When you're new to makeup, applying mascara can be pretty intimidating. Aside from the fact that the brush comes *this close* to your eyes, figuring out how much product to apply to avoid raccoon eyes and whether or not you should bother coating your lower lashes takes a bit of trial-and-error at first.
Flash forward several decades, and many of us can practically apply mascara in our sleep. Still, we're always open to some new beauty tricks that make our lives easier, and we were rather intrigued to learn about a genius mascara trick while recently chatting with Alexis Ferro, Blushington's Lead Makeup Trainer.
Blushington boutiques offer a variety of services, ranging from skincare and hair to makeup. On that front, customers can book makeup applications and lessons. In other words, the team is well-versed in all kinds of beauty tricks, especially ones that can help you step up your mascara application game.
While we were soaking up Ferro's knowledge, we asked her why mascara tends to clump and how to prevent it. We also picked her brain for some tips on making your mascara last all day without smudging and avoiding some common lash product and application mistakes. Here are her top recommendations!
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When applied correctly, mascara on your lower lashes can really make your eyes stand out. Since those lashes tend to be harder to reach than your top ones, Ferro likes to break out a pro tip to ensure application goes smoothly.
After applying mascara to your lower lashes, while it's still wet, apply a bit more product to the lashes on the outer edge, she says. Before they dry, use a tweezer like a tiny comb or nudging tool to physically guide the outer lower lashes in two directions at once: outward (away from center) and slightly together (grouping them into a subtle cluster or fan shape rather than leaving them spiky and separate).
"It will create a more open doll eye look," she says, adding that you should "press together very lightly" rather than pulling.
The makeup expert says this trick has an added bonus of keeping your makeup clean and preventing clumping.
"This will also help the mascara from getting on your skin in your under-eye area," she tells Parade.
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Why Does Mascara Clump and How Do You Prevent It?
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Mascara is supposed to make your lashes look glossy and separated, but sometimes, it ends up clumping and looking more messy than marvelous. If you've ever wondered what causes clumping and how to avoid it, Ferro offers a bit of insight.
"Mascara tends to clump when the product is dried out or when too much is applied at once without letting it dry in between layers," she explains. "To prevent this, you can hydrate the tube with a few drops of micellar water or eyedrops."
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There's nothing worse than putting all your effort into applying a perfect coat of mascara only for it to smudge. Ferro says one easy way to avoid this makeup faux pas is to use a tubing mascara.
"This is the best way to ensure it will not smudge or come off throughout the day," she explains.
Additionally, a waterproof mascara and a setting powder under your eyes can prevent running.
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What Is the Best Way to Layer Mascara for Length and Volume?
Adding multiple coats of mascara can help add length and volume to your lashes, but mastering the art of layering takes some practice and know-how.
For starters, Ferro suggests using one type of mascara instead of layering different products.
"Different brands and different formulas might not mix well together and this will cause clumps on the lashes," she warns.
For optimal layering, Ferro also recommends curling your lashes first.
"Lightly heat your lash curler with a blow dryer before use," she recommends.
Lastly, let each mascara layer dry for 15 seconds in between applications to avoid using too much product at once.
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To make sure your mascara goes the distance, it helps to avoid two common mistakes.
For starters, Ferro says you shouldn't apply mascara before powder or eye shadow.
"I would apply my mascara at the end of my makeup application. This way, no powder or shadow dries on top of the lashes. Once that happens and you try to add more mascara to get rid of the powder, it will end up being clumpy," she says.
Another mistake mascara wearers sometimes make is squeezing their eyes closed when their mascara is wet and then applying a setting spray.
"Your mascara will end up all over your eyes and underneath," Ferro says.
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