How to apply mascara

To apply mascara, start at the roots of your lashes and wiggle the wand back and forth as you work your way up to the tips. Read for more mascara tips and tricks.

How to apply mascara

To apply mascara, start at the roots of your lashes and wiggle the wand back and forth as you work your way up to the tips. Read for more mascara tips and tricks.

For many of us, mascara is a makeup bag must-have – it makes us look wide awake and feel more put-together. However, what if we told you there may be a way to get even more from your favourite mascara? Yes, you may have been applying it for years, but sometimes it takes a little extra attention to get next-level lashes.

 

Thankfully, though, fluttering, natural-looking lashes can be achievable with a few quick, easy at-home hacks. No extensions, lash lifts or false eyelashes required. Follow our step-by-step guide to find out how to apply mascara flawlessly and discover a few insider mascara tips and tricks that’ll help you up your eyelash game.

 

1. Prep + prime: apply a lash primer for extra length, volume and staying power.

Preparation is the key to a great makeup look – so don’t neglect your lashes. Make the most of your natural eyelashes with a single coat of Lash Building Primer, then leave it to dry before swiping on mascara. This conditioning lash primer formula helps to plump up the volume, while also helping lashes hold onto mascara for a long-lasting finish.

 

2. Remove the wand carefully from the tube.

This sounds basic, however the way you remove your mascara wand from the tube can make a world of difference. Firstly, avoid pumping the wand into the tube – as this lets oxygen into the tube, causing the mascara to thicken and dry out prematurely. Instead, swirl your brush in the tube before mascara application. Secondly, if there is lots of excess mascara on the tip of the wand, this will likely transfer onto lashes – creating the dreaded clumpy lashes. If you’re wondering how to apply mascara without clumping, the trick is to remove any excess product with a cotton bud, paper towel, or simply on the edge of the tube.

 

3. Apply your first coat of mascara to your upper lashes.
It’s your favourite Clinique mascara’s time to shine – find the right one for you with our mascara guide guide . If it’s high-impact full-volume lashes you're after, our NEW High Impact High-Fi™ Full Volume Mascara is a winner. This ultra-pigmented, fibre-infused mascara amps up volume to the max, plus it's ophthalmologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Now for the main event: to apply mascara like a professional, our expert tip is to start at the roots of your lashes and wiggle the wand back and forth as you work your way up to the tips. This method helps thicken the roots of the lashes without clumping for a lusher, more defined lash look. Then leave your mascara to dry for 30 seconds before moving onto your next coat.

 

 

4. Next, apply a second coat with a vertical wand.
For your second coat, angle your wand vertically and brush upwards against your eyelashes, working from the outer corners of your eyes to the inner corners to create a feathery, fanned-out lash look. This approach helps to ensure every single lash is coated evenly, perfectly framing and opening up the eyes. You can let the mascara dry for 30 seconds, then repeat this motion for a third coat for a more intense effect.

 

 

5. Finally, fan out your lower lashes with the vertical wand.
If you’re wondering how to apply mascara to lower lashes, a vertical wand is your best friend. To frame your eyes all around, hold the wand vertically as before, and move the brush lightly from outer to inner corner in a windscreen wiper motion for perfect coverage. One coat is perfect for lower lash definition. You can also apply a specific Bottom Lash Mascara™, which has a specially designed wand to help boost tiny bottom lashes. It’s smudge-proof and suitable for sensitive eyes too.

 

 

Mascara tips

1. Apply an eyelash serum nightly to fortify lashes.
Just like your nightly skincare routine helps prep and prime your skin for flawless makeup application, a great eyelash serum can do the same for your lashes. Try our High Impact™ Lash Amplifying Serum – a nightly conditioning lash serum infused with a conditioning blend of ingredients including hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and peptides. Like all our mascaras, its ophthalmologist tested, making it the perfect lash serum for sensitive eyes. Every night before bed, sweep the felt tip applicator along the base of the upper lash line with eyes closed, leaving to dry for a few seconds. Wake up to thicker, healthier, stronger lashes.
2. Keep a mascara “eraser” on standby.
By mascara eraser, we mean a cotton bud or pad soaked in an effective eye makeup remover like our bestselling Take The Day Off™ Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips. If your mascara application doesn’t go quite to plan, let it dry, then gently sweep away any smudges with your makeshift eraser.
3. Apply mascara before your base.
If you are prone to smudges during mascara application, another top mascara tip is to apply mascara before foundation or concealer. After all, it’s much easier to remove any mascara mistakes on makeup-free face.
4. Try the TikTok Mascara Cocktailing trend.
What is mascara cocktailing? The latest makeup trend taking over TikTok is all about layering multiple mascaras with different effects – such as a lengthening mascara and a volumising mascara – to create your perfect mascara cocktail. While the mascara cocktailing trend can help you create a bespoke lash look, and may be worth a try if you have a few formulas in rotation, Clinique's mascaras offer more than one benefit – so you can get long, plumped-up, perfectly separated lashes with one magic mascara wand.
5. Don’t forget: throw out your mascara after a few months.
If you’re wondering when to throw your mascara away, our experts recommend replenishing every three to six months. Any longer than six months and you could be putting yourself at risk of irritation and eye infections.

 

For more advice on how to apply mascara, or any other makeup questions, book in for a virtual or on-counter consultation with one of our beauty experts. Book your appointment and find out more here.

Words by Shona Wallace
Updated June 2023

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