Luscious Lashes: Mascara Application Techniques
By Wander Beauty | Sep 26, 2022
Get the “WOW” factor with the help of your trusty mascara wand. This makeup staple can transform your look in just a few swipes, giving you the long, luscious lashes you’ve always wanted.
Join us as we take a look at professional application techniques, the best mascaras for lengthening, defining, adding volume, and treating your lashes, as well as our best-kept mascara tips and tricks.
How to apply mascara like a professional
Discover what you've been doing wrong and the best application techniques with these simple steps.
Prep your lashes
Make sure your face is clean, and there is no old mascara on your lashes. During your skincare routine (and before applying any makeup), prime your lashes by gently applying a small amount of lash primer or light oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, using a dedicated eyelash wand.
Before applying highlighter or eye makeup, use a lash curler to lift the lashes and create an illusion of greater length. Get as close to the lash line as possible without pinching your skin.
Apply eyeliner to the lash line
To create the appearance of thicker lashes, use eyeliner or black eye shadow and apply a thin line at the very base of the lash line to the outer half of the upper lid. Tightlining the upper lid – which involves applying eyeliner beneath the lashes to the inner lash line – will do this nicely.
Apply your mascara the right way
Here's our step-by-step guide on how to apply mascara for long, full lashes:
- Rather than starting mid-lash and making sweeping upward strokes, start the wand at the base of the lashes, as close to the roots as possible (without getting in your eye, of course).
- Gently wiggle the wand side to side, combing upwards as you go. Start from the inner corner of the eye and move towards the outer edge to separate the lashes and prevent clumping.
- With each stroke, start with an open eye, then begin to close your eye slowly as you move the wand upwards to help cover the full length of the lashes.
- Give extra attention to the outer lashes and the tips of the lashes (which tend to be thinner) to achieve a wide-eyed look.
- Repeat this process on the bottom lashes – start at the root, wiggle side to side in a downward motion, combing the lashes from the inner eye to the outer.
Your lashes should look full, long, and clump-free.
Clean any smudges
Because mascara is the finishing touch to your eye makeup look, you will already have applied eye shadow by the time you put on mascara. If you accidentally create smudges around your eyes while applying mascara, wait for it to dry before cleaning it off, as wet mascara will only smudge more.
Once the mascara smudges have dried, take a clean eyelash wand and very gently scrub the smudges using the softest part of the wand. This should remove small smudge marks. If there are still smudges remaining, dip a cotton swab in some face cleanser or makeup remover, or wrap the cotton bud in a makeup remover wipe (making sure there is no excess product on the swab). Then carefully wipe the smudge marks, and grab an application brush to blend the area again.
More top mascara tips
Once you've got your application technique down, use these clever tricks to keep your lashes on fleek.
1. Choose the right mascara
The last thing you want from your mascara is flaking, running, and smudging, which makes choosing a good mascara essential. When choosing a mascara, avoid formulas that contain any harmful ingredients such as heavy metals or tons of preservatives, opting instead for formulas that contain eyelash conditioning substances like vitamin E, pantheon, and castor oil. You’ll also want to look for lightweight and long-wear formulas and choose one that matches your needs – volumizing, lengthening, or conditioning.
Explore our favorite mascaras in the section below.
2. Add heat
If your favorite mascara is starting to get clumpy (and hasn't yet reached its expiration date), you can bring it back to its desired consistency by immersing the tube in a glass of hot water for a few minutes. Just make sure the cap is tightly secured.
3. Declump
If your mascara looks a little clumpy, simply comb through your lashes to separate and remove any clumps. Ideally, you’ll want to have a few clean eyelash wands on hand for this, but if you’ve run out, you can use an unused toothbrush (preferably a mini one) to comb through your lashes.
4. Twirl it
When it comes to getting mascara on your wand, you want to twirl it, not pump it. Pumping your wand in and out of the tube forces air into it, which causes unwanted bacteria to enter your mascara. Instead, pull the wand upward, gently twirling it on its way out to evenly distribute the product.
5. Keep your lashes healthy
Good mascara and proper application techniques don't only make your lashes look luscious, but they also help keep them healthy. Still, it's important to avoid scrubbing your eyes every night and losing a bunch of lashes while you're at it. To avoid this, you’ll want to use an oil-based eye makeup remover or gentle facial cleanser that contains natural oils. This is the best option for removing your mascara, as these products can help slide the mascara off the lashes without irritating the sensitive skin around the eyes or pulling out individual lashes.
