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Think you know how to apply mascara without any kind of tutorial?
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According to professional makeup artists, thats a no-no (youll see why below).
Yep, thats a thing.
There are also tricks to make shorter, lighter, or thinner lashes appear fuller.
Well even share the secret behind how to apply mascara to your bottom lashes tomake your eyes popeven more.
And we turned to lush-lash expertscelebrity makeup artistsMelanie InglessisandBrandy Allento get their go-to mascara tips too.
Read on before you head to your bathroom mirror and start yourmakeup routine.
Mix and match mascaras to curl, lengthen,andvolumize.
Layering is crucial to get the best overall mascara look.
Not every mascara can do everything, Inglessis tells SELF.
I recommend buying a couple of mascaras that cater to what you need.
Some SELF-approved tubes for adding length:Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening MascaraandMerit Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara.
And for a voluminous look, were intoToo Faced Better Than Sex MascaraandStila Magnum XXX Mascara.
Curl your lashes before you go for the mascara wand.
Always curlbeforeapplying your mascara.
Do it the other way around, and you risk lash loss.
Once your lashes are coated, curling them can easily break them, Inglessis says.
Plus, the curl will look funky because the mascara causes a really sharp, unnatural bend.
Sanitize your lashes to help avoid eye irritation.
These bacteria can contribute to a host of infections, including styes and conjunctivitis.
Yeah, well pass on those.
But see a doctor if it gets severe.
Learn some hacks for preventing and fixing smudges.
If you have oily eyelids, mascara can move, Inglessis says.
Using an eyeshadow primer orconcealeron your lids before applying mascara can help prevent transfer.
Use a lash primer to give shorter lashes a boost.
Going for a more dramatic mascara before-and-after look?
you could make it happen, even if you have short, thin lashes.
And youreyelinercan give you an assist, too.
Use the mascara wand both vertically and horizontally.
But in addition to that, you should also turn your mascara wand vertically to coat lashes.
That way, you might really get to the roots of your top lashes, Inglessis says.
She suggests using a windshield wiper motion along the root of the lashes with the wand held vertically.
Then, use the same method to coat those tiny bottom lashes.
Coat both sides of your lashes.
Light-lashed people, this tip is especially for you!
Typically when you apply a coat of mascara, youre only coating the bottom part of your lashes.
Then, brush them back up from the underside.
Do the top first so you dont weigh the lashes down, Inglessis says.
This way, all 360-degrees of your lashes will be covered in product.
Use a tissue so you dont smudge your bottom lashes.
That way, any excess mascara will transfer to the tissue.
Dont pump your mascara wand back into the bottle to get more product.
This is a classic mascara mistake.
Pumping can bring unwanted air into the bottle, drying out your product and causing a spidery lash look.
Use a twisting motion to get all the product from the bottom of the tube instead.
10. verify excess mascara doesnt end up on the tip of the wand.
Does mascara from your wand always end up smudging in the inner corners of your eyes?
Thats likely because you didnt wipe off that clump of mascara that tends to accumulate at the tip.
A quality mascara with a well-designed wand should not allow for a big clump of product, Inglessis says.
Look in all directions when applying.
In actuality, you should be looking in all directions to get the product even.
Its like anexercise routinefor your eyeballs!
Know that with the right mascara, you wont need to reapply.
Mascara isnt like blush or lipstick, which are easy to reapply throughout the day.
Piling more mascara over mascara thats already dried will likely leave you with a clumpy look.
Unless you have time to redo your entire face, I wouldnt reapply, Inglessis says.
If you need it to last, do a waterproof mascara that stays on longer.
Toss your mascara after three months.
Keratitis (corneal inflammation), styes, and pink eye are also common, Dr. Hilal-Campo adds.
To avoid those uncomfortable eye infections from microbial growth on eye-makeup products, theU.S.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors.
However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
