What’s the one makeup product you can’t live without? We’re pretty sure quite a few of you would pick mascara.
And we don’t blame you. With just a coat or two of mascara, you can
completely change your look. Pull the wand through your lashes and
suddenly they appear full and flirty. Yes, please. Of course, it’s easy
for things to go wrong when you’re applying if you aren’t wielding your
mascara wand the right way. Don’t fret—we’re breaking down the dos and
don’ts of mascara so that you can apply it like a pro.
Mascara Don’t #1: Apply to Bare Lashes
OK, you can apply mascara to bare
lashes and it’ll look fine—but doing a little prep work first can have
some major benefits. If you have an extra minute to spare, it’s worth it
to coat your lashes in a primer first (more on that next!)
Mascara Do #1: Prep with Primer
Primer, primer, primer. There’s a product to ready you for everything from foundation to lipstick
to, you guessed it, mascara. Primer may require adding an extra step to
your beauty routine, but assuming you’re in search of makeup that lasts
longer and looks better, it could be well worth it. Coat your eyelashes
with the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer to enhance the effects of your L’Oréal Paris mascara.
Mascara Don’t #2: Curl Coated Lashes
Lash curlers
and mascara go together like peanut butter and jelly—until you try to
curl lashes that have already been coated with mascara. Mascara can make
your lashes feel harder, and when that happens, curling can become
really difficult.
Mascara Do #2: Curl, Then Coat
Don’t put your lash curler away just
yet. It’s all about the order in which you work. Curl first, then add
mascara. Taking your eyelash curler, clamp it as close to the base of
your lashes as you can get without pinching your skin. Squeeze down for a
few seconds—longer can create a crimp instead of a curl—then release.
Work your way towards the ends of your lashes, clamping down as you go.
Now, it’s finally time for mascara!
Mascara Don’t #3: Borrow from Friends
Sometimes the lessons taught in
preschool aren’t quite as true as everyone implied. Sharing may be
caring when it comes to generic toys and snacks, but if you apply that
thinking to makeup, the results can be less than ideal. Here’s a new,
more helpful lesson: Friends don’t let friends borrow mascara. Using
someone else’s mascara can lead to the transfer of bacteria. Keep your
own mascara handy in an on-the-go makeup bag.
Mascara Do #3: Find your Favorite
Since playing with makeup that belongs to your friends is a no-go, pick the mascara that’s right for you and your lashes.
If you have short, fine lashes…try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara.
If you sweat and swim a lot…try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Waterproof Mascara.
If you don't want to spend time applying falsies…try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara.
If you need a pop of color…try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in Cobalt Blue.
Mascara Don’t #4: Leave Smears and Smudges
Even mascara pros mess up sometimes,
ending up with a face marked by flecks of mascara. While it would be
nice to avoid smears and smudges altogether, the bigger issue is when
they’re left behind.
Mascara Do #4: Clean Up Mistakes
Don’t let little mistakes ruin your whole look. Dip a cotton swab or precision makeup brush into a micellar water, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types, and quickly remove any unsightly spots.
Mascara Don’t #5: Keep It Forever
When you love a makeup product, it’s
easy to want to keep it in your collection for as long as possible. But
that’s not the best idea. Check the label of your mascara to see when it
expires, and make sure to toss.
Mascara Do #5: Try Something New
After tossing those old tubes in the
trash, take something new for a spin. Whether volume or length is what
you’re after, L’Oréal Paris has something for you. Read our article, Your Ultimate Guide to Mascara, to find your perfect mascara match.