B.O.M. Voyage Cleansing Balm is a comforting balm that transforms into a luxurious oil and rinses off as a gentle milk. Formulated with evening primrose oil, jojoba seed oil, and pear fruit extract, this nourishing cleanser is ideal for removing makeup. To remove mascara and eye makeup, simply squeeze the balm onto a damp cotton pad, hold the pad to your eye for a few seconds (allowing the formula to saturate your lashes and lids), then gently wipe down. Follow this by washing your face as usual.<product>1</product>
Our favorite mascaras for all your needs
- Best volumizing mascara: Unlashed Volume and Curl Mascara is an award-winning formula designed to create dramatic volume. The domed tip lifts and curls even the smallest lashes, while the lash-loving ingredients such as peach leaf and licorice root extract strengthen and condition. It's clump-free, smudge-proof, and long-lasting, giving you full, flirty lashes.<product>2</product>
- Best lengthening mascara: Mile High Club™ Length and Define Mascara helps lengthen and define lashes in a single swipe. The precise bristles enhance every lash for a fanned-out effect, providing you with flake-proof and water-resistant wear all day long. Nourishing castor seed oil and strengthening trehalose help keep your lashes healthy and luscious.<product>3</product>
- Best thickening mascara: Upgraded Lashes™ Thickening Mascara will give you noticeably thicker lashes while preventing lash loss and delivering longer, fuller lashes in just 14 days! Using copper peptides to increase collagen production and ‘Widelash’ – a powerful combination of two active ingredients that stimulate growth and help repair damaged hair – your thick, healthy lashes are just a few swipes away. It’s also a great mascara for sensitive eyes.<product>4</product>
Discover the best voluminous mascara and more at Wander Beauty
Shop Wander Beauty to discover your favorite skincare and makeup products. We guarantee clean, cruelty-free, and skin-loving ingredients to help you stay gorgeous on the go. You can also check out The Wanderess Edit to get your fix on all things beauty.
Luscious Lashes: Mascara Application Techniques
Get the “WOW” factor with the help of your trusty mascara wand. This makeup staple can transform your look in just a few swipes, giving you the long, luscious lashes you’ve always wanted.
Join us as we take a look at professional application techniques, the best mascaras for lengthening, defining, adding volume, and treating your lashes, as well as our best-kept mascara tips and tricks.
How to apply mascara like a professional
Discover what you've been doing wrong and the best application techniques with these simple steps.
Prep your lashes
Make sure your face is clean, and there is no old mascara on your lashes. During your skincare routine (and before applying any makeup), prime your lashes by gently applying a small amount of lash primer or light oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, using a dedicated eyelash wand.
Before applying highlighter or eye makeup, use a lash curler to lift the lashes and create an illusion of greater length. Get as close to the lash line as possible without pinching your skin.
Apply eyeliner to the lash line
To create the appearance of thicker lashes, use eyeliner or black eye shadow and apply a thin line at the very base of the lash line to the outer half of the upper lid. Tightlining the upper lid – which involves applying eyeliner beneath the lashes to the inner lash line – will do this nicely.
Apply your mascara the right way
Here's our step-by-step guide on how to apply mascara for long, full lashes:
- Rather than starting mid-lash and making sweeping upward strokes, start the wand at the base of the lashes, as close to the roots as possible (without getting in your eye, of course).
- Gently wiggle the wand side to side, combing upwards as you go. Start from the inner corner of the eye and move towards the outer edge to separate the lashes and prevent clumping.
- With each stroke, start with an open eye, then begin to close your eye slowly as you move the wand upwards to help cover the full length of the lashes.
- Give extra attention to the outer lashes and the tips of the lashes (which tend to be thinner) to achieve a wide-eyed look.
- Repeat this process on the bottom lashes – start at the root, wiggle side to side in a downward motion, combing the lashes from the inner eye to the outer.
Your lashes should look full, long, and clump-free.
Clean any smudges
Because mascara is the finishing touch to your eye makeup look, you will already have applied eye shadow by the time you put on mascara. If you accidentally create smudges around your eyes while applying mascara, wait for it to dry before cleaning it off, as wet mascara will only smudge more.
