We love mascara, it can make and break a look and is quite simply the easiest ways to make you, and your eyes, stand out. It can make your lashes look darker, longer, fuller, flirty and fun. Wearing mascara will add depth to your eyes, open them up and give you a hit of glamour that people just can’t quite put their finger on.
The trouble is, if you get it wrong and don’t apply it properly you can look more circus clown than catwalk model. Spider lashes, flaking, panda eyes and running can ruin your look but we have some easy to follow tips so you get it right time after time.
Finding the ‘one’
Just like the perfect jeans or love of your life, finding the right mascara is trial and error and you might have to try a few out before you get it spot on. There is so much choice on the market that knowing where to start can be bamboozling and getting it wrong is so easy.
The main things you need to know are:
Formula curling, lengthening, thickening and volumising are all out there so think about what you want to achieve. If your lashes are short go for a a lengthening mascara, if you are looking for a fuller look choose one with added volume but be aware that there are some products in the shops that do both. If you are heading out in the evening go for mascara that adds curl and volume for a glamorous look, we really like the Diorshow Backstage Mascara in black because it gives lashes a triple-shot of glamour so they are luxuriously thick, lengthened and curved to the maximum.
If you are on the run all day, swim after work, or cry a lot, go for a waterproof product but remember that these are harder to remove so you will need an effective eye make up remover so you don’t wake up looking like a raccoon.
It is also handy to know that waterproof formulas really hold a curl and prevent mascara from smearing during the day. Simply apply your normal mascara first and finish with a coat of waterproof. Stunning.
If you wear contacts or have sensitive eyes it may be best to find mascara that is hypoallergenic to avoid irritation.
When it comes to colour most of us play safe and go with black for a more dramatic, fuller look that lasts all day. If you have fairer skin and don’t want to overwhelm your face, brown / black tones are a good option and if you are looking for a fun look there are a wide range of coloured mascaras to suit every eye colour and skin tone.
Once you have found a product that works for you, follow these rules and you will look like Betty Boo everyday:
Curling your lashes before you apply mascara will create a longer, fuller look and open up your eyes. Start with the curler at the bases of your lashes, press it together, hold for around 10 seconds before repeating with the end of your lashes.
We know everyone does this, but pumping the wand in and out of the pot is a no-no. This will push air into the tube, drying out the mascara and causing clumping and flaking on application. It is far better to twist the wand in circular movement so you get the right amount of product and no trapped air.
Remove any excess product from the wand before you start to apply as this will help avoid clumpy lashes – not a good look.
Before you apply the mascara, bend the tip of the wand so it is perpendicular to the handle. This makes it easier to reach even they tiny hairs toward the inner corner of the eye on both the bottom and top lashes.
Start the mascara process with your bottom lashes or the top lashes will smudge when you look down. When working on your top lashes, look straight ahead and place your wand at the base of your lashes and then use a zig-zag motion while moving the wand up your lashes for a really professional look.
How you hold the brush when applying mascara can make a huge difference to the end result. If you hold the brush horizontally and wiggle it back and forth you will end up with voluminous lashes. Holding it vertically and running the tip of the brush along the length of your lashes will give you a more natural look.
If you have thin or light lashes, coat both sides by alternating between looking up and looking down while applying mascara. This ensures all the hairs are fully covered and also make them look much thicker.
Most mascaras are only meant to be layered twice, three times, at the most. Whilst it is tempting to blast on the layers remember the more likely it will dry mid-application so it will end up looking clumpy and spidery.
Clear up any rouge mascara marks with a cotton bud but do this once it is dry so you don’t end up with smears and having to start again.
Once your mascara is on, add some lashings of lip gloss and enjoy your day.
Last updated on 25/08/2015.