9 Common Mistakes You’re Probably Making With Your Mascara

12 hours ago

9 Common Mistakes You’re Probably Making With Your Mascara

Tired of panda eyes and spider lashes? Ahead, we’re going lash to lash and workshopping your mascara technique.

Base? Check. Lips? Check. Cheeks? Check. Your beat is almost there! We’re just onto the finishing touch: Mascara. It’s just one or two coats—nothing crazy, of course—and it’s going to tie everything together, right? Right? 

Alas, here’s the pickle: Instead of full, long lashes, you’ve got two hairy spiders and/or a big ‘ol mess brewing on your lids. But, how did we get here? Whether it’s a skill issue, a fault of your formulation, or just plain bad luck, something is letting you down. The good news is that every mascara woe can be remedied! Ahead, find out what you’re doing wrong with your mascara routine (and how to fix it!):

Mistake #1: You’re using a tube that’s past its due date

Newsflash: Mascaras have a shelf life of three to six months once opened. Did you hear us? We said three to six months, max, and not a moment longer! We cannot stress this enough—if your tube has been tucked away in your makeup bag for any longer than that, please chuck it. Immediately. 

We know it feels like you’re throwing money down the drain, but it’s cheaper to buy a new mascara than it is to treat an eye infection! And, if you find that you’re throwing away almost-full tubes every refresh day, opt to instead shop for travel sizes when repurchasing—you’ll waste far less product that way.

Mistake #2: You’re pumping your wand

This is an easy mistake to make, but once you know better… quit it! Pumping your mascara tube is a huge no-no because it introduces air into the formulation, which dries it out quicker.

Instead, to pick up more product, reinsert the wand into the tube and swirl it around to get an even coating on the wand. No pumping required!

Mistake #3: You’re using ill-fitting wands

Fun fact: There are six distinct eye shapes in the world, and countless little variations that make your peepers unique to you. As such, you need to find a wand that works with your anatomy, not against it. While thick, curved wands work wonders for those with rounder eyes and thick lashes, they could leave those with hooded eyes and monolids with messy and uneven applications. 

As a general rule, the best wands to use (especially for beginners) are thin, straight (or straighter), and flexible. Our picks? Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara or Dear Dahlia’s Paradise Dream Lash Defining Waterproof Mascara. 

Mistake #4: You’ve picked the wrong formulation for your lashes

Once again, considering your anatomy is crucial when it comes to mascara. If you find that your mascara tends to smear throughout the day and you have hooded eyes or monolids, it’s time to switch to a waterproof formulation. Alternatively, if you find that your thin lashes look clumpy with mascara, it’s worth looking into a less viscous formula. Our best tip is to play around with different formulations until you find one that actually works for you!

Mistake #5: You’re not removing excess mascara

If you find that, no matter what formulation you use, your lashes always end up clumpy or spidery, the problem may be the amount of mascara you’re using. Before applying, make sure to remove excess product with a tissue or by scraping the wand against the edge of the tube—this will help you get a more even layer upon application.

Mistake #6: You’re not tightlining your eyes properly

Is there a gap between your eyeball and your lashes? If so, please reach for your nearest gel eyeliner and fill in the blanks. Skipping tightlining will leave your eyes looking unfinished and unpolished. Alternatively, if you’re too squeamish for tightlining, at least wiggle your mascara wand at the base of your lashes before pulling it through the lengths to make sure that you’re filling in the blanks in your waterline as much as you can!

Mistake #7: You’re picking unflattering shades for your colouring

Black mascara is a tried and true staple for a reason, but if you’re a low contrast person, it actually might not be the best lash colour for you! It’s worth experimenting with deep and lighter browns or even plum shades in order to discern which hues suit you best.

Mistake #8: You’re not experimenting with bold shades

Speaking of colour choice, if you’re not rocking electric blue or bright pink on your lashes, you’re missing out! We’ve waxed poetic about coloured mascaras to no end, and for good reason—not only are they an easy way to elevate any beauty look from boring to avant-garde, but they’re a great way to add a subtle pop of colour into your routine.

READ: How to (Safely) DIY Your Own Coloured Mascara

Mistake #9: You’re skipping your bottom lashes

This really comes down to personal preference, but—in our humble opinion—enhancing the lower lashes with mascara is one wholly underrated step in any eye makeup routine. It’s just a nice finishing step, giving the illusion of wider, brighter and more open peepers.

And there you have it! Nine easy changes to make to your makeup routine that will totally elevate your lash looks.

For more makeup reads, click here.

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