Improving my mascara technique

[Audrey]

Hi everyone,

 

Looking for a little guidance on mascara from those of you who enjoy wearing it. I'm having trouble to get the wand at the base of my lashes without either missing them entirely, only touching the tips, or overcorrecting and poking myself in the eyes. I've watched many YouTube videos and got tips from my partner as well as several girlfriends, but the struggle is real. My lashes are nearly invisible without mascara on them so I really want to wear it well. It feels like a proprioceptive thing that I'll get better at with time. I'm using Aveda's "Mosscara" but I'm open to experimenting with other brands that may work better or easier. Thinking an eyelash curler will also help me but I haven't bought one yet (there's one sitting in my Amazon cart), and I've heard it's possible to grow lashes out but reluctant to try using those sorts of products.

 

p.s. @Sally Stone I did thoroughly enjoy your makeup series on Femulator from last summer!

 

Thanks for reading, and sharing your thoughts! ❤️ 

 

Love,

~Audrey.

[Ann W]

One thing that helped me a lot was switching to a brand with a narrow brush.  I like Maybelline Lash Discovery.  It has a thin little brush that helps get into that lower inside corner.  I start making tiny little strokes in mid air, and very carefully move my hand toward my lash until it starts making contact.  Also, pointing my head upward when doing the upper lash so the eyes are more closed looking in the mirror gets my lashes away from the lid above.

 

I consider a lash curler a must. I use it regardless of what mode I'm in.  It makes me look more awake and alert (and feminine). You don't need a fancy one.  I use one from the dollar store, but my old Revlon curler from the drug store has softer rubber on it, which is nice. 

[Audrey]

@Ann W Thank you for sharing your experience! I'll try the head tilting approach next time. The brush with the Aveda mascara is pretty narrow too compared to others I've seen. It can get close to that corner close to the nose without getting all over everything, if my hand is steady. Do you heat your curler before using it? I've heard that helps too. I like the idea of looking more alert (and feminine!), I know I didn't look so awake in my staff meeting this morning...

 

Love,

~Audrey.

[Ann W]

I don't see any need to heat it.  Just squeeze for about 10 seconds and pump a few times.  It takes a little practice getting it in there close to the base of the lash.  You can over do it though.  You'll know if you feel the tips of your lash hitting your lid.

[Audrey]

6 hours ago, CBabe said:

My lashes have grown a bit during HRT. I can't say I don't love that. lol

This would be okay with me too! We'll see what the future brings, I'm just four months in.

I will definitely invest in a good magnifying mirror along with the curler, thanks for the suggestion Cinda! ❤️

 

Love,

~Audrey.

[Chloe Cozee]

I prefer a mascara with a curved brush. it makes it easy for me to apply it. My wife uses a technique where she moves the brush back and forth across her eyelashes. I have tried that and it seems to work. I bought a well lit mirror and also have a 15X stick on mirror that I use. 

[Ann W]

10 hours ago, CBabe said:

The curl lasts longer when the curler his heated. I've tested the theory.

That makes sense...good to know.

 

The magnifying light up mirror helped me more than anything.  

[HollyElizabeth]

Hi girls.  I'm no way an expert at applying mascara. I just do the best I can. When I apply it I close the eye so that both the bottom and the top lash are together. 

 

I have never thought about heating the wand. I'm going to have to give it a try tomorrow. My mom says you aren't a woman if you haven't poked yourself in the eye several times while trying to apply mascara. I guess I'm finally a woman because it seems like I'm always poking myself in the eye all the time. 

 

I have good news, my mom borrows my makeup, that's something I thought would ever happen. She borrowed my mascara and my lipgloss this morning. OMG! I almost died when she asked. Just two months ago she was calling me him, today it's her. I love my mom. Lol

[Elizabeth Star]

I cheat a little. Since I use eyeliner on my top lid, I make sure to get some at the base of my lashes. I know it's not a very clean look but it works for me.

[Audrey]

9 hours ago, HollyNoel said:

I have never thought about heating the wand. I'm going to have to give it a try tomorrow.

Warm up the curler if you use one, not the wand. Though I would make sure the mascara tube itself is room temperature at least, cold makeup doesn't work very well in my experience.

 

9 hours ago, HollyNoel said:

I have good news, my mom borrows my makeup, that's something I thought would ever happen.

