It struck me this morning that after all these years I might be putting my mascara on incorrectly

[BigButtons]

I don't think it's the mascara- although i am trying out a new one- I normally stick with tubing ones.
It's just, mascara always clumps on me, always.
I just assumed it was the mascara( It could be) but it could also me.

How do you manage to layer mascara without it looking crappy?

You need to just do one layer at a time, if that makes sense. Do for example the top right lashes ONCE - then the top left - then the bottom right and then the bottom left. Then go round again if you want to. Gives the layers a chance to dry in between.

I use tweezers once I’ve applied mascara to separate any lashes that have stuck together

Mine always clumped till I started using a primer. Total game changer.

I can never do the tops

Reading all your tips I realise I have got into very unhelpful habits- like I have been doing three passes on each bit. Oh dear.

@BigButtons
My tip is to use Maybelline GreatLast mascara....it is the water-based formula. I have been using it for 50 years! Yes, five zero...that's not an auto- correct.
In all those years the price has been about the same...less than a fiver. Maybelline has jumped on the exotic wand and formula bandwagon but fortunately keeps the Great Lash. I do my bottom lashes first, then curl the top lashes and apply one coat horizontally..then I put a bit on the outer lashes to accent them a bit more...works for me.
No horrible black smudges under my eyes later in the day like with the waterproof formulas.
Although, don't be using Great Lash if you know you could be caught out in a heavy rain storm or have form for crying whilst out or you'll have black streaks flowing down your cheeks

Years ago a friend of mine was training to be a beautician and practiced eyelash tinting on me. Ever since I have tinted my own lashes with the proper stuff from a professional beauty suppliers, and if I want to enhance it more, I put on some clear mascara. I like a more natural look and this works really well for me.

@2lsinllama

Mine always clumped till I started using a primer. Total game changer.

Ooo which one please

I use a curler to lift mine. Add liner to the base of them to give them more definition, then use a clear mascara first, I allow that to dry and do some other bits while it does then I go back with a sweep of black or dark brown mascara. I don’t buy expensive brands. Waggling the brush does help too but the curler first really helps them to stand out

@Sweetpea1532 I usually use tubing mascara because panda eyes is a big issue, so that might not work.
Never thought of using a clear mascara first- doesn’t that make the lashes crispy?

It’s the Maybelline one. Not sure of the name but it’s cheap as chips!

I agree with previous posters about keeping an old mascara wand,that's been thoroughly washed,to separate your lashes after applying.

@ViaRia

Never ‘pump’ the wand in and out of the tube to refill it. Can’t remember exactly why but that supposedly affects the consistency of the product.

Also… I don’t layer my mascara. Perhaps others do. I just apply one layer. If I go over the same lashes again with a second layer it would clump up.

If I remember correctly, pumping the wand in and out introduces air (and possibly germs) throughout the product.

Buy small tubes of mascara so you’re changing it regularly so it doesn’t dry out, one coat zig zagged through and bob’s your uncle.

@BigButtons , I'm not sure about using the clear product first since I don't use it..I'll ask @Nixster87x if it makes her lashes crispy....NIX, does the clear stuff make your lashes crispy?

I use a primer otherwise mine smudge whatever I use.

I think it's to do with the face/ proximity of lashes.

@Sweetpea1532 yeah the clear mascara question wasn’t aimed at you. I forgot to put the @Nixster87🥴

You can buy mascara wands on Amazon. They are called spoolies and dead cheep. I use them for my brows.

@BigButtons
I kind of figured so, but I couldn't resist being a bit cheeky..I hope I didn't offend you!

@Sweetpea1532 not at all.🙂
I have a stinking cold- at least I’m hoping that’s what it is- will test later- and was drowning my sorrows in red wine that I couldn’t taste.
Not the best decision ever made🧐

Oh no, @BigButtons!
I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling well. There is quite a bit of upper respiratory sickness going around in the US right now..I had it in June... the coughing and stuffed up nose lasted over 2 weeks. Fingers crossed it's not something more serious

@BigButtons

When I was at school many centuries ago we were given interview advice. One tip has always stayed with me and that was to coat both sides of our lashes because if we didn’t the interviewer would see that we couldn’t be bothered and not give us the job! I used to do it then I read somewhere that it can weigh the lashes down.

I usually use no 7 tubing one. The other day I bought maybeline sky high. It’s ok for staying power but it’s very gloopy and sticks my lashes together even more.
2000 calorie mascara you say?

I can't get over the fact that you were given make up advice in careers! We were never spoken to at all about our appearance.

I have an old mascara wand I use to comb through after putting on mascara. I've done this since I was at college, so 30 years now. It makes the lashes separate, and I've never ever had clumping.
I've never put mascara on the backs of my lashes though, only ever on the 'front' you see when eyes are open.
I don't even know how I'd paint the other side without getting mascara everywhere and messing up my eye shadow.

I'm sorry to railroad the thread but we were also given makeup advice AND told to carry a spare pair of tights. As well as a safety pin and needle and sewing kit in case our boss should ever have an emergency with HIS clothing (late 80s)
PA training.

Were these girls' schools then? Mine was co-ed, and careers was basically fill in a questionnaire to see what jobs you could do (always librarian, car mechanic, teacher or hairdresser, don't think there were more than four outputs )
That was it

@LaVieEstBelle159

I'm sorry to railroad the thread but we were also given makeup advice AND told to carry a spare pair of tights. As well as a safety pin and needle and sewing kit in case our boss should ever have an emergency with HIS clothing (late 80s) PA training.

Sounds familiar Girls’ school late ish 80s. Mind you we got a very very good grounding in home economics. Much better than the lessons my teens get today.