3 reasons your mascara isn’t working for you

Ever wonder why after five coats of mascara your lashes look clumpy? Or worse - catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror three hours into your day and realise your mascara has slid halfway down your cheek?

While it sometimes seems like the simplest step our makeup routine, mascara doesn’t always apply as smoothly as it should.

Read on to find out the top three reasons why, and you’ll be back on track to full, flawless lashes in no time.

Reason 1
You’re not leaving enough drying time

Make sure your lashes aren’t wet when you apply your mascara, otherwise the formula can’t adhere properly and will smudge. Don’t have time to wait? A dusting of translucent powder can soak up the excess water. After your first coat, also make sure to wait until your lashes are sticky, not wet, before applying your next layer to avoid clumping.

Reason 2
You’re not applying it correctly for your eye shape

Mascara wands are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your eye size and how far apart your eyes are, a different application method is needed for every individual. For example, if you’ve got small eyes, use a thin wand for precision and to avoid clumping. If your eyes are close together, focus on applying mascara to only the outer edges.

Reason 3
Your mascara’s formula has dried out

Dried out formulations are one of the key causes clumping and flaking. Stop pumping your wand before applying as it pushes air into the tube making the formulation dry out faster. Your wand’s formula will also cake up if it’s out of date – remember, six months is a good rule of thumb.