Get the results of a professional makeup artist at home. By priming your lashes and applying mascara with the right technique, you’ll have friends begging for your secrets.

Here’s a misconception about mascara: most people think it’s the waterproof formula or elevated brush design that gets you those perfectly lifted lashes. But according to makeup artists, it’s really the technique that drives it all. As long as you know the secrets behind how to apply mascara, you can get a flawless finish every time.

 

How to Apply Mascara Like a Makeup Pro (4 Techniques You Need to Use for Impressive Volume)

 

1. Prime your lashes with powder

Once you try this hack, you’ll never apply your mascara the same. Eyelashes are naturally sleek and fine, so we need to give the mascara something to stick to. Ideally, eyelash primer or a powder. Priming your eyelashes with powder before applying mascara is the best way to add natural volume without bulking or clumping. Use any powder from your natural makeup routine, including a nude eyeshadow or mineral makeup. Just make sure it’s safe for the eyes and nonirritating.

• Pro Tip: If you apply multiple coats of mascara, use your powder between each coat. Watch your eyelashes double in size.

 

2. Curl and lift

It’s always makeup primer first and eyelash curler second. When you curl your lashes, don’t hold the curler in the same spot. Instead, start at the base of your lashes and pinch the curler. Then slowly work your way up to the tip of your eyelashes. It should look like this: pinch, let go, move the curler slightly forward, pinch again, repeat.

• Pro Tip: When you use an eyelash curler, raise your eyebrows and look downward to position your tool as close to the root of your eyelashes as possible.

 

3. Wipe off excess product

Wait, wait … don’t you want to use as much product as possible for thick lashes? Well, sort of. The idea behind an even mascara coat is, you don’t want to see clumps on the brush. Clumps on the brush translate to clumps on the eyelashes, and they can be difficult to separate once applied.

To remedy this, pull your mascara wand out of the tube and don’t pump it. Using the opening of your mascara tube, wipe off excess product into the container, rotating the brush until you see no visible clumps. Then apply. Trust the process, you’ll notice a much more even application.

• Pro Tip: To aim for those luscious and super voluminous lashes that look natural, apply multiple thin layers instead of one thick layer.

 

4. Coat your lashes vertically

This hack is relatively new to the internet, but we tested it, and it’s a must-try. Instead of coating your lashes with mascara horizontally (like you see in most tutorials), turn your brush vertically. Apply in a swiping motion across the tips of your lashes, and notice how they begin to stand out. Once you’ve done a few swipes, turn your brush horizontal and apply as normal to separate the lashes. During this step, it’s best to swipe mascara in a criss-cross motion, starting at the left of the lashes and swiping to the right.

• Pro Tip: When you turn your brush horizontally, start at the base of your lashes. Instead of swiping the brush, blink your eyes and rotate the brush in a full circle.

 

A Few Bonus Tips to Make Your Nontoxic Mascara Really Pop

 

Apply powder between layers

If you apply multiple layers of mascara to your lashes, use your mineral makeup or other powder in between those layers. You’ll brush it on with a makeup brush, then swipe mascara overtop as normal for extra volume. A common misconception is that you need a volumizing mascara for great results, but you really just need powder. This is a great hack if you want impressive results from a nontoxic mascara.

 

Separate lashes with a tool

Especially if you use the blink method when applying your mascara coat, you may experience some clumping. Not to worry, this hack is still worth it, and a simple lash separating tool can fix any clumps.

 

Clean up smudges when they’re dry

When you’re using mascara, it’s best to ignore smudges at first. The best application techniques are a little messy, and you’ll definitely end up with a dot of mascara on your nose from time to time. It’s best to leave these smudges alone and clean them up once they’re dry. That way, they won’t smear across your face.

 

Fill in the empty spaces with eyeliner

You absolutely do not have to commit to daily eyeliner. But if your mascara isn’t quite filling all the gaps along your lash line, an eyeliner can give you a more cohesive look. After you’ve applied the mascara, grab a pencil eyeliner and spot treat any empty spaces.

 

The Bottom Line: Good Mascara Is About Good Application

As fellow makeup lovers, we know how tempting each new mascara product is. The volumizing formula, swooped brush, and promises of impressive length are enough to make our heads turn. But here’s the thing … eyes are extremely sensitive and most mascaras include toxic ingredients, like talc, PFAS, carbon black, or coal tar. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your health to feel beautiful, and with the right techniques, you absolutely don’t have to.

Try the mascara our customers say is the only thing that works for sensitive eyes