How I Apply Mascara-Tips & Tricks

Let me start off this post by stating the obvious-I am NOT a makeup artist.  However, I’ve been doing my makeup for awhile, and I’ve been doing it on camera in front of a lot of people for almost 7 years now, so I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way. I started a video series on my YouTube channel focusing on how I apply my makeup for specific areas of the face.  The first video in the series was on how I apply undereye concealer and if you missed it have a watch HERE.  Today, we’re going to talk about how I apply mascara and the tips and trick I use to make my real lashes look as long, thick, and dark as I can without using false lashes.

Before we get into the step-by-step process, I do have to add that while I don’t use false lashes or have lash extensions, I have been using since the fall and it really works.  I started off by applying it every night before bed and starting seeing results after 4 weeks.  At this point I remember to use it 2-3 times a week just to maintain what I have.  At $45 a tube (I’m still on the original tube) I’m very pleased with the cost, the effectiveness, and how long one tube lasts!! Here’s what my “natural”, no mascara on lashes look like:
Now let’s get on to the application of mascara!
I highly recommend using a to separate lashes and “brush out” any tangles as the first step in the mascara process.  We brush out our regular hair before styling, why not our lashes? This will also help remove any shadow or foundation that is still sticking to your lashes.
Next step is to curl your lashes.  Do NOT do this after mascara-it will pull out your lashes.  I have also been told by several pros that it’s best to just squeeze it and hold it in place for 10 seconds instead of pumping it open and closed a few times. The object here is to curl your lashes up and out to open up your eyes and make them look bigger. I’ve been using this one by for years and I love it!
If you’re worried about mascara getting on your undereye area, sweep some underneath your eyes with a .  If you get any mascara down there, it will stick to the powder and not your skin, which you can then whisk away.
Now we come to the sneaky part.  This was LIFE-CHANGING  for me!!  We’re ready for mascara, but it is important to put it on in a specific order AND to hold your head in a certain way.  You should always start with your lower lashes.  This will avoid smudging on your upper lashes–and will make sense as you keep reading.  So get your favorite mascara (I’m using here) and TILT YOUR CHIN DOWN TOWARD YOUR CHEST. This is key!! The act of tilting your head downward forces your lower lashes to lift up and away from your face, which minimizes the chances of you getting mascara on your undereyes.  How you hold the wand is up to you, but it is definitely easier to hold it horizontally.  Do both eyes, and now we’re ready to move on to the upper lashes.
I am exaggerating the position here, but to apply mascara to your top lashes, you do the reverse–tilt your head up and back.  Can you see how my eye are open wide buy my top lashes can’t get anywhere near my brow bone? Again, this minimizes the opportunity for your mascara to get all over your eyelids and freshly done eye makeup!
This is a little more realistic-and you can see that my upper lashes are no where near my lids.
| Lipstick

So there you have it-my step by step process on how I apply mascara.  Here are my current favorite mascaras that I rotate through on a regular basis:

It Cosmetics Superhero
—at Ulta (travel size)
—at QVC (basically 2-for-1)

GET ALL THE PRODUCTS HERE:

GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR THE FULL LOOK HERE:

Ring

And if you’d like to watch the video where I do the full demonstration and talk you through it, either click HERE or watch below: