Why You Should Always Apply Mascara First, According to YSL’s Global Beauty Director

How to Get the Most Out of the YSL Beauty Lash Clash Mascara

Prep Your Face First

According to Pecheux, it’s best to start with your face first. He smoothed a few dots of the YSL Beauty Nu Bare Look Tint Foundation, a lightweight, buildable formula, across his model’s face, creating an even base to work with. To cover blemishes or other areas of discoloration, feel free to dab a full-coverage concealer (like the YSL Beauty All Hours Concealer) on top. 

Brighten Up

To amp up the brightness, Pecheux used the YSL Beauty Touché Eclat All Over Brightening Pen on the model’s under-eyes, as well as the high points of her cheeks. 

Use Mascara First

Pecheux recommended applying a coat of the YSL Beauty Lash Clash Mascara to the top lashes before applying anything else to the eye area. This trick, he said, serves as a base for the rest of the eye makeup to follow. (I’ll admit, I was skeptical, but when I tried it myself, it made all the difference.)

Line the Lash Line

After that, Pecheux took an eyeliner pencil — he said black, brown or burgundy works best — and traced the model’s upper lash line. Why? This helps to give the impression of thicker, fuller lashes by filling in the gaps in between the lashes. 

Swipe on Shadow

Starting with a silver shade, Pecheux dusted eyeshadow gently across the model’s eyelids, focusing on the center of the lid. Then, using gentle, upward strokes, he buffed a jet-black shade along the outer corners of the lashes, further building up the look of the lashes. 

Coat Lashes Again

To really achieve the va-va-voom factor, Pecheux recommended applying another coat of the mascara to add even more length, volume and fullness. This time, he noted, be sure to add the mascara to your bottom lashes.

Show Your Skin Some Love

Pecheux topped off the look with bronzer and blush before gently massaging the model’s face. According to Pecheux, this skin-to-skin technique warms up the complexion and gives the makeup a lived-in look. 

Add Finishing Touches

Finally, Pecheux dabbed the YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick onto the model’s lips for a blotted effect that completed the runway-ready look.