Tobi Henney, makeup artist for models like Poppy Delevigne and Barbara Palvin, adds that there are “key factors” to consider when shopping for mascara. “For example, do you want a mascara that is easy to remove, gives volume, length or creates curl?” Also consider the climate in which you’ll be wearing the mascara, Henney suggests, as this may influence your decision on whether or not to look for a waterproof formula.
Henney is also picky when it comes to wands, as they can help separate, curl and lengthen lashes. Personally, “I like wands with small tips to help with a very defined, separated lash,” she says.
Apply mascara
“When you open a new mascara, always wipe away the brush. This helps freshen the bristles for better grip in the tube and a cleaner application to the lashes,” says a celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin, whose clients include Ali Wong, Dakota Johnson and Michelle Yeoh. Speaking of keeping it fresh: “If your mascara doesn’t work pop If you make a noise when you pull the brush out of the tube, it means it is old and dry,” Martin adds.
When it’s time to apply it, “start at the base of your lashes and move back and forth through the tip of the lash,” Martin instructs. “This helps the mascara penetrate the lash, rather than just hitting the tips.”
How to prevent mascara from flaking or staining
“Try combing your lashes first before applying mascara,” says Martin. “This helps separate the lashes and also removes any dust or shadow residue on the lash hairs that can cause clumping [or smudging] of the mascara formula.” After you have applied the mascara, brush the eyelashes again. Just make sure you do this “quickly, and before it gets dry,” Martin advises.
“When it comes to long-term wear, I usually apply a final coat of waterproof mascara to set it in,” Milan adds. “It holds well all day and prevents smudging or transfer, but it also makes it easy to remove because it’s not multiple layers of the waterproof formula.” Additionally, she adds, “Covering the skin all around [the mascara] a little bit of translucent powder also helps prevent stains!”
Meet the experts
- Amber Amos is a famous makeup artist who works with Lil Nas X and Law Roach
- Donni Davy is a famous makeup artist and the mastermind behind the beauty is watching Euphoria
- Alex Mayo is a famous makeup artist most recently known for his work with Lizzo
- James Molloy is a go-to makeup artist for brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills and Danessa Myricks Beauty
- Karina Milan is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Yara Shahidi, Ziwe and Venus Williams.
- Keita Moore is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Yara Shahidi, Janelle Monae, Iman and more
- Anthony Nguyen is a famous makeup artist whose clientele includes Adele, Sydney Sweeney and Camila Cabello
- Andrea Tiller is a famous makeup artist, known for her work with actress Ilfenesh Hadera
- Vincent Oquendo is a celebrity makeup artist whose client list includes Jenna Ortega, Lily Collins, and Hailey Bieber
- Tobi Henney is a makeup artist whose clientele includes models Poppy Delevingne and Barbara Palvin.
- Daniel Martin is a renowned makeup artist and the Global Director of Artistry and Education at Tatcha. His clients include Ali Wong, Dakota Johnson and Michelle Yeoh.
- Karina Milan is a famous makeup artist whose clientele includes Yara Shahidi, Ziwe and Ice Spice.
