How To Apply Mascara
Mascara is one of my favorite makeup items. It can brighten up your whole face and make you look a lot prettier at minimal effort. However, it’s also easy to apply the wrong way: sometimes women apply it so lightly that you can barely see any difference, or they apply too much and wind up looking like they’re “wearing too much mascara” which defeats the whole purpose of wearing makeup. However, once you’ve gotten the hang of it, applying mascara is quick and easy. Here are some secrets on how to apply mascara properly:
Use a side-to-side motion
Most women just pull the mascara wand straight from the base of the lashes up to the tips. This is the wrong way to apply mascara and the biggest mistake.
Instead of pulling the wand straight up, place it at the base of your lashes, and wiggle it gently from side to side. Then, pull it upwards in a zig-zag motion, moving it from side to side as you move it up.
Moving the wand from side to side will allow more mascara to be deposited nearer the base of your lashes. Your lashes are naturally thicker near the baseline and thinner towards the top.
Applying mascara in this way will make your lashes look more natural. Applying mascara using the traditional upwards motion makes your lashes look like you’re wearing mascara and unnatural.
Always remove clumps from your wand.
Clumpy mascara is the bane of women who like to wear mascara. Clumps stand out on your face and threaten to ruin your look.
Remove clumps at the very beginning – when you pull out your wand, wipe it against the side to remove obvious clumps. Many makeup artists like to use disposable mascara wands, called spoolies, instead o the wands provided with the mascara. Not only is this more hygienic, but it also reduces clumping.
And of course, be stringent about throwing away your mascara after three months. Old mascara tends to be more clumpy, plus it’s not healthy to use after three months.
Use an eyelash comb
Use a clean eyelash comb, a new spoolie, or a clean used mascara brush – run this through your lashes before your mascara has had a chance to dry properly. This will remove any remaining clumps, and will seperate any clustered eyelashes.
Consider using color
Many women use black mascara even when it’s too harsh for them. Consider using dark brown mascara for a subtle look, or purple or green mascara for a bold pop of color.
Use an eyelash curler
If you’re just not getting the desired results from your mascara, consider using an eyelash curler. While using one will take up a few extra seconds of your time when getting ready, they will open up your eyes and be well worth the effort. Some women like to heat their curler with a hairdryer before using – if you do this, always test your heated curler first to make sure it’s not too hot.
Mix mascara types
This is a favorite makeup artist trick. Mascaras are usually either volumizing or lengthening – but not both. In order to get both volume and length, apply one coat of lengthening mascara, followed by one coat of volumizing mascara.
Practice, practice, practice
Mascara is one of those things that you can get the hang of through practicing. Apply mascara even when you’re staying at home – this way, when you have a big date coming up, you’ll know exactly what to do 
About the Author (Author Profile)
Sheila Laporte studied science and economics at university, and is a former tomboy turned girly girl. She likes writing about relationships, science, economics, beauty and fashion. She's happily married, has a dry sense of humor and loves art. Her favorite tv show is Mad Men!Subscribe
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