Mascara, for many, is the crowning touch in a makeup routine, the final flourish that brings everything together. It’s the magic wand that can instantly elevate a look, adding depth, drama, and definition. Whether it’s the subtle enhancement of natural beauty or the bold statement of a dramatic makeup look, mascara is often the cherry on top that seals the deal. But, like all art forms, its true potential is unlocked when applied with knowledge and technique.

Have you ever wondered why some mascara looks are a hit while others miss the mark? The transformative power of mascara isn’t just in the product but in the art of its application. By truly understanding your eye shape and harnessing the right mascara application tips and techniques, you can shift from everyday simplicity to red-carpet glamour. Discover how to make your eye the showstoppers they’re meant to be.

Understanding Eye Shapes: A Key to Flawless Mascara Application 

Every eye tells a story, and its shape sets the stage. Did you know that the ancient Egyptians associated almond-shaped eyes with divinity? Or that round eyes, often linked to innocence and wonder, are celebrated in many cultures for their openness? 

Recognising your eye shape isn’t just about beauty—it’s about connecting with history, culture, and the art of makeup. Whether you have the divine almond, curious round, mysterious hooded, captivating upturned, or sleek monolid eyes, a mascara application technique is tailored to frame your eyes and let your story shine.

Mascara Application Essentials: Tips, Tricks, and Hacks

Mascara application is an art form. With the proper techniques and high-quality mascara, you can effortlessly switch between discrete elegance and a show-stopping dramatic eye look. Here are some foundational tips to ensure your lashes always steal the show and take your eye makeup game to another level:

  • Curl Your Lashes: An eyelash curler can lift and lengthen lashes, preparing them for mascara. This step is crucial, especially for those with straight lashes, to give them an upward curve.
  • Use Eyelash Primer: Enhance mascara’s staying power and help thicken and separate lashes. A primer can also ensure your makeup last longer, preventing smudging and flaking throughout the day.
  • Clean-Up Smudges: If mascara smudges onto the eyelids, use a gentle eye makeup remover or a cotton swab with a face moisturiser to clean it up. This ensures a neat and polished look.
  • Mascara as Eyeliner: Mascara can double up as eyeliner in a pinch. Use a small eyeliner brush to pick up the product from the mascara wand and apply it as eyeliner. This trick is perfect when you’re running low on eyeliner or want a matching shade.
  • Vertical Wand for Bottom Lashes: Hand the mascara wand vertically to coat the tiny bottom lashes effectively. This technique ensures that every lash gets coated, no matter how small.
  • Hydrate Inside and Out: While this tip is more skincare-oriented, hydrated skin ensures a smoother base for makeup application. Drink plenty of water and use hydrating products to maintain skin moisture.
  • Avoid Touching Your Face: Touching your face can transfer oils and dirt to the skin, affecting makeup longevity. It’s essential to let the mascara set without interference.
  • Layering Products: Be cautious when layering multiple eye products. Too many mascara layers can lead to clumping or flaking of mascara.
  • Regular Brush Cleaning: Clean your mascara wand regularly to prevent product buildup and ensure smooth application. This also helps in reducing the chances of eye infections.

By mastering these techniques and understanding the nuances of mascara application, you can ensure that your lashes always look their best, making your eyes the standout feature of your face.

Creating Balance: Best Mascara for Almond Eyes 

Almond eyes, with their slightly pointed ends and wider centre, are often considered the most versatile eye shape. This versatility allows for various mascara application techniques to enhance their natural beauty.

For a daytime look, focusing on lengthening the lashes is essential. Start by curling your lashes to open up your eyes. When applying mascara, consider using a lengthening mascara. Its unique design ensures each lash, even the tiny ones at the corners, are coated.

Remember to apply in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry for about a minute before applying the next. This not only prevents clumping but also ensures faster drying.

For a more dramatic evening look, turn up the volume. Apply multiple coats of volumising mascara. This technique provides an even coating and separates the lashes, giving them a fuller appearance.

A few strokes of quality mascara can frame your eyes and make your almond eyes pop. The result? Natural-looking lashes that strike the perfect balance between bold and beautiful.

Best Mascara for Almond Eyes 

Mascara for Round Eyes: Tricks for Adding Definition and Length

With their naturally open and captivating shape, round eyes present a unique opportunity for mascara application. The goal for round eyes is to add definition and create an elongated appearance that complements their inherent beauty.

  1. Elongate with Outer Focus: To give round eyes a slightly more almond-like appearance, concentrate the mascara application on the top lash line, especially the outer corners. Consider using a lash-boosting mascara for its curling and lengthening properties.
  2. Minimal Bottom Lash Application: While the top lashes get the primary focus, it’s essential to tread lightly on the bottom lashes. A light touch or even skipping mascara on the bottom lashes can prevent the eyes from appearing too round.
  3. Business Card Hack: Precision is vital to elongate round eyes. Use the business card trick to prevent mascara smudges on the eyelids. By placing a business card behind the lashes, you can achieve a clean and precise application, especially when focusing on the outer corners.

With these tailored techniques, round-eyed beauties can enhance their natural eye shape, making them stand out even more.

Best Mascara for Hooded Eyes: Lift and Open Up with Mascara Magic 

Hooded eyes, characterised by a heavy brow bone and a deep-set crease, often have an extra fold of skin covering most of the eyelid, making it appear smaller. Celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Blake Lively, and Emma Stone have hooded eyelids, yet they consistently showcase stunning looks with eyes that pop. So, how do they do it?

The key is to choose a mascara specifically designed to prevent smudging and transferring. A lash-boosting mascara is perfect for this, ensuring longevity and a smudge-free look.

By focusing on the base and ensuring the lashes are curled upwards, you can achieve a wide-eyed look, making the best mascara for hooded eyes work in your favour. And remember, it’s not just about the mascara you use but also how you apply it. With the proper techniques, hooded eyes can truly shine.

Cat-Eye Mascara Look: Feline Flair for Upturning Eyes 

Upturned eyes, often likened to the captivating gaze of felines, have a natural lift at the outer corners. This unique shape is perfect for the cat-eye mascara look. To achieve this, start by curling your lashes to give them an extra lift. Focus on volumising and lengthening the outer lashes using a volumising mascara to accentuate the upturned shape.

For added drama, coat both sides of the lashes. A pro tip is to apply a light dusting of translucent powder between coats; this helps make your bold lashes appear thicker and fuller and ensures the mascara clings better, giving more extended wear. 

Monolid Marvels: Mascara Techniques for Single Eyelid Beauty 

Monolids, often celebrated for their sleek and smooth appearance, present a unique canvas for mascara artistry. Since there’s no crease, the emphasis is on creating an illusion of depth and dimension. Start by curling your lashes to open up your eyes. When applying mascara, a lengthening mascara is ideal for defining each lash, giving the eyes a more open appearance.

Hold the wand vertically when applying mascara to effectively coat every lash from root to tip. This technique ensures that each lash is defined, giving the eyes a more open appearance. 

Surprisingly the best mascara for monolids is often an eyeliner. With a small brush, pick up some product from the mascara wand and apply it close to the lash line for added definition. This dual use of mascara enhances the lashes and defines the eyes, making them pop.

The Final Flourish: Making Your Eyes the Star of the Show

Mascara is more than just a beauty product; it’s a tool that, when used with the proper techniques, can elevate your entire look. 

By understanding your eye shape and applying the latest mascara application tips, you can turn your eyes into mesmerising focal points. So, whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or just another day at the office, remember that the right mascara application techniques can make all the difference. Dive deep into the world of mascara, and let your eyes shine like never before.

In Partnership with Napoleon Perdis