Many of us apply mascara daily... but are we doing it properly? Here are 6 common mistakes to avoid (as well as a few techniques and tips) to prevent mascara that’s runny, dries out easily, becomes lumpy or irritates your skin.

Mistake #1: Moving the brush back and forth in the tube

This habit, something we often do to get the mascara that clings to the sides of the tube, actually sucks air into the tube. As a result, the mascara dries out more quickly, meaning you have to buy more sooner.

How to avoid drying out your mascara?

To prevent this from happening when the tube is running low, try getting the remaining mascara from the brush by pressing it against the sides of the tube while rotating the brush. If there's no formula on the brush when you pull it out of the tube, that probably means it’s time to get a new mascara. And while you’re at it, why not try a new one?

Mistake #2: Curling your lashes after applying mascara

Eyelash curlers are a great way to give your lashes a little lift... but only if you use them before you apply your mascara! You should never curl lashes that already have mascara on them. Why? Because mascara hardens your lashes making them fragile and easily damaged, or even more susceptible to falling out. So, if you curl them after applying make-up, you’re exposing your lashes to a great deal of harm. Always use your eyelash curler before you apply your mascara!

Another tip to avoid damaging your lashes by curling them…

If your lashes seem overly fragile, or your curler is a little too rough on your lashes, even when you use it before applying mascara, try a natural curling technique. Just push your lashes slightly upwards using your fingertips after you apply mascara.

Mistake #3: Applying mascara starting with the top lashes

While many of us like to do it this way, it’s not the most effective method. In fact, it can even cause your mascara to dry out prematurely! So, if you're going to apply mascara to both sets of lashes, it's best to start with the lower ones.

If that seems odd, here’s the reasoning: if you start with the top ones, you increase the risk of smudging your mascara on your eyelids when you look up to do the lower ones, since the mascara will still be damp. If you start with the lower lashes, you’ll reduce the risk of smudging when you apply the mascara to the top ones.

Reminder: Lower lashes can remain mascara-free

Remember, you don’t have to apply mascara to your lower lashes. It might be a good way to enhance coloured eyelids, but it’s not a must. What's more, it’s a better idea to leave your lower lashes bare if you’ve started to see the first signs of aging around your eyes.

Mistake #4: Forgetting to apply a base

Does your mascara run throughout the day, leaving smudge marks on and under your eyelids? The reason is simple: our skin produces sebum, a natural oil that reduces the mascara’s staying power. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to avoid that!

Want to avoid mascara that runs?

Use a primer before you apply your mascara! It’s an essential step if you want to avoid smudging. The primer acts by smoothing out your skin and boosting your mascara’s hold for several hours, offering long-lasting results while avoiding any unwanted smudging. No more raccoon eyes!

Eye primer is also useful for creating a barrier that prevents sebum from coming into contact with your mascara.

Mistake #5: Reapplying mascara over a coat that’s already dry

To be sure, adding a second coat of mascara for a quick evening makeover can be tempting... but don't do it! All you’ll do is increase the chances that your mascara will clump and smudge.

Want to avoid excess mascara on your eyelids?

To enhance your makeup without overloading your eyes, we recommend reworking your eyelid makeup, by adding some dark blush to create a smokey eyes effect, or by adding a little liner to your upper lids. If you want that bold, fiery look without excess mascara on your lashes, there are lots of ways to achieve it.

Remember: use a little concealer before you apply your mascara to refresh and brighten the undersides of your eyes. And, if you're using foundation, make sure you set it first with loose powder before you apply your mascara.

Mistake #6: Using mascara that’s past its expiry date.

On average, a tube of mascara lasts for about three months. After that, it should be replaced, even if there's still some mascara left in the tube. Inserting and removing the brush too often and over a long period of time can cause a build-up of dust and bacteria that can irritate your eyes.

The key? Change your mascara regularly

A tube of mascara can be a real breeding ground for eye-irritating bacteria. What's more, expired mascara is pasty, and can leave nasty clumps on your lashes. Not what you want! What's more, exposure to heat and humidity can also harm your mascara, accelerating its deterioration and reducing its effectiveness.

To avoid these problems, remember to replace your mascara every three months at the most, just like you would with your liquid liner and concealer.

Good tips for your mascara routine…

Here are a few good techniques you can adopt to avoid smudging and running when you use mascara.

• Never share your mascara: Just like your razor or your toothbrush, mascara is a highly personal item that shouldn’t be shared to avoid the spread of bacteria and infection.
• Use a setting mist: Spritz a small amount of setting mist onto your lashes after you apply your mascara to add hold and reduce the risk of smudging throughout the day, especially if it’s humid out. But remember to choose a gentle, alcohol-free mist to avoid irritating your eyes.
• Use loose powder on lashes: Using a fine brush, gently apply a small quantity of loose powder to your lashes before you apply your mascara. The reason? Loose powder acts as a primer, giving your eyelashes more grip, which helps reduce the risk of your mascara running later in the day. But remember to gently tap your eyelids to remove any excess powder before you apply your mascara.
• Warm the mascara tube: Is your mascara a little dry? Hold the closed tube under warm, running water for a few minutes to soften the mascara without letting any bacteria in.
• Apply mascara in a zigzag pattern from the base of the lashes to the tip. By doing this, you minimize clumping and ensure better separation while coating all the lashes properly.
• Use an eyelash separator: Using an eyelash separator after applying your mascara can help avoid mascara build-up and clumping while ensuring a sharper, more defined look.
• Add a biphasic makeup remover to your beauty arsenal: Properly removing your mascara after a long day is vital to ensuring healthy lashes and avoiding eye irritation. Biphasic makeup removers are especially useful for that purpose. Their twin-phase composition (both oily and aqueous) dissolves even the most stubborn mascara easily, while caring for the sensitive areas around your eyes.