Beauty DIY

“I’m a makeup artist – here’s how to get the most out of your mascara”

Seeking perfectly framed peepers and fluttery lashes? Makeup artist, Naomi Lake, shares her expert tips for choosing and applying a mascara.

A makeup artist’s guide to using mascara

Mascara is one product that the majority of my clients can’t live without. But many of us struggle to know how to get the most out of this eye-enhancing essential.

As the last step in any eye makeup routine, painting the full length of the lash is key. If you’re using a lash curler, do so before applying product. Curling after mascara is not only messy, but can damage the lashes too.

How to apply mascara

Tilt your chin up and look down into your mirror.
Start at the base of the lashes to gently sweep the wand along the length of the lash, rather than blinking onto it. This gives the best control over the amount of product you’re using.
For your top lash line, use an upward motion with the brush to increase lift. There’s no need to try and catch every lash at once. Before your product dries, go back in at another angle to catch corners. Here, sweeping in an outwards motion will encourage separation. Lastly, a little wiggle from side to side just at the lash line adds volume while avoiding a spidery look.
Painting lower lashes with the tip of the mascara wand can also be helpful to catch the tiniest lashes, without smudging onto the eye area.

Top tip: A magnifying mirror can help with getting up close and personal with the lash line.

How to choose a mascara

Not sure which formula is right for you? It all depends on what you’re looking for.

A water-resistant or non-waterproof product makes for easy removal, and is fine for most day-to-day wear.

Waterproof formulas are water-free and use oil-soluble film formers and waxes. For the most part, this creates a longer-lasting and harder-wearing formula, perfect for lengthy days or those with watery eyes.

However, oil breaks down oil, so waterproof formulas might not suit those with naturally oily lids. Here, a tubing mascara may be more beneficial.

“Tubing mascaras use innovative polymer technology to wrap around each lash, forming lightweight ‘tubes’ once dried,” explains Jorgie McHale-Ramsell, brand manager at Eyeko. “Unlike traditional wax-based mascaras that coat lashes, tubing mascaras encase them entirely, making them smudge-proof and flake-resistant.”

While hard-wearing, they are still gentle to remove using just warm water, making them a great fit for contact lens wearers or those with sensitive eyes.

What about lengthening formulas?

If you want a little extra stretch, opt for a fibre mascara.

Fibre mascaras combine traditional mascara with tiny, feather-light fibres, often made from natural or synthetic materials like silk, nylon, or cellulose. These fibres gently cling to lashes, adding subtle volume, length, and definition. They can be a good option if you have shorter or finer lashes.

“Fibres are safe for contact lens wearers when properly formulated,” explains Jorgie. “We ensure our fibres are lightweight and finely milled to minimise fall-out or irritation. Plus, our tubing formulas help lock fibres onto the lash securely, reducing the risk of fibres flaking into the eye during the day.”

A fresh formula is key here. Drier products can prevent the fibres from moving freely to coat the lash, leading to discomfort.

What do I do with a new tube?

A brand new mascara can feel a little tricky to handle, with a fresh brush packed with product. Gently scraping any excess back into the tube for later leaves the brush a little lighter before you use it, which is especially helpful for sparse or fine lashes that are easily overloaded with product.

Resist the urge to pump the brush. This only brings air into the tube, drying the product more quickly. Instead, twirl the brush to catch more product for a fuller look. Avoid blowing on the brush, as this can encourage bacteria to thrive.

When should I replace my mascara?

Most mascaras show an open jar icon with ‘6M’ on their packaging. This indicates that the formula will be stable for up to six months after being opened.

But, it’s worth bearing in mind that this doesn’t take into account any build-up of bacteria. As a rule of thumb, if you’re using a mascara daily, replace it every three months to support eye health.

Top tip: Travel-sized tubes aren’t just space saving. The shorter wand offers more control and, if you aren’t wearing makeup every day, you’re more likely to use the product before its use-by date.

The best mascaras, loved by beauty experts

delilah Intense Day-to-Night Buildable Volumising Mascara, £28

“This is a staple in my makeup bag,” says beauty and wellness expert, Liz Earle. “Super buildable, this mascara uses a blend of wax for a soft, flexible and comfortable wear. I love that it contains jojoba extract to help nourish and strengthen lashes from the inside out, too.”

Westman Atelier, Eye Want You Mascara, £42, in Le Brun Clean

“I’ve tried hundreds of mascaras, but this is my go-to on repeat, “says Annabella, makeup artist and founder of By Annabella. “It lengthens, gives volume and definition, and has a super soft, buildable finish that, most importantly, doesn’t budge!”

KVD Beauty Full Sleeve Long + Defined Tubing Mascara, £24

“I love a tubing mascara,” says Mira Parmar, makeup artist, content creator and skincare expert. “It’s like applying a jacket onto each lash! You get brilliant results and it’s great on the purse too.”

STUDIO10 6-in-1 Perfect Lash Mascara, £28

“This mascara helps to combat sparse and lacklustre lashes by defining, lengthening, thickening, volumising, hydrating and conditioning,” says Liz.

Yves Saint Laurent, Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara, £30

“Softer than black, this shade brings out the tones in blue and green eyes, and the formula is really long-wearing,” says Laura Louise, makeup artist and beauty blogger.

INIKA, Bold Lash Mascara, £30

“This mascara delivers dramatic volume and rich, ultra-black pigment in a single swipe,” explains makeup artist, Em-J Williams. “Its natural, organic and vegan formula nourishes and strengthens my lashes, without clumping or flaking.”

Ilia, Limitless Lash Mascara, £28

“For me, it’s the only mascara that not only gives amazing length but defines lashes so beautifully and never clumps,” reveals Cat Parnell, skin-focused makeup artist and luxury bridal artist. “It also never traces onto my lids, even though it’s not waterproof. Magic!”