14 Ways to Take Your Mascara to the Next Level

Presenting… a video by the M Crowd — the wildly talented group of makeup influencers who create exclusive content just for Makeup.com. Here, Heidi shares mascara hacks for the best lashes of your life.

Mascara is truly the workhorse of any makeup bag — it’s the one thing you can always rely on, and finding the perfect formula is similar to stumbling across a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow or catching a train moments before the doors close. But even the best mascara can be better — or hacked so you get the biggest bang for your buck. Check out the 14 hacks ahead, designed to help your lashes reach their fullest potential.

Hack 1: Bring it Back to Life

Mascara typically has a shelf life of two to three months once opened, but there are those times when you need it to stretch just a little bit longer. Contact solution works in a pinch, breaking up a gunky formula and thinning it out so it will last you a little bit longer. For best results, add a few drops at a time to achieve your preferred consistency.

Hack 2: Fake it Til You Make it

Use a fine tipped liquid liner to draw dashes on dots on your lash line. This will create the appearance of thicker lashes without the help of falsies or fiber mascara.

Hack 3: Turn Up the Heat!

Heat up your lash curler using a blow dryer before curling your lashes. This will give your lashes a better curl and help you achieve maximum volume. When doing this, be sure to check the temperature of the lash curler before using it on your face.

Hack 4: Curl, Baby, Curl

Rather than clamping your lash curler a few times and applying mascara, try this three-step method instead. Start with your lash curler at a 30 degree angle and clamp at the roots for 15 seconds. Repeat this at the middle of your lashes and finally at the end. Do this once or twice until you achieve your desired look.

Hack 5: Prime Your Lashes!

Lash primer is an essential step to getting the longest, fullest lashes possible. Not only will it help your lashes hold their curl, your mascara will apply a lot smoother and last a little longer.

Try: L’Oréal Paris False Lash Superstar Mascara

Hack 6: Ignore the Pricetag!

Rule number one of mascara: you can’t judge a mascara by its price tag. Some of the best mascara formulas can be found at your local drugstore, including the cult fave L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara — a formula that is constantly compared to higher end mascara and comes out on top.

Hack 7: Stop Pumping That Wand

It can be tempting to vigorously pump your mascara wand into its tube — let’s be honest, we’re all guilty of it. This actually shortens the lifespan of your mascara by forcing air into the tube and drying it out.

Hack 8: Wipe it Off

Removing the excess product is the best thing you can do for your lashes. This simple step reduces clumping and helps to distribute products evenly on your lashes.

Hack 9: Layering is Key

Start by applying very thin layers of mascara and focus mostly on the ends. Continue to build layers until you achieve desired thickness and length.

Hack 10:

Use your blowdryer on the cold setting and gently dry your lashes in between coats to speed up drying time.

Hack 11: Wiggle!

When applying thin coats of mascara, wiggle your mascara brush as you apply for maximum volume.

Hack 12: Waterproof It

For your bottom lashes, use waterproof mascara with a very thin wand, and apply vertically.

Try:L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara

Hack 13: Clean it Up

Use a clean spoolie to brush through your lashes once everything is dry. This will eliminate clumps and ensure your lashes are separated.

Hack 14: Q-Tips Fix Everything

Dip your Q-Tip in makeup remover to remove any excess product from your eyelid or underneath your eye. Bonus points if you use a pointed Q-Tip to really get precise.