Mascara, applied correctly, can be an over 40 girls best friend. Mascara makes you look more well-rested and awake, doesn’t cost too much, and can give you an instant eye lift.
But as we age, applying mascara become more difficult for several reasons. Often, our near sight is diminished so it’s harder to apply, and any bags or loose skin around the eyes can get smudged with mascara.
Here are some tricks on how to apply mascara without smudging
Use a handheld magnification mirror
If you wear reading glasses, seeing well enough to put on mascara without your glasses gets really difficult. Buy a magnifying mirror for your bathroom or makeup vanity if you don’t already have one, and buy a smaller version that can go in your purse or makeup bag when you travel.
Apply under eye coverup last
In case you get any smudges below your eye, you can cover with your undereye concealer.
If you have oilier skin, a waterproof formula is less likely to create smudges if it gets in contact with oily skin
If you wear contacts or have sensitive eyes, waterproof mascara may irritate your eyes. (If you experience burning or itching, it’s a sign the mascara is irritating your eyes.) Choose a brand that says it’s ophthalmologist tested.
Don’t pump the wand of the mascara
That will dry out the mascara and make it clumpy and harder to apply.
Use a business card.
And, if your mascara is more than 6 months old, THROW IT OUT
Bacteria builds up in mascara, so play it safe and toss it. Tip: write the date you bought the mascara on the bottom of the tube with a sharpie. That way you’ll know it’s when it’s time to throw it away and buy a new tube.
Here are a few mascara brands that give you long lashes and don’t clump, plus some magnification mirrors we recommend.
Do you have any tips to prevent mascara smudges?
Rosemond
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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That card trick is clever! Thank you.
Thanks for the tips Rosemond! I always wear masacara and have since I was a teen because my lashes are very fine and also blond. I’m keen to try the business card application method because clumping on the top lashes is a problem even with a fine brush. I want to contribute a product tip I use for my bottom lashes where smudging often occurs. Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara is a lifesaver for me. It has a teeny tiny cone shaped brush which is perfect for applying masacara evenly on the bottom lashes. It comes in black and is about $15 US. This is the only brand I know of just for bottom lashes but perhaps there are others.
Hey Elaine so glad you liked the tips. I need to try your tip for the bottom lashes and find that product!
I buy it on Amazon or sometimes from Macy’s. I think Sephora also carries it.
Let me know how you like it.
Awesome, I’ll try Amazon!