Tobi Henney, makeup artist for models like Poppy Delevigne and Barbara Palvin, adds that there are “key factors” to consider while shopping for mascara. “For example, do you want a mascara that’s easy to remove, gives volume, length, or creates curl?” Consider the climate you’ll be wearing the mascara in, too, Henney suggests, as this could affect your decision to seek out a waterproof formulation or not.
Henney, too, is particular about wands, as they can help with separating, curling, and lengthening the lashes. Personally, “I love wands with tiny spikes to help with a very defined, separated lash,” she says.
How to Apply Mascara
“When you open a fresh mascara, always wipe off the brush. This helps refresh the brush bristles for a cleaner grip inside the tube and cleaner application to the lashes,” says celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin, whose clients include Ali Wong, Dakota Johnson, and Michelle Yeoh. Speaking of keeping it fresh, “If your mascara doesn’t make a pop sound when you pull the brush out of its tube, it means it’s old and dry,” Martin adds.
When it’s time to apply, “start at the base of your lashes and wiggle back and forth through the end of the lash,” Martin instructs. “This helps pull the mascara through the lash, rather than just hitting the tips.”
How to Prevent Mascara from Flaking or Smudging
“Try combing through your lashes first, before applying mascara,” says Martin. “This helps separate the lashes and also wipes clean any dust or shadow fallout on the actual lash hairs that may cause clumping [or smudging] of the mascara formula.” After applying the mascara, brush the lashes one more time—just be sure to do it “quickly, and before the dry-down sets,” Martin advises.
“If the concern is long-wear, I typically do a final coat of waterproof mascara to lock it in,” adds Milan. “It holds it well throughout the day and prevents smudging or transfer, but it also allows for easy removal because it’s not several coats of the waterproof formula.” Plus, she adds: “Coating the skin around [the mascara] with a tiny bit of translucent powder will also help prevent smudging!”
Meet The Experts
- Amber Amos is a celebrity makeup artist who works with Lil Nas X and Law Roach
- Donni Davy is a celebrity makeup artist and the mastermind behind the beauty looks on Euphoria
- Alexx Mayo is a celebrity makeup artist known most-recently for his work with Lizzo
- James Molloy is a go-to makeup artist for brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills and Danessa Myricks Beauty
- Karina Milan is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Yara Shahidi, Ziwe, and Venus Williams.
- Keita Moore is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Yara Shahidi, Janelle Monae, Iman, and more
- Anthony Nguyen is a celebrity makeup artist whose clientele includes Adele, Sydney Sweeney, and Camila Cabello
- Andrea Tiller is a celebrity makeup artist, known for her work with actress Ilfenesh Hadera
- Vincent Oquendo is a celebrity makeup artist, whose client roster includes Jenna Ortega, Lily Collins, and Hailey Bieber
- Tobi Henney is a makeup artist whose clientele includes models Poppy Delevingne and Barbara Palvin.
- Daniel Martin is a celebrity makeup artist and the global director of artistry and education at Tatcha. His clients include Ali Wong, Dakota Johnson, and Michelle Yeoh.
- Karina Milan is a celebrity makeup artist whose clientele includes Yara Shahidi, Ziwe, and Ice Spice.