5 Tips for Applying Mascara

Lush eyelashes can make our eyes look brighter, bigger, and more awake. Some are naturally blessed with long, thick lashes, while the rest of us benefit from enhancements like mascara – that is if it’s applied to your lovely lash potential.

In our quest to accentuate natural beauty, we go to great lengths to achieve better eyelash health to help our actual lash strands stand up and out. So, how does mascara make your lashes longer?

Keep reading for our tried and true tips on how to apply mascara correctly – plus how to achieve ultimate lash growth that will have you batting an eye.

How to Pick the Right Mascara

There’s an eye-catching array of mascaras with unique wand shapes, but a dizzying array of formulas. Choosing a mascara can be overwhelming. They lengthen, thicken, volumize, and yes – even vibrate. Before we can help you with the burning question, “How do I apply mascara”, we need to give you the scoop on the different wands and types of mascaras to find the most eye-pealing formula.

Here's how to navigate all the hourglass, spherical, and wavy shapes to find the right mascara for your lashes.

#1: Wand Shape

Short lashes or hooded eyelids: A long, thin brush with fine, short bristles and a lengthening formula will make your eyes look bigger.

Thin or fine lashes: A thick, round brush with compact bristles and a volumizing formula will help pull the mascara through your lashes sans clumps. It’ll also make them look fuller and thicker.

Straight or short lashes: A curved brush forces your lashes to lift up and helps you hug your lashes from their roots to the tips.

Long lashes: A long wand with dense and fuzzy bristles or crisscrossed bristles – not like a perfect picket fence – gives lashes volume and a lot of coverage.

#2: Types of Mascara

There are two types of mascara: volumizing and lengthening – or mascaras that do both. For fine or thin lash gals wondering how to apply mascara, you’ll want a volumizing, buildable formula that will give a fuller look that you can customize or layer.

If you have fuller, thicker lashes, choose a good all-around mascara. Heavy, false-lash formulas can weigh down the lashes and cause them to droop.

When lashes are shorter or you have a droopy eyelid, using two mascara types can be beneficial sometimes. Here’s how to apply mascara in this case: apply a lengthening mascara first, then build up the volume with a thickening formula like our Maracuja Mascara, to add true va-va-voom to your lashes. It features lash-thickening seaweed to enhance volume and promote healthy hair growth. 

#3: Ingredients

Since mascara comes close in contact with your precious peepers, be mindful of harmful ingredients to avoid in conventional toxic mascaras. Those include synthetic preservatives and artificial colors that can irritate your skin and eyes.

#4: Features

Just as there are plenty of mascara choices, there is no shortage of its features. Your daily usage of eye makeup will determine what type of mascara you really need.

Smudge-proof: For a less smudgy look, those with watery eyes (hint: going to a wedding) or who are exposed to windy or humid environments may want to opt for waterproof mascara.

Color: Mascaras come in a huge color family. While you can pick any color that strikes your fancy, black mascara suits all kinds of makeup. Brown mascara is perfect for any subtle daytime makeup look.

Growth-enhancing: If your lashes could use some growth, opt for a lash serum. That can help grow new lashes and add thickness, length, and density.

How to Apply Mascara: 5 Mascara Tips

For many of us, the way we apply mascara is second nature. This well-established routine usually involves having our mouths inadvertently open, adding a bunch of swipes or zig-zagging on each eye, and voilà! But do you ever wonder, “How do I put on mascara correctly”?

We’re here to let you in on the best must-know mascara tips for fuller, luscious lashes.

#1: Apply a Lash Primer

Applying a lash primer conditions lashes and prevents breakage. It also helps lashes curl more because they are malleable. Wait about 30 seconds for it to dry.

#2: Use an Eyelash Curler

Lash curlers are eye-dilic tools! The benefits of using an eyelash curler include lifting the lashes for a wide-eyed look. Our Eyelash Curler enhances lash length and doubles the impact of mascara. Gently squeeze your upper lashes in the curler once for about 10 seconds to avoid breakage.

