Why am I so crap with mascara?

[MyNameIsInigoMontoya]

Help! I have decided I could do with making a BIT more effort, at least some days, and thought a good start would be a touch of mascara - usually I don't wear any makeup except for special occasions. But every time I try I end up with either black crumbs or smudges all under my eyes! Where am I going wrong?

I usually use curling mascaras as these look best on me (more natural than lash curlers plus mascara), and I have several types, some waterproof, some not - one is Maybelline, one is Estee Lauder (posh free gift!) and I think the other is Body Shop; but I have the same problem with all of them. I also only use it on my top lashes, so not sure why it always ends up under my eyes. Is another brand likely to be any better, or do I just rub my eyes too much, or is there anything else I can do to make it stay where it's meant to, please?

[mangoandlime]

Okay, I know you don't like curlers, but they really do get the lashes in just the right position to apply mascara. And you want to make your lashes pretty as possible, curlers just help this along, IMO. I have always used them and I like the natural, groomed look.

Anyways, don't load the brush up too much and certainly don't pump the wand, this will introduce air making it dry out quicker than it should. Take your time applying it, nice gentle long strokes along your eyelashes, I always apply from the bottom, slightly wiggle the wand as you go, if you see what I mean? I have always said you get what you pay for with mascaras, and my eyes are sensitive to cheapy ones. Dior Show is ace but as you like the natural look why not give Clinique Glossy a go? But I really do think curlers help the whole process.

[MyNameIsInigoMontoya]

I know what you mean but I think it's because I have quite long lashes anyway, if I use curlers and then mascara it immediately looks very "done" and more made-up than I really like, especially if I am barefaced otherwise. Plus the time factor, atm have got a toddler and baby so am lucky if I get time for a quick swish of mascara let alone anything else... but thanks for the tips, I might look into the Clinique one and try putting it on the way you said!

[piratecat]

i find the lengthening ones tend to make mine too long really. You have to be so careful on application. ie my Maybeline colosal volum express

bursh wise i get on with the comb type, ie Rimmel Magnifiyes.

[mangoandlime]

I have really really long eyelashes, they touch the top of my eyelid when I curl them, (preen!) so I do get what you're saying. Why not curl them, and just apply one layer of mascara to get the look you want? I just don't think it's worth putting on with using a curler, it just helps, instead of the mascara going on in a 'straight out' clump you can actually see what you're doing. The curl rarely lasts all day so you're not going to look like Katie Price, I promise!

[ASecretLemonadeDrinkerDAVE]

I am getting mine tinted and permed so I don't have to bother with mascara all the time. I look bizarre without but am so rushed sometimes. Maybe that would be a better option?

[HelenRosie]

I've just had eyelash extensions and can highly recommmend them. I never got along with mascara, it always smudged under my eyes. With extensions I look like I'm wearing mascara without having to bother with any.

[ASecretLemonadeDrinkerDAVE]

How long do your extension last? I read it's only about 6-8 weeks at £60 a pop

[mangoandlime]

Isn't the upkeep high on those though, Helen Rosie? My sis had them done and although she's high mantainance even she was getting fed up with how often she had to go and have them done again.

I think the dyeing idea is ace.

[HelenRosie]

Yes upkeep is high, it cost me £50 for a set and then have to have infills every 2-3 weeks at £20 a time. Personally for me it's worth it, I've never had so many compliments about how good I look.

[brimfull]

I have same problem with mascara
always ends up under my eyes even though I don't out mascara on lower lashes

I do find wiping the wand to get most of the mascara off first helps a bit.

revlon do , or used to do, a semi permamnet mascara

[wineismysaviour]

I'm with Helenrosie, had extensions a year ago and never looked back...!

[darkandstormy]

clinique high impact stays put

[MyNameIsInigoMontoya]

Oh dear, no way I would be able to get myself to a salon every 2-3 weeks! I have enough trouble getting a haircut in every couple of months at the moment... no as a definitely low-maintenance person, it sounds like for me, maybe trying Clinique and not having too much on the brush is the way to go. Thanks for all your tips!

[traceybath]

Agree with mango - curlers and dior show.

But I personally think that just mascara and no other make up may look a little odd.

Either get your eyelashes dyed or wear a little tiny bit more make up.

I just think one item of make up bet it mascara or lipstick or whatever looks a bit odd and as though you forgot to do the rest.

A slick of tinted moisturiser, dash of eyeliner, quick coat of mascara, shove some blusher on and some tinted lip balm and hey presto.

2 minutes and job done.

[MyNameIsInigoMontoya]

Well I would probably put some of my Benefit Dandelion powder on too (that works as sort of part-blush, part-powder and part-highlighter) and maybe some lip balm. Unlikely to manage more than that before either the baby or toddler kicks off again! But as my lashes are fairly dark anyway it doesn't look too odd when I just wear mascara, just like a slightly better version of normal iykwim, which is kind of what I was aiming for!
I am even worse at eyeliner than at mascara though so will stay clear of that!

[SweetCecilyisasecretcrackwhore]

I seal first and coat with a garlic and mustard and sesame seed crust - pink in the middle so is moist amd juicy and leave to rest for 20 mins lightly covered in foil.

Homemade gravy with juices and lashings of fresh horseradish and cream - yummy!

[SweetCecilyisasecretcrackwhore]

How about trying a clear mascara as your lashes don't need lengthening but defining if I'm understanding you? Also it won't make you look "made up" which seems to be what you're steering away from.
17 in boots do a fab clear mascara and it can also be used on your brows.

[SweetCecilyisasecretcrackwhore]

Bugger doing this on my phone - ignore that!

[ASecretLemonadeDrinkerDAVE]

Ha, I was thinking no bloody way am I putting garlic and mustard near my eyes!

[SweetCecilyisasecretcrackwhore]

Oops!

[MyNameIsInigoMontoya]

I love the mustard suggestion and resting covered in foil!
Though actually clear mascara is a good idea, might try that one as well! Especially if it is good for taming brows too.

[Meglet]

ggirl Revlon discontinued their 3 day mascara last year . I'd used it for years and it was great, no silly drag queen effect, just bold eyelashes that never smudged.

Begging e-mails to Revlon HQ have been fruitless .

[brimfull]

really?
I still have one in the drawer. WIll be frugal with it as it's very useful for when I know my eyes will water and don't want smudging.