Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

Improving my mascara technique


Audrey

Recommended Posts

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.

Link to comment

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. 

Link to comment

@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.

Link to comment

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.

Link to comment
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.

Link to comment

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. 

Link to comment
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.  

Link to comment

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

Link to comment

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.

Link to comment
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.

Link to comment

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"

Link to comment
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! :applause:

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

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

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

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

Link to comment
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

Link to comment

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.

Link to comment
  • 4 weeks later...

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

Link to comment

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.

Link to comment
  • 1 year later...

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.

 

 

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   4 Members, 0 Anonymous, 150 Guests (See full list)

    • Mmindy
    • Adrianna Danielle
    • phys
    • Charlize
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.5k
    • Total Posts
      767.2k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      11,939
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Chaidoesart
    Newest Member
    Chaidoesart
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. **Angela Charlotte **
      **Angela Charlotte **
    2. Carlie
      Carlie
      (63 years old)
    3. Cbxshawn
      Cbxshawn
      (49 years old)
    4. HannahO
      HannahO
      (31 years old)
    5. JustKatie
      JustKatie
      (40 years old)
  • Posts

    • Charlize
      It certainly could be classed as dark humor.  Unfortunately the sentiments alone must hurt young trans folks.  Decency and reality doesn't seem to be in the GOP's vocabulary.   Hugs,   Charlize
    • Mmindy
      Good morning all,    It’s a frosty morning here the lawn looks silvery, and the uncovered spring flowers have icy edges on their leaves. The only flower bed I covered was my tulips. As nice as it is here during the day, our clear wind free nights allow the temperatures to drop into the mid twenties. Here in our growing zone it’s recommended that you not plant delicate plants until Mother’s Day. Central Indiana can have snow as late as the third week of May. The birds are active at the feeders, I’ve had my cup of yoghurt and morning meds. So I’ll sit here, drink coffee and watch the as the sunrise chases the frost from the yard.    @awkward-yet-sweet I could eat black eyed peas as a side for every meal. Boil them plain or with fatback. Served as a leftover, just add in a little Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies.  Make the best of your day,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋    
    • Mirrabooka
      I hope y'all look at this one. A catchy tune released at the end of Covid lockdown. Scarlett is so cute!!!     
    • Heather Shay
    • Mirrabooka
    • Mirrabooka
      Had a weird dream last night.
    • Mirrabooka
      Morning, y'all. Evening here; we had the regulation three mugs full today. Now it's time to drink something else.     No big plans here either, eldest daughter and granddaughter will be arriving on Saturday, and we will have our granddaughter to ourselves for a week after that. We still have plans though. Tuesday we'll go to the swim center, Wednesday we'll take a road trip to visit my mom, Thursday we'll get some mulch delivered to top up the gardens.   I still make other small plans on a daily basis though. The things I do plan nowadays, which is a bit new for me, is that after pinching a nerve and ending up in a bit of pain and getting some treatment from the physio, I am more motivated than ever to exercise more regularly. Tuesday for example, I went for a short (15 minute) early morning walk, went to the pool for some hydrotherapy, and mowed the lawns. Yesterday I did my exercise reps and spent some time on the exercise bike. Today, I went for a 45-minute walk, tomorrow I will do my reps again and go for a long bike ride. As long as I do at least one thing every day, right? The pleasing thing is that I'm losing weight! I blew out to above 95kg early in the year and I'm just under 91kg now. Yay me!
    • Heather Shay
      What one piece of advice would you give to beginning transitioners or considering transition?
    • Heather Shay
      Positive side of the mixed bag.
    • Heather Shay
      Boredom is an emotional state that comes when a person has nothing to do, and is not interested in anything. To stop boredom, most people do something to occupy or amuse themselves. The first known use of the word boredom is in the novel Bleak House by Charles Dickens, written in 1852, but the saying to be a bore had been used to mean "to be tiresome or dull" since 1768. When referring to the mind, boredom is a bad state in which the person feels a deep lack of interest in what is going on around them, and where it is hard to focus.
    • Heather Shay
    • Heather Shay
    • Heather Shay
    • Mirrabooka
      ^ Your story gives inspiration to others.
    • April Marie
      Growing stronger and confident every day.
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...