Mascara is an important part of many people’s daily makeup routine.
All too often though, the end result can be rather disappointing, from eyelashes that stick together to lumps of mascara, or a curl that refuses to hold.
Here is expert advice about how to get the best looking lashes.
The right mascara
Makeup artist Lukas Wythe says everyone has to find the right mascara and brush type that works best for them.
“There isn’t one perfect mascara that works for everyone,” he says. “And once you’ve found one that works for you, you should stick with it.”
A common mistake is applying mascara too thickly.
It is better to build it up in several thin layers as this prevents lumps from forming and makes your lashes look more defined.
Wythe says it is particularly important to apply the mascara not only from below but also from above in order to conceal light lash roots.
He also recommends lightly wiping the brush with a tissue before application, as “there can quickly be too much product on the brush, which encourages clumps to form, particularly with a new mascara”.
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Volume and length
He recommends a special application technique to create more volume.
“Place the mascara brush directly on the lash line and move it upwards in small zigzag movements,” he says.
This distributes the mascara more evenly and adds fullness to the roots.
If you also want to visually lengthen your lashes, you can then pull the mascara upwards using straight movements.
More curl
You can use eyelash curlers to give your lashes more curl.
Wythe says that they should always be used before mascara applying mascara, as eyelashes with mascara are more brittle and can break off when curled.
Warm the curler slightly before use, for example with a hairdryer or in your hands.
This makes the curl last longer and the lashes do not have to be pressed so hard.
You should also make sure that the rubber pad of the curler is intact to prevent hair breakage.
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Natural alternatives
If you don’t want to use mascara, you can shape your eyelashes using some simple alternatives.
One method is to apply Vaseline with an eyelash brush.
“This gives natural shine and protects the lashes from external influences,” Wythe says. They also grow back healthier and can become longer over time.
For a longer-lasting solution, eyelashes can be dyed. This is a particularly good alternative for people with light-coloured lashes or oily skin, as the colour does not smudge.
Additional moulding with an eyelash curler enhances the effect and ensures a natural curl. — dpa
