When picking a mascara, you should consider the look you want to achieve THEN choose the formula: lengthening, thickening, separating/non-clumping or waterproof/smudge-proof. I have yet to find a mascara formula that encompasses all of these. So trust, when I say if one claims to do it all, it doesn’t.
Sooo with that said:
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Mascaras-A trick makeup artists use to make lashes pop is to apply one coat of lengthening mascara first (think Lancôme Définicils found here), followed by one coat of thickening mascara (L’Oreal Voluminous).
Never. Ever. Pump the wand{!!}-This pushes air inside your mascara tube which will cause your product to dry out faster.
Mascara will get old- if your mascara smells funky, throw it in the trash immediately, if not sooner. Try to replace every 3- 6 months.
Waterproof, only when you really need it-I personally don’t care for waterproof; as I prefer smudge-proof/stay-proof formulas. Plus, it can be very harsh on those delicate lashes if used daily. [However, there have been times where I have used my favorite mascara of the moment and then applied a layer of waterproof on top to seal it.]
Add an extra layer to your outer corner lashes-After you’ve coated your lashes with mascara, add just one more layer to the outer corners. The extra coat will make your lashes look especially long and make your eyes appear farther apart.
Apply mascara to top and bottom lashes = equally-Many MUA’s may disagree with me and argue not putting mascara on the bottom lashes is more for a natural look, but I feel, why stop at the top? That’s so unfinished looking and you can still look natural. Plus, I prefer that doll-like look [Who doesn’t?]
Bend the Wand- That’s right, open up your go-to mascara and pull the wand out slightly, apply a little pressure while pulling down simultaneously to form an angle. Voila! You’ll instantly have a wand that can now get in to those hard to reach areas of your eyes, without making a total mess! Check it out below…
Zig-zag Method-When applying your mascara, use a Zig-zagging method (like wiggle back and forth, sharply but gently) with the wand. This will help lessen clumping.
Use an Eyelash Curler-Curling lashes gives eyes the appearance of being wider and brighter. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is hands down, the best one ever made. InStyle Best in Beauty award winner as well. [I’ll be honest and say I don’t ever use a curler, but I ALWAYs recommend this one to clients and friends with unruly lashes]
My latest mascara obsession’s:
M.A.C’s new Extended Play
This formula leaves my lashes feeling lightweight, soft, and it does.not.smudge. Like, all day my lashes look the same as they did in the morning.
I love the smaller, skinny wand because it allows me to get to all my hard-to-reach lashes–>you know, those pesky corner ones? It’s more of a precise look of lashes rather than the look of thick and voluminous lashes. The brush reminds me of an old fav– Lancôme Définicils.
With just one coat I can get MAJOR separation between lashes too. As in every-single-lash was coated in rich black color + I felt as if my lashes were extending to the heavens! Well, not really, but we can all dream, right?
To remove, gently rub with warm water, for about 20 seconds, then wipe away.
FAV DRUGSTORE MASCARA’S:
L’Oreal Double Extend
L’oreal Double Extend Mascara is a two-sided mascara that has a white base coat and mascara on the opposite end. The white side actually nourishes your lashes. [I swear mine have grown longer!] It has been my go-to mascara for the last couple years. It’s under $8 so you really can’t go wrong.
Simply apply a healthy dose of the base coat to lashes and follow up with the mascara for super fat, long, and thick lashes! Don’t let the white part dry too much or it makes putting the black on top a bit difficult.
The best part, absolutely no smudging or flaking. It truly wears well all day.
It can only be removed with water. But don’t freak out when you see these creepy, little black things lingering in your sink after removing.
L’oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Volume Building Mascara
I really do love this mascara and I have friends that are obsessed with it too. It’s definitely a great lengthening and thickening combo. The carbon black is the blackest black you can find. If you’re looking for thick, soft, glossy lashes, then this formula is for you.
But, it does smudge on me by mid-day. [I do have more oily skin, so keep that in mind.] To prevent that, I will apply a light coat of a waterproof formula to seal it for the day.
Best Eye Makeup Remover
Grapeseed Oil
I have extremely sensitive skin; therefore, my eyes are too. I treat my little ojos with serious TLC. You should too. The skin around your eyes is so fragile and who really wants crepey lids and crows feet?
I also recommend taking all your eye makeup off with grape-seed oil. It can be found at your local Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, or natural health food grocer.
I have been using grape-seed oil to remove even the toughest waterproof/stay-proof makeup for years. It is an excellent conditioner for your lashes and less abrasive way of removing eye makeup.
Please, please, share with me your favorite mascara. I want to hear!
Oh, and one more thing speaking of lashes…
Um, I die over these car lashes! I saw them the other day and I almost crashed my own car while giggling in astonishment. Cutest, most cheesiest, but totally amazing things ever! I so wish my husband would let me put these on my car.
{Maybe he won’t notice ;)}
Love, LL
xo
Loveleigh Beauty 