STYLE

The eyes are the windows to the soul—and they deserve *gorgeous* curtains.

BECOME A WAND WIZARD

Sure, your mascara’s formula is important, but how you apply it is *really* what makes your lashes pop. “Boost your curl with your first coat by rolling the wand from root to tip,” explains Amanda Bell, makeup artist and Pixi’s global director of education and artistry. 

Image: Instagram.com/verachange_photo

CURE YOUR CLUMPS

Layering your mascara helps build volume and length—but things can get clumpy if you wait too long between coats. “Brush lashes with a clean mascara brush [aka spoolie] while the formula is still a bit damp to separate sections,” advises Bell. 

Image: Instagram.com/artbyhector

BEND ’EM LIKE…

If you’ve got super straight lashes (or just want to amp up your curl), try this hack: “Before applying mascara, first use your lash curler right at the root, then move up to the middle of your lashes and gently squeeze for added lift,” says Bell. 

 

 

 

 

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Remember when I used to post eyelash curling videos before the pandemic? I miss curling lashes. Mostly I miss the always positive response I get from the person in my chair after I curl theirs. Make sure to zoom in to get the full effect on the gorgeous @javeonnagordon. Lash curling is often subtle, but everyone always loves how much it makes their eyes p🔥p. Pro tip: angle your wrist + the curler, towards your nose, clamp at the roots, and then pull out ever so slightly to grasp those outer lashes at a slightly different angle + clamp again a few times to really solidify the angle you’re creating in your lashes. This will get those outer lashes up high and give you an even more fluttery look. I have a bunch of videos on my youtube channel showcasing this technique, and a bunch of insta posts from way back when, when I used to touch others’ faces on the regular. 💜 #eyelashes #eyelashcurler #mascara #subtlemakeup #muotd #

A post shared by Katey Denno (@kateydenno) on Oct 7, 2020 at 10:23am PDT

TRADE UP YOUR TUBE

“A great mascara is 50% wand and 50% formulation,” says Bell. Want length? Look for a skinny wand with fibers that act as extensions. Trying to build volume? Look for thicker formulas with big, fat brushes.

Image: Instagram.com/maybelline

 FEELING FLAKY?

If bits of your mascara end up on your face throughout the day, make sure your lashes are healthy and hydrated. “You can moisturize them at night by massaging a bit of facial oil into your lashes,” says Bell. (Just make sure the oil is free of fragrance or irritants like lavender or peppermint.) “And don’t hold on to your mascara for too long—toss it after three to six months.”

Image: Instagram.com/fentybeauty

MASCARA SUPERLATIVES 

Whether you’re going for just a glimmer or full-on glam, prepare for your gaze to be glorious.

MOST NATURAL LOOKING

This mascara goes on light so you can build it as much as you want. Plus the clean, conditioning formula leaves lashes healthier after every use. 

Saie Mascara 101, $24, saiehello.com 

LONGEST LENGTH 

The tiny tubular fibers in this formula attach themselves to your lashes to create faux length without the need for falsies.

Hard Candy Dare to Extend Ultimate Lash Extension Mascara, $7, walmart.com

BEST WATERPROOF 

Yep, this mascara volumizes, defines and curls lashes—but it does all that while staying on through sweat *and* sad movies.

L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Waterproof Mascara, $11, drugstores

BIGGEST VOLUME

We *love* this gel mascara’s jet-black pigments that build up on top of each other to create super exaggerated volume without weighing down lashes. 

Pat McGrath Labs Dark Star Volumizing Mascara, $30, sephora.com

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our October/November 2020 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE. 

by Holly Fisher; edited for digital by Samantha Dorisca | 10/13/2020