Tips to Avoid Clumpy Mascara

Mascara is a makeup bag essential if you want to accentuate your eyes, but unnatural 'spider leg' eyelashes that result from clumpy mascara make them stand out for the wrong reason. 

Here are some tips to avoid this makeup mishap.


First of all, it is essential to ensure your lashes are free of the previous day's eye makeup before you get started. If there are remnants of old mascara around your eyes, you are likely to end up with clumps when you apply a fresh coat. Use a good eye makeup remover to fully clean your lashes. It is also a good idea to use an eyelash comb through your lashes as this will define and separate them.

The second tip is to leave at least thirty seconds between applying coats of mascara. This should ensure the product is dry before the second coat is added and avoid your lashes sticking together on reapplication. Even better, to bypass the waiting stage, invest in a single-coat mascara.

LANCÔME Virtuose Precious Cells High Definition Curves & Length Mascara

LANCÔME Virtuose Precious Cells High Definition Curves & Length Mascara has a unique 3D Prism brush and advanced lash-care formula; lashes are instantly extended, curled and separated to create an astounding wide-eyed gaze. This mascara extends lashes' life cycle to visibly regenerate lashes. 

Additionally, replace mascara after a maximum of three months. Using old, dried-out mascara will almost certainly lead to clumps. What is more, over time the bristles on your mascara wand become less effective in defining lashes. Even if the tube is half full, throw it away after three months. Your eyes will thank you.

Also, clean any excess mascara from the wand before even thinking about bringing it to your eye area. If the brush is carrying too much mascara, the product will go on overly thick and cause clumps. Before you begin, wipe the wand on the rim of the tube to prevent an overload of mascara.

Guerlain Cils d'Enfer Maxi Lash Volume Creating Curl Sculpting Mascara

Guerlain Cils d'Enfer Maxi Lash Volume Creating Curl Sculpting Mascara features an extraordinary 
combined action of three polymers: the first is coating, the second is softening and the third is setting.
From the very first stroke, they act together for a simultaneous result in order to plump up and curl the fringe of lashes in a lasting and even way.With its bevelled, facetted shape, the brush controls and sculpts curves to perfection.

Finally, when you are putting on mascara, move the wand quickly through your lashes to ensure an even coat. If your movements are too slow, you risk thick, uneven lumps forming on your lashes. A bit of practice is all it takes to achieve the desired swift, sweeping movement.

You do not have to put up with messy-looking mascara any longer. Follow the five simple tips above, and you will be rewarded with smooth, silken eyelashes to die for.

Time-Saving Makeup Tips

From the alarm going off to the point where we are ready to set foot out the door, mornings are a mad rush for many of us, a race against the clock to get out of the house on time while looking our best. 

Sometimes we compromise our cosmetics routines, to save a few minutes, but then don't feel our best as a result. If this situation is all too familiar, and your shoulders are drooping as you read, don't worry. 

Follow the tips in this article, and you will be able to cut the time it takes to apply your makeup without it showing on your face.

Firstly, swap your base for one that is a foundation, primer and concealer in a single bottle. The cosmetics industry knows we are living increasingly busy lives and has introduced all-in-one products to the market that give a flawless and long-lasting finish. By switching to one of them, you will instantly save time. And since you won't be making three separate purchases, you will probably save a bit of cash too.   

LANCÔME Teint Visionnaire Skin Perfecting Makeup Duo SPF20

La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation SPF 15 (For All Skin Types)

Oseque High-End Touch Full Functional Surround Make-Up SPF34 / PA+++ (Anti-Wrinkle & Whitening)

To set your foundation, dust loose powder over your skin with a big brush. Loose powder takes less time to apply than pressed powder, and a larger brush will enable you to get it on faster.

bareMinerals Flawless Application Face Brush

3 Concept Eyes Pink Kabuki Brush with Pouch

You can also reduce the time it takes to put on mascara if you opt for a product that gives instant length and volume. Not only will you need to apply fewer coats to achieve the desired result, but also you are less likely to end up with dreaded clumps on your lashes. Browse the beauty aisles and counters in your favorite stores, and pick a mascara that offers immediate results. There is an extensive choice of products, so if you are not sure which to buy, it is worth reading some reviews online before parting with your money.

Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Mascara Sexy Blacks (Waterproof)

LANCÔME Virtuose Drama Immediate Double Lifting Effect Curvy Voluminous Lashes Total Smudge-Proof Mascara

Finally, by going through your makeup and throwing away any products that are past their best or no longer used, you will be able to put your hand on what you need more quickly. So organize yourself, and stop wasting precious seconds rummaging around in your makeup bag, trying to find the essentials.

