Makin' A Sp"lash": A Beginner's Guide to Using Mascara

     There are plenty of formulas and techniques out there, but below I'll give you a basic step-by-step guide of how I do my lashes.  Don't let the number of steps intimidate you; over time, it becomes second nature and only takes minutes to do.  If this is unfamiliar to you, start off slow to get a feel for it- practice makes perfect!  These are techniques I've picked up from over 15 years ago and counting, so like any art form, there are always new things to learn!

Before                                         After

                                        

     For this tutorial, I used Maybelline Mega Plush Volum' Express in Blackest Black.  This formula is a little wet, and while I don't normally like wet formulas, I really like how you can build up your mascara after allowing each application to dry a bit with this one.  Once dry, the product feels rather lightweight, too, which is a plus.  Without further ado, let's get to it!

     Bonus tip: NEVER pump your mascara wand; it only pushes air into the container, allowing for bacteria to grow and product to dry up. Just simply open the wand, and dip it into and out of the tube as needed.

     If you're comfortable with an eyelash curler, you can use one to start off and set a nice shape to your lashes. Close your eyes and clamp the curler to the base of your lashes. Slowly release by pulsing the curler open and close, moving away from the lashes. I usually like to do this twice on each eye. Bonus tip: Warm a metal eyelash curler with a hair dryer for a few seconds to give it a little heat to seal in the curl. Be careful not to burn your skin!

     Begin with the mascara wand at the base of your lashes.  Move the wand upward in a zigzag motion and repeat, covering all parts of your lashes.  This will help create volume.

    Next, with the mascara wand, sweep downward and outward to touch on outer lashes.  Repeat above steps as many times as desired.  I personally like to repeat the above steps a few times, alternating on each eye while the formula is still wet, and then wait a few minutes for lashes to dry.

After first application.

     Allow coats to dry completely. Don't worry about any excess mascara on the eyelid area for now. (If it really bothers you, place a business card behind your lashes and rest it against your head as you apply the mascara.  The excess product will go on the paper instead of onto your skin).

     Once the base of your lashes are defined, focus on the upper half of the lashes, and apply mascara only to that area.  This will help boost length.

    Again, repeat this step as many times as desired, allowing for coats to dry.

After mascara has been applied to lash tips.

     You may continue to build up more and more layers until desired volume and length is achieved.  If you have clumps, use a mascara comb to separate lashes.  Add a thin layer of mascara to bottom lashes for effect.  Use a cotton swab to gently remove any mascara residue from the eyelids.

Final 

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     Bonus tip: Applying eyeliner makes lashes appear bolder and more dramatic.

     Voila!

     Keep in mind, different formulas behave differently (wet vs. dry consistencies, different wand shape, volume, length, or lash defining), and you will find over time that you may have a preference to one over the other. In the mean time, enjoy playing around with it as you discover what you are able to do!