Mascara is generally used to make eyelashes look longer and thinker and unless you have the most amazing natural lashes it is probably something you will use at some time in your life. This article should give you some tips on how to apply your mascara correctly and also what colours are best for you.



The most popular colour for mascara is clearly black, but you can also get it in dark brown, dark gray, navy, blue, clear and other fancy colours. For everyday use we would recommend using either black or brown and these are the most natural colours. If you are going to a party then try experimenting with different colours to create effect.

Whether you chose to wear black or brown on a daily basis will very much depend on your hair colour and below is a rough guide:

Black Mascara - You should feel very comfortable using black if your hair is red, dark brown, black or gray.

Brown Mascara - The best hair colours for brown mascara are blonde, light brown and red.

Now you know the basic colour choices, let's think about your actual mascara. We would always advise throwing away any mascara that is over 4 months old. You will usually find that it has dried out and in addition may be contaminated with bacteria. Old mascara will not be able to give you the look you are aiming for.

Ok, but how do you actually apply your mascara once you have chosen? Below is a list of tips we would recommend:

1. Curl Your Lashes Before you Start

This should always be done before you apply mascara and to the upper lashes only. Doing this will pull the eyelashes away from the eye and so instantly make your eyes look bigger.

To curl your lashes, place your upper lashes between the curler and close slowly, holding for 10-20 seconds. Remember not to squeeze too tightly, the last thing you want is a kink in your lashes. Once complete open slowly and move away from your lashes.

2. Coat the Mascara Brush

The best way to coat the mascara brush is to twirl the wand around in the mascara tube. It is important to remember to never pump your mascara. All this will do is dry up your mascara much more quickly.

3. Wipe off the Excess

Try to avoid wiping the excess off on the top of the mascara tube, as this will only help to clog up your mascara. The best way to do it is to just dab the end onto a tissue.

4. Start with the Upper Lashes

Start with the upper lashes on one eye and apply from the base to the end of your lashes, brushing upwards. Apply several coats before moving on to the next eye. Remember to build volume with several thin layers rather than one thick one.

5. Move onto the Lower Lashes

Hold the wand vertical, pointing up towards the eye. Lightly brush the tip of the mascara wand back and forth over the lower lashes. Again remember to build up the coats gradually on one eye and then the other.

6. Brush out Clumps

Use an eyelash comb to gently brush out any clumps you have in your lashes either from the mascara or where lashes have stuck together.

Follow the above steps and you will go out with long, think, sexy lashes. One final point to make with mascara is that there is a wide degree in quality. Try and find the best quality mascara you can which will help the ease of application and the quality of the finish.