Beauty QA: How Do You Apply Mascara Without Clumping?

There are always going to be polarizing makeup trends, especially when it comes to clumpy mascara. Some runway makeup artists, beauty gurus and vloggers alike prefer the thicker, clumpier effect, while others can’t stand the sight of it. If you happen to fall into the latter category, we feel you — and so does Lancôme Beauty Advisor Marwah Khamas. But first, let’s take a look at why these mascara clumps might form to begin with.

Why Does Mascara Clump?

There are a few reasons why your mascara might be clumpier than normal — sometimes, it’s due to applying too many coats too quickly. Other times, your wand might be overloaded (and in need of some cleaning), or your lashes could not be prepped for mascara. Clumping can even be caused by the incorrect formula (i.e., you’d want to search for something lengthening, as opposed to volumizing). Ahead, check out Khamas’ three tips and tricks to prevent clumpy, dried-out mascara all together, and how to avoid it before you even comb through your lashes with the wand.

Mascara Tip 1: Less Is More

Khamas’ first tip is a logical one: Less is more when it comes to applying mascara. “Don’t apply too much product on the lash starting off,” she says. “And definitely using a good lash primer is a plus to avoid clumping.” A primer like the L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Primer/Base in Millennial Pink is the perfect product for this.

Mascara Tip 2: Save Your Old Mascaras!

A little tip Khamas swears by is to always keep an old mascara tube or spoolie in your bag. “I usually keep an old mascara in my purse and comb my lashes when I notice my lashes getting clumpy throughout the day,” she notes. A dry brush will do a great job at separating up any stuck-together lashes.

Mascara Tip 3: Look for Slim Tubes

“Always look for slimmer brush, and not fat big brush,” Khamas says. Her favorite lengthening mascara is Lancôme Definicils Mascara, which does an excellent job at keeping your mascara separated lash by lash to kiss that clumpy finish goodbye.

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