If your mascara has a tendency to smudge
easily, you will want to start with your lashes first in your
makeup application schedule. By applying the mascara initially,
before any other cosmetic like foundation, concealer or eye
makeup, it allows you to create a clean surface around your eyes
at the very beginning. Then, even if you do get a little mascara
on the skin around the eyes, it is easy to wipe clean providing
the perfect canvas for the rest of your makeup routine.
To help avoid bleeding mascara, try using a
primer on your lashes before beginning with your mascara.
Primers are designed to condition your lashes and encourage
mascara to last longer. Both functions will help prevent the
bleeding caused by excessive mascara losing its adhesion to your
lashes. Make sure that the primer has completely dried before
starting with your mascara. Applying two to three thin coats of
mascara, with drying time in between, is preferable to one thick
coat that is more likely to clump and bleed. Each time you use
the mascara wand, tissue off the tip before applying to your
lashes. This will remove the excess clump that adds to the
mascara buildup and eventually leads to bleeding problems later.
After you have applied all the coats of mascara you desire,
remember to comb with a eyelash brush removing the surplus and
separating the lashes.
Another consideration is to not place any
mascara on the lower lashes. The lower lashes rest closer to
your skin and are more likely to bleed into your eye area. The
current eye trend is to have a stronger makeup collection on the
upper eye and less on the lower. Therefore, by eliminating
mascara on the lower lashes you will remain in fashion and
decrease the probability of bleeding mascara.
Touch Ups
If you are particularly active or rub your
eyes often during the day, your mascara is going to have some
problems with bleeding. On those extra stressful days, carry a
touch up kit with you to short-circuit the problem before it
begins. All you really need is some eye makeup remover, q-tips,
concealer and mascara in your
travel kit. Reapplying the makeup under your eyes is also a
great refresher during a busy day. Simply clean the area under
and around your eyes with the makeup remover and q-tips. Reapply
the concealer only in that area and touch up the mascara if
necessary.
Go Without
While there is nothing better to wake up your
face than mascara on your lashes, some days you may need to go
without. Traveling on a plane or a busy all-day conference is a
good example of times when the risk of mascara bleeding may
outweigh the benefit it offers your facial appearance. On these
days, there are some ways to give the facade of mascara without
actually wearing it.
The first is to effectively curl your lashes.
While many women are insecure about using an eyelash curler,
most experts swear by them. With some simple steps you can
quickly open your eyes and brighten your face without having to
apply mascara. Start with your basic eyelash curler. For a
longer lasting effect, heat the sponge area slightly with a hair
dryer – but be careful it doesn’t get too hot. Place the curler
close to the base of your lashes: squeeze, count to ten, and
release. Then, walk the curler out towards the tips of the
lashes squeezing as you move along to help encourage the lashes
to curl and not simply crimp. For a more effective curl and less
risk of injury or infection, be sure to replace your eyelash
curler yearly.
After curling, apply a thin stroke of eyeliner
as close to the eyelashes as possible. This will present the
appearance of a darker lash line that mascara often provides,
but the eyeliner is less likely to bleed or smudge. Lastly, you
can apply a thin coat of clear mascara to help hold the curl and
thicken the lashes slightly.
Types of Mascara
Waterproof mascara stays put the best, given
the descriptive name it is less likely to run off with sweat and
moisture. Unfortunately, it is not a perfect solution as mascara
bleeding is often caused by the oils in the skin and not simply
water. One should ideally choose the mascara that offers them
the appearance they are looking for: volumizing, lengthening or
even both. Then, you can always apply a coat of waterproof
mascara on top as an extra layer of protection. Just remember to
carefully remove waterproof mascara at the end of the day to
ensure the health of your lashes is maintained.
Other Options
If bleeding mascara continues to be a problem
for your appearance, you might consider other ways to enhance
your eyelashes other than mascara. One method is to have them
dyed at a local salon. For many women with light colored or thin
lashes, this does the trick and enables then to avoid mascara
all together.
If the cost or hassle of dying your lashes
seems too great, false eyelashes are also a great option. The
versions available today are easier to apply and look quite
natural. Choose from either individual lashes or a strip type.
It will take practice to learn to wear them so be patient and
don’t give up.
