Your eyes are the windows to your soul… or at least, that’s what poems and romance novels will tell you! Eyelashes frame your eyes, and the longer and more voluminous they are, the bigger, brighter, and more open your eyes tend to look. The catch: Not all of us are blessed with long natural eyelashes.
Thankfully, that doesn’t mean lengthy, wispy lashes are unattainable. You just need a bit of mascara (and, of course, the know-how to apply it properly), and that’s where we come into play.
In this article, we’ll help you determine what type of mascara is best for your needs. Then, we’ll share a step-by-step breakdown teaching you the best way to apply mascara for longer lashes. Get all the details ahead, and prepare for lots of comments about how lovely your long eyelashes look.
Applying mascara for long lashes: Key takeaways
- Not all mascaras are created equal, so before applying mascara, look for a formula based on your desired finish, whether that's lengthening, volumising, waterproof hold, or a smokier look.
- Curling your lashes before applying mascara helps visually lift and lengthen them, so don't skip this step if you're after a standout look.
- Apply mascara from base to tip in an upward motion, working from the outer corner inwards, and rotate the wand vertically to reach those trickier inner-corner lashes.
- A second coat of mascara is ideal for building longer, fuller, more voluminous lashes without clumping.
- NYX Professional Makeup offers a mascara for every lash goal, from the lifting, volumising power of On The Rise to the all-weather resilience of Worth The Hype Waterproof Mascara.
How to choose the best mascara for long lashes
Mascaras aren’t one-size-fits-all, which is why it’s important to find a formula that suits your needs and preferences. Before you start applying mascara, take a look at a few of our different formulas:
- For long, lifted lashes, try On The Rise Volume Liftscara. Our vegan mascara adds length and volume to your lashes and dries down to a matte-black finish. You can use it alone for a more natural look or layer it over On The Rise Lash Booster for added definition. Our tinted lash enhancer helps boost the intensity of your mascara, leaving your eyelashes looking ultra-long and voluminous.
- If you need something a little more resistant to rain, sweat, and wear-and-tear, try our Worth The Hype Volumising Mascara. Our waterproof mascara adds visible length and volume while leaving your lashes feeling feathery-soft. Plus, the tapered brush tip makes applying mascara even easier, even in hard-to-reach places like your inner corners, so no lash has to go unnoticed.
- For a darker, smokier look, try NYX’s Epic Smokey Eye Mascara. Perfect for brooding and lifted looks, our Smokey Eye mascara lifts lashes and boosts volume and depth.
How to put on mascara for long lashes
So, now you’re armed with your volumising mascara, it’s time to learn how to apply mascara properly. Strap in, perfect eyelashes await:
What you’ll need
First, before we get into how to put on mascara, let’s make sure you have everything you need:
- Mascara
- Eyelash curler
- Cotton swabs
- Eye makeup remover
Step 1: Prep Your Lashes With an Eyelash Curler
They’re not strictly necessary, but eyelash curlers are a valuable tool if you’re looking to create a standout lash look. Used to curl your eyelashes from the root, they help visually lift your eyelash hairs, which can make lashes look longer.
To use a curler, first, open the eyelash curler, holding it the way you would scissors. Place your lashes between the two horizontal arms of the curler and clamp down, holding the curler in place for three to five seconds. Then, repeat the process about halfway up the length of your lashes, and again at the very ends to complete the curl. When clamping down with the curler, be sure you’re not pulling or tugging; you want to lift your lashes, not inadvertently yank them out.
Step 2: Brush On Your First Coat
After curling, we can get to actually applying mascara.
First, unscrew the top of your chosen formula and take out the mascara wand. Position your hand at the outermost corner of your eye and hold the wand horizontally at the very base of your lashes. Sweep the brush through your eyelashes from base to tip, moving in an upward motion. You can also pull the brush slightly outward at your outer corners to help visually fan out your lashes. Repeat the process, moving along your lash line toward the inner corners as you go.
Once you get to your inner corners, you may find it difficult to get the mascara on those thinner, shorter hairs. Rotate your mascara wand and hold it vertically to coat those shorter hairs. Then, repeat the process on your bottom lashes, using a lighter hand to avoid weighing down the finer hairs.
Pro Tip: Smudges are probably the most common barrier to a good look when learning how to put on mascara correctly. To avoid smudges on your skin while applying mascara to your bottom lashes, hold a clean spoon beneath your eyes with the rounded side out while applying your mascara. Coat your lower lashes in mascara, wait a moment for them to dry, then ditch the spoon.
Step 3: Apply a Second Coat
Repeat the above process with your other eye, then let the mascara dry for a minute or two.
In our opinion, the best way to apply mascara is with a second coat once your initial mascara coat has dried. Start at the base of your lash line, and wiggle the spoolie applicator back and forth a bit to help create the illusion of thicker, fuller lashes.
Step 4: Clean Up Any Smudges
After you’ve finished applying mascara, clean up any smudges with a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover. If you notice any unwanted clumping, you can also take a moment to separate your lashes with a clean spoolie brush. Run the spoolie through your (dry) lashes once or twice to help break up any clumps and give your eyelashes a more natural finish.
Discover the best way to apply mascara for long lashes with NYX
With the right mascara and the know-how to apply it properly, you can lengthen, volumise, and plump up your lashes. Discover NYX’s range of mascaras, designed to help plump lashes while resisting the smudges, wear-and-tear, and water damage that can spoil a perfect lash look.
Discover NYX’s Range of Mascaras
