in the mirror from peripheral vision.
If you're afraid you'll blink when you approach your lashes with a mascara brush, open your mouth. It will be more difficult to blink when your mouth is wide open
Step 5. Place the brush against the base of the lashes and slightly wiggle it back and forth
You want most of the mascara to be applied to the roots, which will make the lashes look longer and prevent them from being too heavy at the tips.
Shaking them will also help lift and curl your lashes
Step 6. Pull the brush out to the tip of the lashes in a zigzag motion, or slightly more wiggle
Zigzags will add length and volume to your lashes, and can reduce clumping.
Step 7. Cover your eyelashes with a second coat
Try to stop here; up to the third layer. The more layers of mascara you apply, the more likely it is that the mascara will dry on your lashes and cause the new coat to clump.
Mix in mascara if you wish; Apply one layer to lengthen, then one layer to thicken the top layer
Step 8. Don't neglect the lashes on the inside and outside of your eyelids
Often times, people only apply mascara to the very center of the eyelid, which can actually make the eyes look narrower. Make sure you apply to the inner, middle and outer lashes.
If you're having trouble reaching deep lashes with a mascara brush, you can very carefully bend the brush to a 90 degree angle or just the right angle (don't worry, you can realign it). This will make it easier for you to brush the inner lashes without smearing your entire face with mascara
Part 3 of 4: Applying Mascara to Lower Eyelashes
Step 1. Take a spoon, tissue, or thin slice of makeup sponge and hold it under your lower lashes
This will allow you to apply mascara without staining your skin.
Step 2. Use the very tip of the brush to apply mascara to the lower lashes
If you have a very small brush, you will want to use it. Using it it will be easier to control the app and get closer to the eye.
If you have brown mascara, consider using it on your lower lashes, even if you use black mascara on your upper lashes. This color doesn't look as heavy as black and can add a bit of dimension to your look
Part 4 of 4: Troubleshooting Common Problems
Step 1. Erase streaks with a cotton bud
If you apply mascara to your face or eyelids, allow it to dry first so you don't spread it and make it worse. Once dry, press the tip of the cotton swab against the stain and twist. This should remove blemishes without messing up your eyeshadow.
Step 2. Separate the clumps with a clean mascara brush
Either use a disposable brush or a clean old brush (wash with soap and water first). Comb the upper and lower lashes, rotating the brush as you sweep forward. This should remove clumps and make your lashes sharper.
- Try to brush your lashes while the mascara is still wet.
- If you don't have an extra brush, use a clean toothbrush to brush off any clumps.
Step 3. Thicken your lashes even further with baby powder
If you don't think you're getting the thick, voluminous lashes you want, try this trick. Apply a coat of mascara, then brush translucent powder or baby powder onto your lashes (you can use a makeup brush or cotton bud dipped in powder). Then add another layer of mascara.
The powder will give the mascara more space to stick, which will allow you to build up more layers
Step 4. Remove your mascara every night with an eye makeup remover
This may not seem like a big deal, but mascara can dry out your lashes at night and cause them to become brittle and fall out.