Once the mascara smudges have dried, take a clean eyelash wand and very gently scrub the smudges using the softest part of the wand. This should remove small smudge marks. If there are still smudges remaining, dip a cotton swab in some face cleanser or makeup remover, or wrap the cotton bud in a makeup remover wipe (making sure there is no excess product on the swab). Then carefully wipe the smudge marks, and grab an application brush to blend the area again.
More top mascara tips
Once you've got your application technique down, use these clever tricks to keep your lashes on fleek.
1. Choose the right mascara
The last thing you want from your mascara is flaking, running, and smudging, which makes choosing a good mascara essential. When choosing a mascara, avoid formulas that contain any harmful ingredients such as heavy metals or tons of preservatives, opting instead for formulas that contain eyelash conditioning substances like vitamin E, pantheon, and castor oil. You’ll also want to look for lightweight and long-wear formulas and choose one that matches your needs – volumizing, lengthening, or conditioning.
Explore our favorite mascaras in the section below.
2. Add heat
If your favorite mascara is starting to get clumpy (and hasn't yet reached its expiration date), you can bring it back to its desired consistency by immersing the tube in a glass of hot water for a few minutes. Just make sure the cap is tightly secured.
3. Declump
If your mascara looks a little clumpy, simply comb through your lashes to separate and remove any clumps. Ideally, you’ll want to have a few clean eyelash wands on hand for this, but if you’ve run out, you can use an unused toothbrush (preferably a mini one) to comb through your lashes.
4. Twirl it
When it comes to getting mascara on your wand, you want to twirl it, not pump it. Pumping your wand in and out of the tube forces air into it, which causes unwanted bacteria to enter your mascara. Instead, pull the wand upward, gently twirling it on its way out to evenly distribute the product.
5. Keep your lashes healthy
Good mascara and proper application techniques don't only make your lashes look luscious, but they also help keep them healthy. Still, it's important to avoid scrubbing your eyes every night and losing a bunch of lashes while you're at it. To avoid this, you’ll want to use an oil-based eye makeup remover or gentle facial cleanser that contains natural oils. This is the best option for removing your mascara, as these products can help slide the mascara off the lashes without irritating the sensitive skin around the eyes or pulling out individual lashes.
B.O.M. Voyage Cleansing Balm is a comforting balm that transforms into a luxurious oil and rinses off as a gentle milk. Formulated with evening primrose oil, jojoba seed oil, and pear fruit extract, this nourishing cleanser is ideal for removing makeup. To remove mascara and eye makeup, simply squeeze the balm onto a damp cotton pad, hold the pad to your eye for a few seconds (allowing the formula to saturate your lashes and lids), then gently wipe down. Follow this by washing your face as usual.<product>1</product>
Our favorite mascaras for all your needs
- Best volumizing mascara: Unlashed Volume and Curl Mascara is an award-winning formula designed to create dramatic volume. The domed tip lifts and curls even the smallest lashes, while the lash-loving ingredients such as peach leaf and licorice root extract strengthen and condition. It's clump-free, smudge-proof, and long-lasting, giving you full, flirty lashes.<product>2</product>
- Best lengthening mascara: Mile High Club™ Length and Define Mascara helps lengthen and define lashes in a single swipe. The precise bristles enhance every lash for a fanned-out effect, providing you with flake-proof and water-resistant wear all day long. Nourishing castor seed oil and strengthening trehalose help keep your lashes healthy and luscious.<product>3</product>
- Best thickening mascara: Upgraded Lashes™ Thickening Mascara will give you noticeably thicker lashes while preventing lash loss and delivering longer, fuller lashes in just 14 days! Using copper peptides to increase collagen production and ‘Widelash’ – a powerful combination of two active ingredients that stimulate growth and help repair damaged hair – your thick, healthy lashes are just a few swipes away. It’s also a great mascara for sensitive eyes.<product>4</product>
Discover the best voluminous mascara and more at Wander Beauty
Shop Wander Beauty to discover your favorite skincare and makeup products. We guarantee clean, cruelty-free, and skin-loving ingredients to help you stay gorgeous on the go. You can also check out The Wanderess Edit to get your fix on all things beauty.
