How to Wear Mascara on Your Lower Lashes

Co-authored by Tymia Yvette

Last Updated: May 21, 2020

Applying mascara to your lower lashes can really make your eyes pop. To wear under lash mascara properly, go for a waterproof shade slightly lighter than your regular mascara. Apply it at an angle. If you run into any issues, such as smudging, these can be addressed with concealer or moisturizer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Selecting the Right Tools

1
Opt for a water-resistant mascara. If your eyes water or if you encounter any tears throughout the day, this can cause lower lash mascara to smear. To prevent runny mascara, opt for water-resistant mascara over conventional varieties. It's also very helpful if you play sports or workout while wearing mascara.^{[1]
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- Water-resistant mascara is different from waterproof mascara, which is quite drying and shouldn't be used on a daily basis.
2
Choose a light shade for the day. Opt for a lighter shade of mascara, like a soft brown, for a daytime look. This will be less overpowering and looks great during the day.^{[2]
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3
Go for a bold shade at night. Using a bold black mascara on your upper and lower lashes, however, makes for a very bold look, which can be great for a night out. For your bottom lashes, use a black mascara that is lightweight, and avoid products that are meant to volumize or lengthen.
4
Choose a smaller mascara wand. Do not use the same wand on your upper and lower lashes. Not only can this mix the colors together, but lower lashes are smaller and more delicate than your upper lashes. It can be difficult to neatly apply mascara with a big, clunky wand, so opt for a smaller tool for your lower lashes.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying Your Mascara

1
Prep your lashes with primer. A white mascara primer can make mascara stand out more. It also helps you apply mascara, as mascara will cling to the primer. This will help you do a neater, more precise job on your lower lashes.^{[4]
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2
Apply mascara to your bottom lashes first. Using a hand-held mirror, tilt your head forward with your chin down. Slowly wiggle the mascara brush at the base of your lashes, and brush it outward.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.}
- You can also use just the tip of your mascara brush and slowly apply the mascara with vertical strokes.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Tymia Yvette
  Makeup & Lash Artist
  Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.}
- Before you apply the mascara, wipe the applicator wand off on the lip of the bottle so there's not as much product on it.
3
Pull the brush through your lashes at an angle. When applying mascara to your bottom lashes, place the brush on the base of your lashes. Slowly pull the brush through your eyelashes at a diagonal angle pointing away from your nose and toward the outside of your face. This will give you a wide-eyed look, making your eyes look bigger.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.}
4
Stop just before the ends of your lashes. Bottom lashes should generally look less bright and fluttery than the top lashes. You want them to stand out without being overwhelming, so stop applying mascara just before the tips of your lashes. Leave the ends natural for a look that highlights your eyes without distracting from them.^{[8]
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5
Wait 30-60 seconds, then apply mascara to your top lashes. Tilt your head back, with your chin upwards. Hold your mirror up to your face, then sweep the mascara onto your top lashes the same way you did on the bottom.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting Common Problems

1
Use a spoon to shield your skin. If you frequently get mascara on the skin below your eyes, grab a spoon before applying mascara. Place the spoon along your lower lid. This way, you'll catch any mascara that falls on your cheeks or face.^{[10]
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2
Clean mistakes with a cotton swab. If you accidentally smear your mascara, gently twist a cotton swab against your skin to remove the mistake. If necessary, you can dampen the cotton swab with makeup remover.^{[11]
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3
Separate lashes with a mascara brush. You can buy a mascara brush at most salons and department stores. This can be used to separate lashes if they clump together. Lower lashes are sometimes more prone to clumping due to their shorter length. Having a mascara brush on hand to comb out stuck together lashes can be a huge help.^{[12]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What can I do to stop getting mascara on my skin when I put mascara on my lower lashes?

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Tymia Yvette

Makeup & Lash Artist

Expert Answer

Start with your lower lashes, and tilt your head forward with your chin down as you do them. Slowly wiggle the brush at the base of your lashes, and brush the lashes outwards at the outer corners of your eye. Let the mascara dry for 30 seconds to a minute, then tilt your head back and do your top lashes.
Question

Can I use an eyelash comb to separate my lower lashes?

Community Answer

Yes you can, or you can use thinner mascara for a less clumpy look.