How to Apply Mascara for Beginners
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How to Apply Mascara
A quick coat of mascara on your eyelashes can make the biggest difference in how you look.
Get ready to transform your lashes with our ultimate guide on how to apply mascara perfectly.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, a quick coat of mascara applied perfectly can take your look to the next level.
Follow our easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, and you'll be a pro in no time!
We even have a YouTube video tutorial to show you how it's done. Plus, we've included answers to frequently asked questions, so you can troubleshoot any mascara mishaps. You'll also find the BEST mascara products to use that are also affordable!
10 Steps to Apply Mascara Perfectly for Beginners
Follow these 10 simple steps to apply mascara perfectly!
Step 1: Remove Mascara from the Previous Day
You don’t want to apply mascara on top of day-old mascara! Before you go to bed each night, make sure to wash your face (to remove makeup) and remove your mascara.
Makeup remover wipes work really well for this.
Or, you can use jojoba oil and cotton rounds.
Check out the Very Easy Makeup YouTube channel for a how-to tutorial.
Step 2: Put on Your Other Makeup First
Want to apply mascara without smudging? One key step is to put on your OTHER makeup first.
This includes any eyeshadow and eyeliner.
The mascara (along with your lipstick) should be the LAST thing that you apply to your face.
Step 3: Choose a Good Mascara
It’s hard to apply mascara perfectly if you are using bad mascara!
Here are a few tips for choosing the RIGHT mascara.
How to Choose a Mascara
- Avoid waterproof mascara. It’s more likely to clump!
- Make sure it’s less than 3 months old. Mascara gets worse over time. Throw out your mascara and buy a new one if it’s more than 3 months.
- Go with black mascara. Dark brown works too, but it’s less noticeable.
- Don’t get fooled by reviews of “the best” mascaras online. Two of the top-rated mascaras are actually my LEAST favorite. One of them flakes throughout the day and the other one clumps like cement!
Not sure what mascara to start with? I’d recommend the essence Lash Princess mascara. It’s affordable (under $10 on Amazon) and is a hidden gem!
Check out this Very Easy Makeup article with the top 10 mascaras for women, according to real women!
Step 4: Brush Your Lashes Upward
You have likely seen a woman use an eyelash curler to curl lashes before applying mascara.
Eyelash curlers are wonderful, but they can be a little bit intimidating for beginners.
Instead, just use your finger and brush your lashes upward.
Step 5: Take Out the Mascara Want and Wipe off Any Excess
Now that you’ve prepped your eyelashes, it’s time to get started!
Simply take your mascara out of the tube. Then, wipe off any excess onto the end of the tube.
Step 6: Apply Mascara to Top Lashes, Wiggling the Brush While Pulling Up
Step number 6 is key to applying mascara perfectly!
Start at the base (or root) of your eyelashes, then wiggle the brush back and forth while pulling up.
Step 7: Repeat Step #6 for Thicker Eyelashes
Apply a second coat of mascara if you want thicker lashes.
Just be careful to not overdo it. Too much mascara will cause clumping and flaking!
Step 8: Apply Mascara to Your Lower Lashes
Now it’s time to do your lower eyelashes. This is optional.
Key trick: Do NOT dip the mascara wand back into the tube. Just use whatever if left on the mascara wand, and apply to the lower lashes.
Place the mascara wand at the roots of the lashes (but on TOP, not under) and brush down. That’s it!
Step 9: Don’t Blink Right Away!
Make sure not to blink right away after putting on mascara. Give it a few seconds to dry.
Otherwise, you’ll get it on your eyelids or underneath your eyes.
Step 10: N/A – You are Done!
I love “top 10” lists and very easy makeup tutorials with 10 steps, but that's really ti!
Follow the 9 steps above to apply mascara perfectly!
The Best Drugstore Mascara for Volume and Length
I personally LOVE the essence Lash Princess mascara for both volume and length. It works super well and is a wonderful, easy-to-use mascara.
Plus, it’s under $10 on Amazon. That’s a price that can’t be beaten!
My runner-up mascara is the L’Oreal Paris Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara. It’s also a great mascara!
How to Apply Mascara Perfectly – YouTube Video
Want to learn how to apply mascara perfectly with an easy-to-follow step-by-step YouTube video? Check out this video by Very Easy Makeup.
You'll learn how to apply mascara perfectly for beginners.
And please subscribe to the Very Easy Makeup YouTube channel!
Subscribe to Very Easy Makeup on YouTube
Mascara Tips and Hacks for Beginners
Here are a few mascara tips and hacks. Check out these tips from Very Easy Makeup for extra long and thick eyelashes!
Primer for Extra Long Eyelashes
If you want super long eyelashes, apply a primer before applying your mascara.
Vaseline for Longer Eyelashes
You can apply Vaseline to your eyelashes at night to make them grow longer and appear thicker. Check out this article to learn how to apply Vaseline to your eyelashes.
How to Get Thicker Eyelashes
You can dab a little bit of baby powder onto your eyelashes if you want thicker eyelashes.
Or, simply let your eyeshadow trickle onto the top of your eyelashes. Then, apply your mascara. It will make your lashes appear thicker!
Mascara FAQs for Beginner Makeup
Here are a few FAQs about mascara.
Have a question that’s not covered? Leave a comment below!
How can I apply mascara without making a mess and without smudging?
Three simple tips. 1) Put on your makeup first, 2) use good mascara, and 3) don’t blink right away!
How can I apply mascara for more length?
Make sure to start the mascara wand at the base of your eyelash first. Then, wiggle it back and forth (while twirling the brush around) WHILE pulling up. This will make the eyelashes thicker and longer.
How can I apply mascara for volume?
Use more than one coat!
What are the best serums for growing eyelashes?
Some of the top serums are Grand Cosmetics GrandLash MD, Rodan + Fields Lash Boost, and Lavish Lash.
If you aren’t sure which one to try first, I’d recommend the Grand Cosmetics GrandLash MD.
What are eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent fibers that are attached to your eyelashes to make them longer. They usually last about six weeks.
The results are GREAT, but they are expensive (more than $200!) and take up to three hours to apply at a beauty salon.
The Best Mascara Products in this Very Easy Makeup Tutorial (All for Sale Online!)
Here are the products I love for getting beautiful eyelashes!
The Best Drugstore Mascaras
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara
The Best Mascara Primers
Christian Breton Eyelash Builder
Makeup Removers
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes
Have any Mascara Tips and Hacks?
Do you have any favorite mascara tips and hacks?
Leave a comment below to share it with others!
If you've had eyelash extensions or have used magnetic or glue on lash extensions I'd love to hear about your experience too!
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