6 STEPS TO PERFECT MASCARA APPLICATION

Mascara can really make your eyes pop but it can be tricky to apply. We’ve researched the best steps and products to help you get your mascara on point.

Let’s get into the 6 steps:

  • Be sure lashes and lids are clear of all oils and/or old makeup. Don’t usually use a makeup remover? Since we produce and support natural products our pick is Neutrogena Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover & Cleanser for Sensitive Eyes. It’s a good non-greasy makeup remover that is strong enough to remove old makeup and dirt while being kind to eyes and skin. It can even remove waterproof mascara and is approved by dermatologist & ophthalmologist. It’s reasonably priced and can be purchased at any mass march or drug account for around $5.99.
  • Curl your lashes. We recommend a good old fashioned curler. The nice thing is that these tools are not expensive and you can pick up a good performing one at your local drug store. Maybeline Makeup Masters Eyelash Curler gets good reviews and is only around $4. If you have sensitive eyes, the Tweezerman Classic Lash Curler may be a better choice. The Tweezerman curler costs around $14. Tip: If you want to hold the curl a little longer, try applying a very small amount of Vaseline to your lashes before curling. I recently tried this and it really worked for me. You should be careful to only apply a very small amount as it can make your mascara smudge.
  • Apply lash primer. If your like me, you have never heard of or tried a lash primer. Eyelash primer helps to give your lashes an extra thicker, fuller look.  I purchased L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Primer Base for around $10.00. I chose the pink primer so that I could easily see where to apply mascara but there are primers in black or brown. I found the formula to be a bit clumpy but I applied one coat to my lashes and waited for it to dry. It’s a bit freaky looking without the mascara coat but I have to say that it did enable my lashes to look much longer and thicker. I also found the primer to help hold the curl more than usual. I’m not sure I’d recommend Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Primer as I’d rather have a formula that is less chunky but I do think primer really helps.  Mascara primer is much like beauty oils; they make a big difference and are often left out of beauty regimes. I’m all in going forward!
  • Apply Mascara. It’s important to apply mascara to both the top and bottom lashes. To apply your mascara, look up, place the wand at the base of your upper lashes, and wiggle it back and forth, coating the base of your lashes. Then pull the wand upward towards the tip of your eyelashes, making sure you’re coating every part of your lashes as you pull through and moving slowly to avoid clumping. You can apply multiple coats if you desire but more than likely if you have applied primer, you only need one coat. Note: if you want even more impact apply to the top and under your lashes. We recommend our Grow for It! Natural Mascara. Our ultra rich natural washable formula is enriched with nourishing castor oil, castor wax and other organic fatty acids that stimulate and strengthen lashes while providing amazing clump free volume.
  • Separate your lashes. Its inevitable that some of your lashes may stick together. I personally use an eyebrow Spoolie or a sewing needle to separate any lashes that may have clumped. Tip: You can also take an old credit card and hold it against the base of your lashes with one hand while you swipe on your mascara with the other. This fans out your lashes so they don’t clump together.  If you pull the mascara wand straight up so your lashes gently bend around the edge of the card, you get a bit of a curl in them as well. 
  • Clean up any smudges. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water gets top reviews. It is gentle yet powerful and can even remove stubborn waterproof makeup. Safe for use in the eye area, and for removing longwear lipsticks, while leaving skin clean and refreshed. The micellar cleansing water easily lifts away dirt, makeup, and excess oil. This item can help with any mascara smudges as well as overall makeup removal. You can gently remove makeup without any harmful chemicals or rubbing (which can remove lashes). Tip: Let the smudge dry before wiping it away with a Q-tip. If you don’t have a cleaner you can always dampen the Q-tip with a little water and dab.

In summary, with a little patience, the right products and practice you too can have perfect lashes.

Gentle Reminders: If you liked this type of content and want to see more, scroll to the top of the page, enter your email in the right hand column, and click “subscribe.” To share with friends, use the social sharing icons below. This blog contains affiliate links; both clicking on and purchasing through links help pay for this content.

Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez is a board-certified general practitioner with more than 15 years of patient care experience. She takes an integrative approach to patient care that considers the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and is deeply committed to assisting her patients in achieving and sustaining optimal health. Dr. Vanessa is also a skilled writer and medical reviewer, specializing in preventive care and health promotion. Her articles are written in an approachable manner that is simple to comprehend and implement in one’s own life. Dr. Vanessa’s mission is to equip her patients and readers with the knowledge and resources necessary to live their greatest lives.

Leave a Comment