Applying Mascara

Those movies that have the makeover story where the homely girl suddenly becomes a knockout depict applying mascara as a clumsy, sometimes even damaging process. Rest assured, movies do not accurately mirror life and putting on mascara need not be cause for a trip to the eye doctor.

Not only does mascara application not necessitate medical attention, it also doesn't mandate making funny faces in the mirror. (However, if you enjoy making bizarre faces in the mirror, no one's stopping you!) Putting on mascara is just so simple. Before addressing the actual application, here is a ground rule: don't overdo because you want the mascara to complement your looks rather than take over. You want mascara to go with the eyeliner to accent your eyes, not make it look like you just had a fight.

Daytime mascara, like all daytime makeup, shouldn't be overly pronounced. Keep it simple and it will enhance your eyes in a good way. To keep it simple and pretty, try to keep the lashes as separated as possible when applying. Clumped eyelashes and blobbed mascara is not cute and will attract the wrong kind of attention. If you dab some powder on your lashes before applying mascara it preps the lashes, makes the mascara stand out more, and keeps the lashes more separated. When applying, go slowly starting from the base of the lash and move upwards so you reach the tips. When your lashes are covered, repress the need to continue applying—it's not necessary! I knew this girl who would come home from work to get ready for a date and despite the fact she had probably more mascara on than was necessary, she would layer it on and layer it on. A little touchup in the evening is fine but pretty soon there's a point where the more you put on the more disgusting your eyelashes get. More is not better! (Think quality rather than quantity.)

To achieve a nice polished look you can slightly dust your lower lashes, but be even more sparing in this area. Especially if you use eyeliner, lower lash mascara should be used in moderation. Mascara should give greater emphasis to your eyes, but not so much you look like you have dark circles or look like you should be headed toward a horror movie audition. It shouldn't be too dark, but should give enough depth to you eyes without giving the impression of a black hole. Grays and dark browns work well for giving emphasis without scariness.

Mascara is like all other daytime makeup: aimed to accent and complement your already beautiful features. The keys are moderation, simplicity, and the natural look!