#3: Apply Mascara

Here’s how to apply mascara – at least it’s our favorite way. Start by wiggling the wand a little at lash roots. Then, pull it straight through your lashes. This will help create separation and fullness. If you zigzag your wand too much, you're going to make your lashes zigzag.

PRO TIP: To build fuller lashes, use a dry spoolie to brush on a light coating of translucent powder before applying mascara. The translucent powder acts like a lash-plumping, volumizing fiber. It bulks lashes and preps them for mascara.

#4: For Added Boldness

Wondering how to apply mascara for an extra glam look? If you’re looking for more oomph, brush on an extra coat of buildable mascara until you get the desired length and volume. Our Fruit Pigmented® Ultra Lengthening Mascara buildable mascara lengthens and separates lashes without clumping, smudging, or flaking.

PRO TIP: You can try using sanitized tweezers to pinch lashes together for a bolder, more 'clumped' look.

#5: Set Mascara for Oily Lids

If you have oily eyelids, use a dry spoolie and translucent powder to set your lashes.

Complete Eye Makeup for Maximum Impact

Now that we’ve covered the burning question, “How do I apply mascara”, and offered some tips and tricks on how does mascara make your lashes longer, it’s time to set our sights on a complete eye makeup look.

When you pair the best mascara with liner and eyeshadow, you get maximum impact, meaning all eyes will be on you! Let’s delve into how to complement your mascara with eyeliner and eyeshadow.

Lining for Definition: Use eyeliner to create definition and to make the eyes appear more defined and the lashes fuller, enhancing the overall eye makeup look. The 100% PURE Long Last Liquid Eye Liner creates a crisp line that enhances lash fullness. It’s richly pigmented from micronized black tea leaves for deep, dramatic color.

Soft & Smoky Lashes: Eyeshadow enhances mascara by creating a color base for the eyes, allowing the mascara to pop and define the lashes, and adding depth and dimension to the overall eye makeup look. Blend the 100% PURE Fruit Pigmented® Eye Shadow along the lash line to create depth and dimension.

Perfecting the Brows:

Well-maintained eyebrows frame the eyes, creating a balanced and harmonious look that enhances the overall impact of mascara and lashes, making them appear more defined and impactful. Define and frame the eyes with the 100% PURE Green Tea Fiber Brow Builder for a lifted, balanced look. Green tea leaf fibers add volume, while Pro Vitamin B5 and vitamin E strengthen.

PRO TIP: A well-defined brow enhances your mascara’s impact by drawing more attention to your eyes.

Mascara Mistakes You Might Be Making (and How to Fix Them!)

If you’ve wondered, “How does mascara make your eyelashes longer” and knew the answer had to do with formula and application, you’ve got a visionary approach! We’ve covered some burning questions like “How do you apply mascara” and “How to make your lashes longer”.

However, what if you’re armed with this knowledge and correct application tips, and your mascara still looks like a miss-cara? You might be making some mascara mistakes – but don’t worry – we’ll cover how to fix them.

#1. Using Old or Dried Mascara

Do you have that one beloved mascara that you’ve been working the last trace of pigment out from last summer? Notice clumps or flakes? It’s not you, it’s the mascara. Old mascara dries out, leading to clumping, flaking, and uneven application, impacting the appearance of your lashes. 

Worse, using old or dried mascara can affect eye health and overall hygiene, as it can harbor bacteria and fungi, leading to infections like pinkeye or styes, and cause irritation and eye-related problems.

Be sure to replace your mascara every 3 months for best results.

#2. Applying Too Many Coats at Once

Back to when we mentioned earlier about the question, “How do you apply mascara”, part of applying it correctly is not going overboard. Applying too many mascara coats at once can lead to clumpy, spidery-looking lashes and potentially damage your eyelashes.

