You typically apply 2-3 coats of mascara, building in layers with 20-30 seconds drying time between each for length and volume, but the exact number depends on your desired look (1 for natural, more for dramatic) and mascara formula, with some formulas layering better than others. The key is technique: apply to one eye, then the other, rotating to build up volume without clumps.
The hack is simple: Apply Vaseline or a lip balm to your eyelash curler, curl your lashes, and while you're holding the curler in place, use a clean spoolie to brush your lashes upward. According to TikTok, the Vaseline will help keep your lashes curled for much longer than a typical mascara application.
Most makeup experts agree that you should apply mascara to your bottom lashes. Applying mascara to your bottom lashes accomplishes the following: Makes your eyes pop Creates a bold look Makes you look less tired Makes your eyes look wider and brighter Matches top lashes.
The no-mascara makeup look, as you can probably guess, involves forgoing mascara and accentuating the eyes only with eyeliner and eyeshadow. While skipping mascara may sound strange, especially if you have shorter or fairer lashes, the unexpected approach allows you to play up your eyes without looking too “done.”
Curl Your Lashes for Instant Lift
Lashes serve as a frame for your eyes. Curling your lashes before applying mascara instantly widens your eyes. To maximize the effect, curl lashes at the base, middle, and tips. This gives a more rounded, lifted appearance that makes your eyes appear larger and more awake.
According to recent trends, Gen Z is ditching mascara, so our beauty director polled the REAL SIMPLE office.
Yes, an older woman can wear mascara on her bottom lashes, but it often requires a lighter touch, a smudge-proof formula, and sometimes a softer color like brown, focusing on definition rather than heavy volume, as heavy application can accentuate fine lines or create a droopy look, while a light coat can open the eyes, but skipping it is also a great option if it doesn't flatter your features. The key is adapting the technique for mature skin by avoiding clumps and harshness.
To Enhance Bottom Lashes
Use the tip of 2000 Calorie Mascara in Black/Brown to coat every bottom lash, making eyes appear bigger, and reserve your usual black mascara for top lashes only.
Koreans (and others) use Vaseline at night for "slugging," a K-beauty trend where a thick layer of petroleum jelly seals in nighttime products, preventing moisture loss (transepidermal water loss) and creating a protective barrier for plump, hydrated, "glass skin," especially beneficial for dry skin, but not ideal for oily or acne-prone types.
What Are Alternatives to Mascara?
The Best Natural Methods For Lash Lifting
DON'T - Pump the Mascara Bottle
The pumping air around dries mascara out and leaves it clumpy and tacky and not such a dream to apply.
The best mascaras for healthy lashes nourish with ingredients like peptides, biotin, shea butter, and oils, while being easy to remove with warm water, with top picks including Ilia Limitless Lash, Tarte Tartelette Tubing, Victoria Beckham Vast Lash, and Wander Beauty Upgraded Lashes, all praised for their conditioning formulas and gentle wear, preventing breakage and fallout for fuller, stronger lashes over time.
However, we then have to swipe the mascara on and the measurement of that is how many swipes on the lash. Can I yield from one coat of bulk layered on my brush? Industry standard is anywhere from 20 to 25 swipes.
The Tip Coater – apply a thicker than normal amount of mascara, just at the tips with a loaded brush. Then use a clean brush to work the mascara down to the lash line. Do both sides of the lashes. The Blink – Get the mascara brush right at the lash line and slowly blink.
The best way to apply mascara is to turn the wand horizontally as this mirrors the natural curvature of the lash line. With your wand, brush as close to the root of the lash as possible and pull upwards towards the tip to ensure lashes are evenly coated.
1. Curl before mascara. “Do you use an eyelash curler before or after mascara?” is a commonly asked question in the makeup community. And, while we usually advocate that there's no “right” or “wrong” order to apply makeup, there is one exception: Always curl your lashes before applying mascara.
Doll Style Lash Extensions
This creates that signature “doll-like” effect: open, pretty, and youthful. It's a great choice if you want something fresh but still a little glam. This style is especially flattering on almond-shaped eyes or those with naturally downturned or hooded lids.
Yes, women over 70 should wear mascara if they like it, as it defines eyes, but the key is to adapt the application and product for mature lashes, using lighter coats, nourishing formulas, and potentially softer colors (like brown) to avoid harshness and open up the eyes, focusing on lift rather than heavy volume. Experts recommend lightweight, non-irritating formulas with ingredients like Vitamin E, and applying mascara gently, especially on bottom lashes, for a flattering, lifted look.
“Going mascara free has a lot of benefits. It's low maintenance, meaning no smudging, flaking or dealing with raccoon eyes throughout the day,” says Sheriff. “Your lashes stay healthier since you're not constantly applying and removing product, which can cause breakage.”
The "3-1-1 Rule" for makeup (and liquids) in carry-on bags means containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, all fitting into 1 clear, quart-sized, resealable bag, with 1 bag allowed per passenger, ensuring security can easily see and access it during screening. This applies to liquid makeup (foundation, mascara, lip gloss) and other gels, creams, and aerosols, while solid cosmetics like powders or lipsticks in stick form are generally exempt.
One of the most intriguing skincare trends of 2025 is age-agnostic beauty, which is all about accepting beauty at any age without restrictions or labels. This movement is redefining skincare to be about what works best for your skin, regardless of your age, rather than emphasizing age-specific products or categories.
Yes, many guys do notice eyelashes, especially when they enhance a person's overall appearance. While they might not always consciously think, "Wow, those are great eyelashes," they often notice the impact that well-done lashes can have on the eyes, making them appear larger, more defined, or more expressive.