If you want to apply mascara without clumps, most of the answer lies in what you do before the wand touches your lashes. Too much product on the brush, lashes that are already coated, and a tube that is past its best cause nearly all clumping. A few changes in technique give long, separated lashes.
Before you start
- Start with clean, dry lashes. Old mascara and oily skincare make new mascara stick together.
- Curl your lashes first, if you use a curler. Curling after mascara can break lashes.
- Wipe the wand. Pull it out of the tube and wipe the tip and any blobs on the rim or a tissue.
- Do not pump the wand. Pumping pushes air into the tube, which dries the formula and adds clumps. Twist the wand instead.
Step by step
- Look down into a mirror held below your face, or tilt your chin up.
- Place the wand at the roots of the upper lashes.
- Wiggle it gently from side to side at the base. Color at the roots gives the look of fullness.
- Sweep upward to the tips in one slow movement.
- Repeat across the eye: center, outer corner, then inner corner, using the tip of the wand for small lashes.
- Apply a second coat while the first is still slightly wet. A coat applied over dry mascara tends to clump.
- Comb through with a clean spoolie or lash comb if any lashes have stuck together.
Stop at two coats for everyday wear. Each extra coat adds weight and the risk of clumps.
Lower lashes
- Hold the wand vertically and use the tip to touch each lash lightly.
- Use what is left on the wand. Do not reload it.
- Hold a tissue under the lashes to protect your skin.
Fixing problems on the spot
| Problem | Quick fix |
|---|---|
| Clumps | Comb through with a clean spoolie while still wet |
| Lashes stuck together | Separate with the tip of the wand or a pin-free lash comb |
| A smudge on the lid | Let it dry, then flick it off with a dry cotton swab |
| A wet smudge under the eye | Dab with a cotton swab dipped in micellar water, then touch up concealer |
| Spidery lashes | Use fewer coats and wipe the wand more |
Choosing a mascara that suits you
- Fine, sparse lashes: a lengthening formula with a thin brush.
- Short lashes: a small or curved wand that reaches the roots.
- Straight lashes that drop: a waterproof formula, which holds a curl better.
- Watery eyes, hooded lids or humid weather: tubing or waterproof mascara to prevent smudging.
- Sensitive eyes: a fragrance-free formula, without fibers.
Mascara Buying Guide: Brush Types and Formulas explains brush shapes and formulas in more detail.
Why mascara smudges under the eyes
- Oily skin or rich eye cream breaks the formula down. Keep eye cream away from the lashes and powder lightly under the eyes.
- Long lower lashes touch the skin. Try a tubing mascara, or leave the lower lashes bare.
- The formula may simply not suit you. Try another type.
Hygiene and replacing mascara
Mascara is the makeup product with the shortest life, because the wand goes from lashes to tube every day.
- Replace it about every three months, or sooner if it smells odd, thickens or flakes.
- Never add water, saliva or eye drops to thin it.
- Do not share mascara.
- Throw it away after an eye infection.
- Do not apply it in a moving vehicle. A sudden stop can scratch the eye.
Makeup Hygiene: How to Store and Handle Products has more on makeup hygiene.
Taking it off
Remove mascara every night. Sleeping in it dries the lashes and flakes can irritate the eyes. Press a pad soaked in remover against the lashes for a few seconds, then wipe downwards. See How to Remove Eye Makeup Gently.
If you would like more drama for an occasion, false lashes are an option. See How to Apply and Remove False Lashes. For a complete beginner eye look, see Eye Makeup for Beginners: Easy Steps to Follow.
Related on ArniSun
- Mascara Buying Guide: Brush Types and Formulas
- Eye Makeup for Beginners: Easy Steps to Follow
- How to Apply and Remove False Lashes
- How to Remove Eye Makeup Gently
- Makeup Hygiene: How to Store and Handle Products
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Why does my mascara always clump?
Usually there is too much product on the wand, you are layering over dry mascara, or the tube is old. Wipe the wand, work while the first coat is wet and replace mascara every three months.
Should I curl my lashes before or after mascara?
Before. Curling lashes that are coated in dry mascara can make them stick to the curler and break.
How many coats of mascara should I apply?
One or two for everyday wear. A third coat is possible for evening if you apply it before the earlier coats have dried.