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Mascara Beauty Basics: How to Lash-Out! Often touted as the one makeup essential you need, just how do you really make the most of it?  "Most people don't know that 68% of cosmetic users buy mascara. But mascara may well be the equivalent of the VCR: Nearly everyone has it: next to no one really knows how to use it to its full potential."
'Allure' magazine, August, 1999
Tools
There are a few tools you'll need:
eyelash curler (I recommend plactic, with a sponge 'insert')
mascaras (two types, we'll explain later!)
an old, but clean, mascara wand
Directions
1. When to Apply
- Mascara is best applied after you have applied your eye shadow & liner. This not only avoids smudging of the wet lashes, but helps you see the finished results.
- Before you reach for your mascara, get out the curler. For best results, you may warm up your eyelash curler by placing it in front of a blow dryer blowing warm air. It only takes a few seconds to heat it, and please, plastic curlers only! The metal ones get too hot. Gently curl your lashes with a soft squeeze -- first near the base of the lashes, then again about half-way up. This prevents you from getting a strange 'angled' look. You have just used the same heat setting qualities of your curling iron! (You may not need to do this every time, just when you lashes are not curved up well.) Re-heat, and repeat on the on the other eye's lashes.
- You may now lightly dust your lashes with loose powder. The easiest way to do this, and not affect your eye shadow etc., is to take an eye shadow applicator dipped in powder & gently run it over your lashes. The powder will make sure your lashes are dry, and be an extra layer of thickening & lengthening.
2. How to Apply
- Now you can get our the mascara! Start by rolling the wand from root to tip, in an upward motion. You should hold the wand parallel with your lash line. Let it dry.
- Now, with your old, clean, 'recycled' mascara wand, you may gently comb through the lashes. This will help separate each lash and remove any 'clumps.'
- You may now apply a second layer. A tip that the pros don't always share: Use a second type of mascara for the second coat. Not only does this seem to amplify the lashes and build them thicker & longer, but since they are different formulas, it seems one may be excellent at thickening, the other at lasting etc. so they compliment on another! You may apply this second coat with the tip of the wand to get more coverage as well. (Just be careful not to lean the wand on your cheek, or poke yourself in the eye!)
- Now for the lower lashes. Apply mascara to the lower lashes by using the tip of the wand. This allows you to get a bit closer to these smaller, finer lashes. Usually, only one coat is applied to lower lashes for a more open look. (Or, you may 'skip' applying mascara to the bottom lashes. Heavier top lashes draws attention up and away from dark circles!)
More Tips
To help you with your desire for longer, more noticeable lashes...
Don't
Never curl your lashes after you have applied mascara -- they will break off!
Do not overapply or use too much mascara -- your lashes will look clumpy, glumpy or othwise miss the mark of pretty.
Do
If you find that while putting your mascara on, you have placed some on your eyelid or have flecks around your eye area, wait til it dries to remove it. Once dry, it is easy to 'chip' or 'flake' off with your makeup sponge or cotton swab.
Replace your mascara every 3 months. It is a dark, moist place for bacteria to grow! Once open, toss it at 90 days - no matter how much is left.
Check for smudges. Smudges or flecks of mascara around the eyes look sloppy and detract from your look.
© DeeDee
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