It's best to apply mascara in layers, allowing each coat to dry before adding another to avoid clumps. 

#3. Skipping the Lower Lashes

If you have small eyes, short lases, or just like the look, don’t skip on trying mascara on the lower lashes, too. Some people find that applying mascara to top and bottom lashes creates a more balanced and complete look. 

#4. Pumping the Wand in the Tube

Many of us are guilty of doing this with mascara. Pumping the wand in and out of the tube is a mascara mistake. It forces air into the tube, which can dry out the mascara, leading to clumping and a shorter product lifespan, and creates a breeding ground for bacteria. 

The right way to load your mascara brush without drying out the formula is to avoid pumping the wand; instead, twist it gently inside the tube to gather product and then wipe off the excess on the lip of the tube before applying it to your lashes. This helps prevent clumping and ensures a more even application. 

#5. Not Removing Mascara Properly

Not all eye makeup removers are created equal. Many conventional mascara removers can contain harsh ingredients, or the actions to remove mascara are causing damage to the lashes.

When removing mascara, avoid harsh scrubbing, rubbing, or using products containing alcohol, fragrance, or petroleum-based ingredients, as these can irritate the delicate skin around the eyes and damage eyelashes. 

Use gentle, oil-based cleansers to remove mascara and protect lash health. Oil-based cleansers are particularly good at removing makeup, including waterproof mascara, because they are designed to break down the oil-based formulas that make up many makeup products. 

FAQs: Your Most Googled Mascara Questions Answered

#1. How do I apply mascara for the most length and volume?

To achieve maximum mascara length and volume, start with clean, curled lashes, then apply a lash primer for added length and volume. Use a mascara wand to coat the lashes, wiggling the wand a little at the lash roots. Then, pull it straight through your lashes. This will help create separation and fullness.

Remember, if you zigzag your wand too much, you're going to make your lashes zigzag. Apply mascara in layers, allowing each coat to dry before adding another to avoid clumps. And don’t forget to add mascara to the bottom lashes for a balanced look.

#2. How does mascara make your lashes longer?

Mascara formulas, especially those designed for length, are formulated to coat each lash from root to tip, making them appear longer and more defined. The brush plays a crucial role in separating and elongating lashes, further enhancing the appearance of length. Some mascaras contain polymers that create a flexible, non-flaking film that contributes to the lengthening effect.

#3. How do you apply mascara without clumping?

To apply mascara without clumping, gently wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes. Then pull it straight through your lashes. Last, apply thin layers, allowing each coat to dry before adding another. 

#4. How do I put on mascara so it doesn’t smudge?

To prevent mascara from smudging, start with clean lashes, curl them, apply a lash primer, and use a good mascara formula without harsh ingredients. Apply mascara from root to tip, allow it to dry completely, and consider using a setting spray or translucent powder under the eyes. 

#5. What is the best mascara technique for short lashes, and how does mascara make your lashes longer?

For short lashes, use mascara with a brush that can coat each lash from root to tip. A long, thin brush with fine, short bristles will make your eyes look bigger. Use a lengthening or volumizing formula – or both. Wiggle the wand at the base of the lashes and then pull it up, and consider using a lash curler before applying mascara. 

If you have short lashes, using mascara with a long, thin brush and a lengthening formula can give the appearance of longer lashes. The combination of the coating, brush design, and application helps create a natural-looking lash extension effect. 

Conclusion

Lush eyelashes can make our eyes look brighter, bigger, and more awake. We hope that with these handy mascara tips, you can totally revolutionize how your lashes look. If you're already a fan of big, fluttery lashes, then you know the transformative power that a great natural mascara can achieve – the coveted your-lashes-but-better look.

Ready for the best mascaras and their impactful powers to enhance your lashes and maximize your eye makeup look? You don’t have to go to enormous lengths for the feathery eyelashes of your dreams. Shop 100% PURE’s natural mascara formulas for long, thick lashes that will have you batting an eye.