Mascara.  We love it and we hate it.  Put it on wrong and you’ve got a beauty disaster. So what to do? The secret to having long, luxurious, great looking lashes is all in the right kind of mascara application.

It’s true! Clumpy lashes are completely avoidable! If you want lush, long lashes and a chic look that brightens your eyes instead of weighing them down with clumps of mascara, the following tips and tricks will get you there.

DO…

1. Blot it! Chances are you’ve applied too much mascara to your lashes which creates clumping. Blotting the wand right after you pull it out of the mascara tube to remove excess product helps reduce the chances of clumping between coats. Use a light touch and follow up with an eyelash comb or brush after the mascara has dried. This will help fluff the lashes and remove excess product, giving the appearance beautiful thick lashes to frame the eye.

2. Clean it! Smart mascara wearers know that you need to wash your mascara wand regularly. Mascara clumps when it sits too long between uses. To reduce the chances of this occurring, wash your mascara wand with eye makeup remover and dry it gently with a clean lint free cloth. And because mascara can get old, it’s best to replace your mascara with a new tube every 3 to 6 months to keep it from drying out, getting rancid or clumpy.

3. Wet it! Moisten lashes with a clean, wet brush prior to applying mascara. This will allow the mascara to go on more smoothly and evenly. Remember to always apply the product starting at the lash base and working outward to the ends of the lashes.

4. Wiggle it! When applying mascara, wiggle the wand back and forth in a sawing motion while lightly sweeping the wand in an upward stroke. This will help separate the lashes and remove any clumps. If your mascara brand has a straight brush try bending it slightly as you pull it out of the tube to make it curved. Curved brushes mold more naturally to your lashes for better application.

5. Layer it! Most people apply just one or two coats of mascara to lashes; however, many people may actually need three or four layers to get a good look. If you have short, thin lashes, try mixing mascaras. First apply a layer of mascara meant to lengthen lashes. Then add a layer of mascara meant for thickening the lash.

6. Go 3D!  Though I’ve not tried these new 3D mascara‘s on the market, everything I have heard about them is positive.  You can find them here on Amazon (click) or contact a Younique rep for to purchase their specific product.

Don’t…

1. Pump. You’re applying mascara, not airing up a bike tire. Never pump the wand in and out of the tube like we used to do in the 80s, thinking we’d get more product on the wand.  It does not coat the wand with mascara any better and only causes the product to dry out faster by introducing air to the container.

2. Post-curl. Once you have applied your mascara, don’t use a lash curler. It can damage your lashes and cause them to clump together.  Use the lash curler prior to applying, not after.

3. Over apply. If you need a few coats of mascara to produce dramatic eyes, that’s fine. However, be sure you aren’t over-applying. Too much mascara will leave you looking like you’ve used tar on your eyes. If you simply cannot seem to get the desired length or thickness you are seeking with your current mascara, try a different brand.

4. Add water (or other ingredients). Adding water, oil or any other ingredients to extend the life of your mascara can cause infection and decrease the color intensity and overall performance of the product. Mascara is inexpensive so just buy a new tube.

5. Don’t wear waterproof mascara daily. Removing waterproof mascara, even with a makeup remover product, still requires a lot of rubbing and pulling which can damage lashes and the soft tissue around the eyes.

Pretty simple, right?  It’s not hard to get that “perfect eye” look with your mascara. Do you know any other great tips for our fabulous mascara wearing moms out there?  Please comment below!