Too Cool For School Anke Emma Pouch

You will be pleasantly surprised at how much time can be saved by making slight changes. Just don't be tempted to spend those spare minutes deliberating over what to wear, or you may find that you are still running for the bus. 

Eyeliner Tips and Tricks: What You Need to Know

If there’s one makeup tool that can change your look in an instant, it’s the eyeliner. It can make your eyes appear bolder, fiercer and just simply dramatic. Plus, there’s a variety of styles you can achieve with it. No wonder it’s every girl’s secret best friend!

2015-02-12 the woman in the mirror by Robert Couse-Baker, on Flickr

However, before you can freely experiment with your look and your eyeliners, you may need to take a few notes. These tips can help you make better choices with the different eyeliner types and styles. 

Types of Eyeliners

Pencil eyeliners

Pencil eyeliners are easier to use and the oldest of its type. If you’re new to using eyeliners, a pencil liner can be a more convenient way of starting. They glide easily which makes it perfect for lining both your upper and lower lash lines. Pencil eyeliners are also easier to blend compared with the other types. 

You must keep in mind, however, that pencil eye liners don’t last long. They also tend to smear and smudge easily, so be careful.

Christian Dior Long-Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is one good example with multiple colors.


Gel liners

Gel liners last longer than pencil eyeliners. They are formulated to be waterproof and smudge-proof. If you have precise hands and don’t want the inconvenience of frequent touch-ups, gel liners are good news for you. They come in small bottles with included applicators. 

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner

If you have natural oily skin, this type of liner can make sure you won’t be smudging your lines for hours.


Powder eyeliners

Powder eyeliners can be applied whether dry or wet. If you choose to use it wet, the lines will appear crisp like that of a gel liner. However, if you use it dry, your lines will be more subtle and diffused. It also doesn’t contain too much pigment and isn’t capable of lasting long. 


Liquid liners

Shu Uemura Metal:Ink Liquid Eye Liner

For precision lines, you can use the liquid liners. A liquid liner can give you long lasting glossy lines. It’s a perfect choice for making those cat eyes and eyeliner flicks. However, before you decide on using it, you have to make sure you have enough patience and mastery in application. 

How to apply eyeliner

Need help in your eyeliner application? Try these steps:

Untitled by Melanie Tata, on Flickr

Basic application

For the basic look, you have to start with the outer corner of your eyes and eventually work your way inwards. Make sure that there’s no gap on your lines by repeating the process. You can create solid lines or smudge them using your fingertips or a small brush.


Winged liner

The winged liner can make you look sultry if done the right way. However, if you’re new to this procedure, you may need a bit of patience and a steady hand. 

To get the winged effect, you need to line your upper lashline with your eyeliner of choice. Gel liners and liquid liners are your best options for this look as they are more precise and longer lasting. You can follow the basic application tip for this. 

When you reach the outer corner of your eyes, extend the lines as much as you want. You can go broader or longer if you want. You can even simply flick it on the end. The most important part is making sure you get the two wings even.


Top and bottom lines

To create a more dramatic look, you can line both of your lash lines. However, you need to make sure that your lower lash lines are not too heavy to avoid making it look like you’ve smudged your mascara. For a more defined look, you need to line only the outer two thirds of your lower lashline. Keep it close to your water line and make the lines as thin as possible.

The best type of liners for your lower lash lines are the pencil and the powder type. They aren’t too strong and striking. 

Tips and Tricks

● Make sure the eyeliner on your lower lash lines connect with the lines on your outer upper lash line to make it appear as natural as possible.

● If you made any mistake, you can use your Q-tip dipped on a moisturizer to remove it.

● Keep in mind to put your eyeliner after you’re finished blending your eyeshadows. Also, be sure to only use your mascara to coat your lashes after you’re through with your eyeliner.

● Also, avoid using your eyeliners on the area between your eyes and your eyelashes to avoid irritating it. Eyeliners are never safe to use on the inside rim of your lash lines.

● If you have closed set eyes, avoid putting thick layers of eyeliner on your eyes.

Maybelline Gel Liner by .angels., on Flickr

Eyeliners are very important as they can make or break your appearance. As much as possible, keep it subtle and natural. The first few attempts can be very tricky. However, as the cliche goes, practice makes perfect.