I caught my partner using the nail poilish I was putting on the other day. I couldn't resist a little playful teasing about that, a few short months ago she struggled with the idea that I owned cosmetics at all.

 

2 hours ago, ElizabethStar said:

I cheat a little. Since I use eyeliner on my top lid, I make sure to get some at the base of my lashes. I know it's not a very clean look but it works for me.

It's not cheating if it works!

 

Thank you everyone for sharing your mascara ideas!

 

Love,

~Audrey.

[DeeDee]

Hi Audrey, a bit late to this thread! you already have some really good tips, at the moment I use a hemp mascara that lengthens. I find it easier to apply if I have curled my lashes first as mine just don't want to be straight for some reason, but the side to side method didn't work too well for me, I actually find a combination of rotating my brush up at the same time as partially closing my eyelids so they sweep over the brush works really well. Also stop after a couple of passes as too many tries just leads to clumping.?

 

This is what I bought last time and I love the effect, "Aliver HEMP MASCARA Lash luxury infused Silk Fiber Long Lasting Curve Lengthening Mascara Volume And Thickening Mascara Dramatic Extension Smudge-proof Instant lash Enhancing Hemp Mascara Black"

[DeeDee]

9 hours ago, HollyNoel said:

I have good news, my mom borrows my makeup, that's something I thought would ever happen. She borrowed my mascara and my lipgloss this morning. OMG! I almost died when she asked. Just two months ago she was calling me him, today it's her. I love my mom. Lol

This is amazing! 

[Willow]

Hi

 

new to this blog. My wife used to be a beauty consultant.  She taught me to put liquid eyeliner right at the base of my lashes and on my eyelid.  Followed by a lash primer and then the mascara.  This gives me fuller and longer lashes. Last is the eye shadow which helps to hide the jittery hand.  I’m no good at all with a pencil so I have to use liquid. Oh and whatever you do don’t blink.

 

Willow

[Willow]

As I read back, there is no way I could manage without the lighted magnifying mirror.

[Bri2020]

On 1/22/2021 at 6:11 AM, DeeDee said:

Hi Audrey, a bit late to this thread! you already have some really good tips, at the moment I use a hemp mascara that lengthens. I find it easier to apply if I have curled my lashes first as mine just don't want to be straight for some reason, but the side to side method didn't work too well for me, I actually find a combination of rotating my brush up at the same time as partially closing my eyelids so they sweep over the brush works really well. Also stop after a couple of passes as too many tries just leads to clumping.?

 

^this!  I do the same things.  I don't curl. Long term I think it might damage or pull lashes out. Lashes grow VERY slowly so I don't want to risk them at my age

Also, just practice. Every day it gets easier.  Same with eye shadow.   I never thought I would get it down but a couple months later I can do it in a few seconds.

Eye liner......that's a whole other issue that I completely gave up on. hahaha

[Audrey]

Thanks again everyone for sharing all your mascara advice! I ordered the eyelash curler and magnifying mirror, so I look forward to getting them soon and experimenting with renewed enthusiasm. One of my girlfriends warned me last night that mascara can actually damage your lashes with long-term regular use. Can anyone comment on that? I'm using natural cosmetics just in case this is a thing and hoping it's better for my skin/body.

 

Love,

~Audrey.

[Anna A]

Hello Audrey!
Have you considered trying false lashes? They are so trendy right now....I use them some and it doesn’t take quite the mascara effort! I too have thin sparse natural she’s. Also start out with an inexpensive curler..... you can get an Elf brand at Walmart for $3.00. Just my suggestions. Hope you can figure it out.... it’s taking me a while too though trial and error.

-Anna

[Guest]

I’m enjoying all these comments. I’ve been using mascara daily since November. I rarely go out without my eyes on. I’m using Maybeline Voliminous waterproof since I work outside. I use a combination of the side to side motion and the sculpt my lashes out. No eyeliner...yet, though I hit my bottom lashes too. I like that look on other women, though I find the fake lashes sexy too. One other note; I had my brows waxed and HOLY COW what a difference.

[Bridget]

I find if you put the want close to your lashes just under the them and blink onto the brush this then trains the lashes to go upwards.  It won’t be perfect first time but perseverance is key.  I use the Lancôme Idole it’s fab and has some good extracts to condition and nourish the lashes.