Finding mascara tricky to apply is not defined by age. You can have challenges whatever your age – if you have hooded eyes for instance.
Having said that, our eyes do change as we age. The eyelid skin becomes looser and thinner and can become puffier, which makes the lids look heavier. For some, the drooping of the eyelids causes their crease to disappear (the part of the eye that separates the eyelid from the brow above). Eyelashes can become sparse and undereye puffiness makes the eyes look smaller.
OK, that’s the gritty stuff out of the way.
What makes the difference when applying mascara is your attitude. Yes, your eyes may have changed a bit, but you can still wear mascara and it will look FAB!
It’s a case of you do you on this. I love my eyelashes to look thick, long and yes, clumpy. I lash the mascara on and buy the ones that will create this for me.
You might want your eyelashes to look more natural or lengthened but not thicker. Whatever you prefer is fine. You can always try something different when you’re ready.
Don’t be worried – wear your mascara just as you like it not how other people expect you to. There are no rules.
Whatever your style, here are five tips for fuss-free application.
1 Curl those babies
You may think eyelash curlers look a little like a tool of torture, but they are, in fact, your new best friend for creating a sparkly wide-eyed look – and who doesn’t want that? They are amazing at making the lashes look lengthened and even work their magic on hooded eyes. Don’t worry they won’t damage your lashes if used properly.
The trick is to get the curler as close to the base of the lashes as you can. Squeeze the curlers together with your lashes clamped inside, then pump 10-12 times. Please be careful not to catch your eyelids – ouch! Curl before applying your primer and mascara.
When buying a curler, look for one that fits your eye shape. If yours are round, pick a curler with a stronger curve. Almond-shaped or hooded eyes? Choose one with a softer curve. Some are longer than others, too, so take that into account.
If you’re not wearing mascara, curl your lashes anyway as they’ll still have the effect of opening up your eyes.
2 Add some scaffolding
Think of eyelash primer as underwear for the lashes, giving you plenty of volume and lift. Primer looks like mascara from the outside, but the goodness inside is usually white, not black or coloured – don’t let that scare you; it’s only step one, applied onto bare lashes with the wand in the same way as you apply mascara.
Then comes the mascara. I much prefer to apply it while the primer is still tacky, but some recommend letting it dry fully first. The best thing to do is give both and try and see which way works best for you. It can be applied to the lower lashes if you want extra oomph.
3 Next, the mascara
Now, here’s the thing. If your eyelashes look a bit sparse these days, there’s no rule that says you have to apply mascara sparsely too. In fact, quite the opposite. You want your lashes to look lush, so let’s get it on.
First, tip your head backwards so you are looking downwards as you apply – this stops the mascara from smudging onto your eyelids, and it’s basically just much easier. You’ll look up when applying to the lower lash line.
Place your wand right into the base of the lashes, then brush upwards and outwards while rubbing gently from side to side. Push up at the corners with the tip of the wand to give a lifted look. Two coats, the second one applied while the first is tacky, can help you achieve the fat, longer lashes we desire. Get lots on – don’t be shy, your eyes need the definition. If you overload, well, you’ll know to go more gently next time.
Comb through with a lash comb if any lashes need separating, although, in my opinion, the clumpy look has its place too.
4 Choosing mascara
There are so many mascaras to choose from and you probably already have a favourite, but if you haven’t tried a lengthening and volumising one yet, it’s time. If once applied, you find the lengthening ones make your eyelashes look too spidery, swap for one that just volumises. Some women prefer lightweight mascara as it helps to avoid clumping – you decide.
To keep your eyelashes in tip-top condition, look for one that contains nourishing ingredients, such as vitamins or natural oils. This is particularly beneficial if your lashes are prone to breaking.
As your eyes change with age, you may find mascara transfers to the eyelids/under the eyes more than it used to. Using a waterproof or tubing mascara will sort this. I prefer tubing as it’s less damaging to the lashes when removing it – simply saturate a cotton pad with warm water and hold it against your lashes for 30 seconds or so, then gently wipe the mascara away.
5 Wands at the ready
What is it with mascara wands – new shapes and sizes come on the market all the time and it can get quite confusing. So, which is best for you? It is a bit of trial and error, as what works for me might not be right for you. If ‘no clump’ is important to you, go for a wand with a slim, tapered, or curved shape that allows for better control and precision during application. If like me, you prefer a ‘bigger, bolder look’ a fatter wand is your tool of choice.
Wands with balls on the end are marvellous for getting mascara right to the tip of your lashes and stretching out the corner lashes too.
To minimise tugging and irritation, look for soft, flexible bristles that easily glide through your lashes.
So, go on, it’s time to grab your wand and make magic.
