Ask The Expert
Get Lashed
How do you apply mascara without getting into a smudgy panda-eyed mess? Debbie Rix, our Agony Aunt has some tips on applying mascara correctly to give you drop-dead gorgeous lashes, without getting it all over the place.
Dear Debbie,
A friend from work recommended that I buy a very expensive department store mascara, which I did, as I am totally jealous of her lovely long lashes. However, whenever I try to put it on, my eyes look like two clumpy black spiders crawling across my face, not the fluttering man-killers I was aiming for. Where am I going wrong? Have you got any tips on technique?
Thanks,
Joanne
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Dear Joanne,
Mascara is one of those subjects that divide women into two distinct groups. There are the "I wouldn't be seen dead putting out the rubbish without it" brigade and the "it's awful, I hate it - it looks so made up and anyway I can never get it on right" band. You clearly fall into the latter category, whereas I, it has to be said, am one of the former. Let us see if we can convert you!
First and foremost - mascara is rather a personal issue and may require a bit of trial and error to get the right product. It could be that your expensive mascara is just not the right texture for you. So go back to the store and have a look at half a dozen mascaras before buying. The key is to find one that is fluid enough to go on easily, and yet thick enough to actually make the lashes stand out. Too fluid and it will be ineffective, too thick and you will get clogging. I personally also avoid mascaras that claim to "add length" - as this is usually achieved with the addition of tiny filaments that are incorporated into the mascara. Unfortunately, in my case anyway, they tend to fall off during the day, irritating the eyes, leaving the lashes rather naked and depositing little black bits on the skin under your eyes, giving you a rather grubby, untidy appearance.
A friend from work recommended that I buy a very expensive department store mascara, which I did, as I am totally jealous of her lovely long lashes. However, whenever I try to put it on, my eyes look like two clumpy black spiders crawling across my face, not the fluttering man-killers I was aiming for. Where am I going wrong? Have you got any tips on technique?
Thanks,
Joanne
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Dear Joanne,
Mascara is one of those subjects that divide women into two distinct groups. There are the "I wouldn't be seen dead putting out the rubbish without it" brigade and the "it's awful, I hate it - it looks so made up and anyway I can never get it on right" band. You clearly fall into the latter category, whereas I, it has to be said, am one of the former. Let us see if we can convert you!
First and foremost - mascara is rather a personal issue and may require a bit of trial and error to get the right product. It could be that your expensive mascara is just not the right texture for you. So go back to the store and have a look at half a dozen mascaras before buying. The key is to find one that is fluid enough to go on easily, and yet thick enough to actually make the lashes stand out. Too fluid and it will be ineffective, too thick and you will get clogging. I personally also avoid mascaras that claim to "add length" - as this is usually achieved with the addition of tiny filaments that are incorporated into the mascara. Unfortunately, in my case anyway, they tend to fall off during the day, irritating the eyes, leaving the lashes rather naked and depositing little black bits on the skin under your eyes, giving you a rather grubby, untidy appearance.
