How To Apply Mascara: 7 Things You Should Never Do

What’s the Best Way to Apply Mascara?

At IT Cosmetics, we’re all about making your life easier, which is why we designed our mascaras to give you dramatic eye makeup results in just one coat! Of course, you can always apply more coats if desired–our formulas are completely buildable–but here are the essential steps:

Step 1: Apply your other eye makeup–including concealer, eyeshadow and eyeliner–first.

Step 2: Place the mascara brush at the roots of your upper lash line. Wiggle it back and forth to evenly coat the base of your eyelashes.

Step 3: Pull the wand up and through to the tips of your lashes. Take care to ensure you’re moving slowly to avoid clumping.

An optional step before swiping on your mascara is to curl your lashes. Yes, it takes a little more time, but it does help to give your lashes (and eyes!) an overall lift before you’ve even put any makeup on. So whenever you have a few more minutes for eye makeup application, we think this step is totally worth it.

Mascara Tip: Does getting little dots of mascara on your eyelids drive you crazy? Try this mascara hack from the pros: Place a business card (an index card will also work) behind your lashes while you put on your mascara. This will keep it from getting on your eyelids–and the rest of your eye makeup! Like this makeup hack? We think you’ll love these innovative ways to apply blush on your face.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s make sure you’re avoiding some of the most common mistakes that can stand in the way of how you get the best results from mascara.

Mistake #1: “Pumping” Your Mascara

Raise your mascara tube if you’re guilty of pumping the wand in and out on repeat. We’re not exactly sure where this technique came from, but the idea is that it helps coat the brush more thoroughly with mascara before applying. Unfortunately, all this does is pump air into the tube, which can cause your eye mascara to dry out quickly and lead to flakes and clumps. Save your mascara and your money and refrain from the pump and swipe.

Mistake #2: Using Expired Mascara

Mascara is formulated to last anywhere from three to six months. Even if your product seems to have some life left in it, we recommend tossing it after the expiration date and getting a new tube. Using any product past its shelf life—especially products that are applied near your eyes—poses a hygiene issue and can lead to irritation or infection. Also, fresh mascara always applies more easily. So there’s that.

Mistake #3: Skipping Waterproof Mascara in Wet Scenarios

Waterproof mascara is your friend anytime you’re heading to the beach, pool, or into the madness of a rainy day. (It also comes in handy if you predict any potential tears.) Wearing waterproof mascara on these occasions helps prevent runny mascara and can help you feel more confident as you navigate the day.

Mistake #4: Applying to Bottom Lashes First

There are two mascara camps out there: those who apply to their top lashes only, and those who apply to both top and bottom. If you fall into the latter category and have been wondering how do you apply mascara under your eyes, we recommend applying mascara to your top lashes first and then the bottom. Doing the opposite can cause your mascara to smudge underneath your eyes.

Mistake #5: Foregoing the “Wiggle” Application Method

We regret to inform you that simply swiping your mascara in an upward motion and calling it a day is not the ideal approach. While there are a few different techniques for how to apply mascara, we argue the best way is to hold the mascara brush at the base of your lashes and gently wiggle the wand back and forth and then sweep up and through to the tips. This helps coat more of your lashes and prevent clumps.

Mistake #6: Re-Applying a Second Coat Midday 

Once your mascara dries it’s a done deal. Adding a second layer hours later will cause the previous coat to flake and create unwanted clumps. Your best bet is to use a cotton swab dipped in a liquid makeup remover to gently remove the existing eye mascara. Let your lashes dry and then apply a fresh new coat. We promise your mascara will look way better this way!

Mistake #7: Not Using a Gentle Cleanser for Removal

Mascaras are formulated to last for hours on end, which can make them difficult to remove at the end of the day. Add the fact that we’re dealing with the super delicate and sensitive eye area and you’ve got a recipe for irritation and subpar cleansing that can lead to a temporary case of raccoon eyes.

To remove every last bit of mascara, we recommend using an oil-based cleanser like Bye Bye Makeup Cleansing Balm. It nixes even the most stubborn makeup, including waterproof mascara, sunscreen, foundation, and dark eye makeup. Note that waterproof mascara is especially difficult to remove because it’s specifically formulated to be resistant to water. You’ll definitely need a gentle cleanser to get the job done.

If you're seeking some more eye makeup tips, follow our advice for How to Brighten & Enhance Your Eyes in 4 Easy Steps. From there, learn how to make foundation application less confusing by reading When Should I Apply Foundation with Fingers vs. a Makeup Brush.