Try these tips for the perfect, to die for, eyelash drama.
Curl your lashes with an effect similar to a curling iron. Blow warm air with your hair dryer onto the lash curler band (black spongy piece) until it heats up. Let it cool slightly and test on the back of your hand so it won’t burn you. For stick-straight lashes, tilt the curler up while applying pressure.
My favorite brand of eyelash curler is Shu Uemura. It doesn’t leave a crimp mark which I love. At times I’ve received fake knock offs and it’s maddening but I send it back. To know if yours is authentic check the rubber band for the engraved Shu Uemura logo. Purchase on Amazon for the best deal.
When I filmed with actress Sarah Shahi, she insisted I try the Tarte eyelash curler. It’s wider and easier to grasp and curl. I’ve had a lot of success with this eyelash curler, however, it’s impossible to find refill bands. The Tarte website doesn’t even sell refill bands, which forces me to buy entirely new Tarte eyelash curlers. The Tarte mascara; Lights Camera Lashes, comes free with each order.
An alternative is a professional Keratin lash curling and lifting treatment that can last up to three months.
I choose mascara based on lash type and desired results. For shorter, hard-to-see lashes, I apply MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash for high definition, curl, and lift. It has a smooth, soft finish. It’s long lasting, never flakes, and the skinny gripper brush is perfect to coat every lash. However, for an all-around mascara you just can’t beat the price and performance of the pink and green tube of Maybelline Great Lash. It’s easy to build the volume and create a customized look. Scrape the excess product inside the applicator or roll onto a wet tissue. For stick straight lashes I suggest waterproof mascara formulas because it holds the curl.
To prevent “raccoon” eyes consider your skin type or concealer might be the issue instead of your mascara. We use an oil base to remove mascara so it makes sense that if your skin is oily or your concealer is an oil base and your lash tips touch you will have black smudges. Try waterproof mascara and a setting spray to prevent a transfer.
Before applying mascara, brush lashes with a dry disposable mascara wand (spoolie). This helps remove any dry skin or foreign particles. Mascara is prone to bacteria so throw it out if in doubt, or after a few months. To prevent the mascara from clumping; comb lashes using a metal lash comb while mascara is still wet to smooth, separate, and create perfect lashes. My go-to is DUcare because it’s under $5 and also has a brow brush. Both ends fold in so I don’t stab myself searching inside the makeup bag. Do one eye at a time so mascara doesn’t dry while combing lashes. If you try to comb lashes when mascara is dry you risk damaging, breaking or losing a lash. Big, no, no. Repeat mascara application with 30 quick brisk strokes …yes, I count! Start at the root of the last and zig zag the applicator. Repeat on other eye. Set your mascara application with your hair dryer on a cool setting. May your day be as flawless as your lashes!
I share 44 additional beauty tips inside my memoir; MIRROR MIRROR; Confessions of a Celebrity Makeup Artist. It’s the #1 Amazon New Release.