Yes, There Is A Proper Way To Apply Mascara

Celebrity makeup artist Tracy Murphy has worked with real women and celebrities for years making them red carpet and big-day ready. The eyes are one of the biggest focal points of the face, so she shared her best tips for getting the best lashes of your life in three quick steps!

1. Use an eyelash curler. Opt for a curler with a curved silicone guard that covers the full width of the lash curler to ensure a pinch-free squeeze. Murphy recommends using Lash Star Beauty‘s Supreme Lash Curler for maximum stability and curl.

2. Apply the first of two coats of mascara. Start with the shorter hairs in your inner eye, coaxing the hairs outwards to open your eyes. Start at the base of the lash and draw the brush upward and outward for maximum volume. Murphy advises that you add lashes after the first coat and “marry the real and false lashes together with another coat (or three) layers of mascara.” 

3. To complete the look, apply a waterproofing serum. Who knew mascara needed a topcoat? A lash serum is crucial to set your mascara and lock the lashes in place. For water-proof—and life-proof— lashes, we love bareMinerals Locked & Coated Waterproof Lash Topcoat ($12, bareescentuals.com)

Step three is totally optional, but if it’s the height of summer and it’s super humid outside or you’re just someone who tears up at a moments notice, we definitely don’t recommend that you skip a mascara topcoat. Messy mascara doesn’t do anyone any favors.