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Mascara promises to make eyes look deeper and bigger, giving them a wide-open look. But if you’re besieged by clumps, smudges and mascara that runs, you’d be better off not wearing it at all. Applying mascara properly will give you lashes that look naturally long and lustrous, but even with perfect technique you won’t get the right effect unless you choose good mascara. Here’s how to do that and, once you’ve settled on a brand, apply it so it looks the way it should.
Which mascara?
For natural looking eyes, first think colour. Women with light hair should never use black mascara. If your eyelashes and eyebrows are light brown or blonde, give black mascara a big skip.
Then choose whether you’re looking for long-wearing waterproof mascara or water soluble mascara. Be careful, though – waterproof mascara is often thicker and more prone to clumping than water-soluble mascara. Waterproof mascara is less likely to run and smudge, though, making it a good choice if you’re active.
Avoiding clumps
Make-up artists swear by lash combs, using them to keep eyelashes separated and clump-free. If you use a lash comb, first apply mascara to the base of your lashes and then use a zig-zag motion to move the comb through to their tips.
If you don’t have – or want – a lash comb, simply use a tissue to remove excess mascara from the wand before applying.
Curl them
Using an eyelash curler makes your eyes look brighter and wider. Use your hair dryer to warm up the curler before using it. It should be warm to the touch, but not too hot. You can curl lashes before or after you apply mascara.
Priming
For a really good (yet time consuming) effect, use a primer before applying mascara. Primer will coat your lashes and separate them, while preventing your mascara from running.
Blink and check
If you’re lucky enough to have very long eyelashes, always make sure your mascara is dry by waiting a few seconds after applying and then blinking. If your eyelid gets smudged with mascara, wait a little longer for the mascara to dry before heading out.
Our top five favourite mascaras are Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Panoramic mascara (£20), Lancôme Hypnose Precious Cells Mascara (£22.50), Estée Lauder Double Wear (£19), Mii Intensifying Lash Lover (£13.50) and Maybelline’s budget but excellent The Falsies Volum’ Express (£8.19).
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