Tips for Applying Mascara for the First Time

Applying mascara is certainly not the easiest thing in the world. From smearing globs of mascara on your carefully-shaded eyelids, to stabbing yourself in the eye with the brush, there are plenty of things that can go wrong for the novice mascara user. Despite these potential obstacles, applying mascara is a relatively straightforward process. Once you get the hang of it, it is easier to avoid common mistakes, and clean up the mess more easily on those occasions when it is necessary.

How to Apply Mascara

These simple steps can help you apply mascara correctly the first time. You can use these tips as a guide the first time you apply mascara, or simply to help you out if you are having application problems for some reason.

Step One: Apply mascara after applying women's coats the rest of your eye make-up. Always make sure your lashes are clean and dry before you start applying mascara.

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Step Two: Start the application process by curling your lashes. Spending a few dollars on an eyelash curler is definitely a great investment! An eyelash curler can do wonders for the mascara application process. Be sure to always curl before applying mascara, as trying to curl your lashes when they are coated promotes clumping.

To curl your lashes, place the mouthpiece of the curler over your lashes then squeeze the handles together for a count of five. Start from the base of your lashes, and then repeat the process over the length of your lashes till you reach the tips.

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Step Three: Moving from the inside of your eye to the outside, stroke the mascara wand gently over your upper lashes. Reduce clumping by wiggling the wand slightly as you brush it along the length of your lashes. The wiggling motion not only helps separate your lashes and reduce clumping, it also helps to give your lashes a little more length.

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Step Four: Use an eyelash comb to separate your lashes if necessary. This should be done before the lashes have dried.

Step Five: Apply mascara lightly to your bottom lashes, if desired. Work from the outside of your eye toward the inside.

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Step Six: Repeat steps three to five if you want to apply a second coat. Try applying a second coat over the entire lash length, or over the tips only, to see which works best for you.

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Optional: As an optional final step, carefully reapply your curl with a battery operated heated lash curler, rather than your standard curler. These heated lash curlers are definitely the thing if you want your curl to last all day and all night. If you choose to try this, make sure your lashes are absolutely dry, as curling wet lashes may cause clumping.

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The following are some other variations you can try to give your lashes a different look:

• Try some variations on basic black and brown. Colored mascara is back, and the new season's shades look stunning.
• For a more natural look, apply one or two coats of clear mascara, rather than a color variety. This can work particularly well for blondes who prefer not to use darker colors.
• For any skin and hair tones, use your normal mascara on your top lashes. Apply clear mascara to your lower lashes to add some length and definition for a subtle daytime look.

Application Tips

• Make sure to use the right tools. An eyelash curler and lash comb may not seem like essential pieces of equipment, but they make a huge difference to the final result. Curling your lashes helps open up your eye area, and using a lash brush is the best way to ensure your lashes are well-separated and free from clumps.
• Another tip to help separate your lashes and reduce clumping is to run a clean mascara wand through your lashes after applying mascara. This is a little easier to do than using a lash comb if you are a beginner. You can buy packs of clean wands at most beauty supply stores.
• Mascara smudges very easily on concealers and oil-based foundations. Dust a little powder under your eyes before applying mascara, to help prevent any smudges forming. If you do get smudges, the powder also makes them easier to remove.
• Speaking of removing smudges, do this by lightly swiping or rolling a cotton swab over the smudge. If the smudge is resistant to this method, moisten the swab just a little then try again.
• It is perfectly fine to apply mascara to your upper lashes only. This can be a great look for blondes in particular, and can also help open up small or deep-set eyes.
• Practice applying mascara with a product that's easy to wash off, like E.L.F. Earth & Water Mascara Duo.