Mascara adds a finishing touch to one’s makeup by emphasizing definition of the eyes and giving it an open and fresh look. Mascaras can also be a tricky thing to handle since it is extremely prone to smudging. However, all you need to handle it like a pro, is a little practice and rectification of some minor missteps.
Mistake #1
Pumping the mascara wand
Hands down the most common mistake! This is widely known and yet I am sure many people still do it or are even unaware that it is detrimental. Pumping your mascara wand in and out of the tube introduces air into it which can cause two things;
- Dry out the mascara quicker
- Encourage bacteria growth
Solution: If your intention is to get more product on the wand, stick the wand into the tube all the way and pull it out just once.
Mistake #2
Head/face positioning when applying mascara
This mascara mistake is perhaps the biggest contributor to mascara smudging. Looking straight into the mirror while applying mascara will increase the possibility of your mascara smudging on the eyelid. The picture below demonstrates both the error and the solution.
By pushing the chin out and tilting your head back while looking down at the mirror, you can avoid mascara smudging during application.
Mistake #3
Not curling eyelashes before applying mascara
This is absolutely debatable but one thing can be agreed upon; very few people are gifted with eyelashes so curled that it hits the eyelid.
Solution: Try an eyelash curler. With the many options available in the market you are bound to find something that suits you. Practice makes perfect and the end result will be well worth the effort.
Mistake #4
Not taking of excess product off the wand
This is also debatable because there is a preference for heavy mascara application that result in thick eyelashes. However, if your goal is to separate and build volume, taking excess product off the mascara wand is a step that many overlook.
No mascara
Without taking off excess products. Lashes are clumped together
With excess mascara taken off. Lashes are properly separated and volumnised
How to take off excess product? Just run it along the opening of the tube of course! Its how I do it. You can absolutely come up with your own method of doing it.
Mistake #5
Using mascara past expiration date
Mascara is the one makeup item that should NOT be used past expiry date because ingredients in mascara allow for bacteria growth. We can all agree that no one wants to be susceptible to an eye infection! I have seen several sources citing many different length of time that mascara can be used but according to About.com 4 months is the cut off point. Personally (this is exclusively for me and my eyes ONLY!!!) I can stretch the masara to the 8th month mark after which it usually dries out. So please guys! Using mascara beyond that is absolutely uncalled for! Unless you want an eye infection or even a sty. *cue horror music*
Additional info
One final thing that many may not be considered a mistake is not applying mascara on the lower lashes. Some people like the look of a blank lower lash line that isn’t lined and/or without prominent lashes. However, applying mascara to the lower lashes will help the eyes appear larger. A trick would be to use a mascara with a thin applicator. An example would be Maybelline the Falsies Big Eyes mascara (a double ended mascara which has a slim brush on one side).
With that, I wish you all luscious, full, voluminous lashes!!!
FiercePaint 