Makeup tips: No more mascara smudging!

For all those who don’t wear waterproof mascara and have some problems with mascara smudging here are some useful tips to avoid this inconvenience.

In last seasons the mascara was the queen of the fashion shows. The options and techniques were so many: from spider lashes (a year ago), to colored mascara for this spring season and ultimately back to natural look with lots of black or brown mascara for the upcoming autumn 2013. (see top picture from Stella McCartney fall 2013 and fall 2012). Whoa, so much going on on the lashes! 🙂
Recently I’m in love with burgundy mascara (it really makes an impact on green eyes!) and for a day nude make-up look I prefer a nice brown mascara on myself. It makes the eyes somehow soft and defined, too but in a more subtle way. 

Why does your mascara smudge around?

Let’s take a look, why so many of you have problems with mascara smudging:

1. The main reason is the oily eyelid, which can be naturally oily, or because your skin is dry and you have put too much of creamy/liquid products(like concealer, foundation) on this area.

2. Another reason is also that your eyes are watering.

3. Or simply because you have very long lashes.

In this last case, the problem with smudging is just while you apply mascara.

If this is your issue, no problem: take a clean q-tip and remove the unwanted mascara from the skin. Let the mascara dry and then sweep some translucent powder on your entire eyelids, if needed and you are done!

Another, bigger problem is when your mascara smudges during the day. I have mentioned above the reasons. What you should do is:

1. Avoid using eye creams under your makeup (and all greasy/creamy) products, cause they will make your mascara smudge even more.

2. Before doing your make-up prep the eyelid just with a small amount of eyeshadow primer and blend well (if you wear eyeshadows). Blending is the key! And don’t use any other product on (like liquid foundation etc.).

3. For those with naturally very oily eyelids: use a mineral powder as an eyeshadow base. But choose one with kaolin that absorbs excess oils. If your eyelids are very oily don’t use greasy eyelid primers.

4. When your make-up is almost done (= before applying mascara), sweep a small amount of translucent powder on the eyelids. Use a large blending eyeshadow brush and blend well. You just need to remove the excess of oils and NOT overpowder. Repeat this during the day if your eyelids are very oily. This way the mascara won’t smudge.

Green makeup tip Another trick when applying mascara are the so called mascara protectors that prevent the mascara to smudge around the eyes. This can be useful especially for makeup beginners or those with very long lashes.

Hope was helpful 🙂 Do you have any problems with mascara?