Top 8 mascara hacks to try

Even on the days that I can’t bring myself to apply a full face of make-up, I always give my lashes a coat of mascara.
It’s the one make-up product that really has my back. Looking tired? Mascara opens your eyes. Feeling lazy? Mascara makes it appear like you have put in some effort. Skin playing up? Mascara helps draw attention away from the pesky spots and to your eyes!
But that’s not all mascara does. We’ve put together the top eight hacks for getting the most out of that little tube.
Wing it
Did you know mascara can also be used as eyeliner? Take an eyeliner brush and wipe it over the mascara spooly or wand. The brush will pick up the colour pigment so you can use it as liner!
Declump
If your mascara starts to clump, put the tube in a glass of hot water to make the consistency more like liquid again. You can also hold the tube under running warm water for a minute or so.
RELATED: 8 iconic mascaras put to the test
All about that base
Use a business card to pull your eyelid up so you can apply mascara to the very base of the lash. Coating as close to the roots as possible will give you the appearance of fuller, thicker lashes.
Make-up magic
Mascaras have a tendency to dry up. Before you give up on your bottle, add a few drops of saline solution into the tube to help revive any dry formula. And hey presto!
RELATED: The lowdown on tubing mascaras
Flatter your face
Try applying brown mascara to your bottom lashes. It looks like black from a distance, but it is not as harsh as black can sometimes be. Plus, in an interview with allure.com, Beyoncé’s make-up artist Sir John said this look is "more flattering up close".
Clean it up
It’s never fun when your mascara makes its way to places other than your lashes. To avoid the dreaded clean up, use a spoon under your lashes to stop any product getting on your skin.
RELATED: The best way to apply mascara
Curl away
While you have that spoon handy, use it to curl your lashes before applying mascara. Press your lashes against the edge of the spoon, rotate and pull upwards.
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Fake it
Change the shape of your peepers just by the way you apply mascara. For rounder eyes, apply the mascara in a zigzag motion up and outwards towards both corners. For a cat eye effect, brush the mascara towards the outer edge to elongate your eyes.
RELATED: 4 ways you can use your old mascara wand
Have you tried any of these mascara hacks? What is your favourite way to use mascara?
* all other GIFs were sourced from giphy.com
130 Member Comments
Some great tips on applying mascara there is so many different types of mascara out there now with unique brush shapes as well.
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I also always make a mess of my mascara! I blink and it all transfers to my under eyes, which are dark enough already!
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Usually when I wear mascara I use brown on my bottom lashes, it really does help for a more natural look.
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The saline and eyeliner tips are great!
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Good reminder and always wiggle the want as you apply the mascara.
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Some great tips here . .
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I can relate so much to this
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I always have trouble doing the inner lashes
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I am happy to forgo all makeup except mascara! It’s my must-have!
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I never go without mascara. I just roll the brush to curl as I apply the mascara.
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Ah, number three found!
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Oh Tina Belcher...
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Wiggle the wand at the root of your lashes, it helps keep your lashes up!
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All the hacks in the world will not help when I am such a klutzzz hehe
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Good tips!! Eyelash curlers are also a must
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Eyelash curler is a must for me!
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Business card? I'm not quite sure I understand that one!
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Whilst the business card idea is a good one, you can go through them pretty quickly. Use a teaspoon or a smaller dessert spoon. This way you can wash them! They are also super handy in helping you to blend your false eyelashes with your natural lashes. Just sayin', y'all.
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Using a lash primer can make a very big difference. I use the lash primer from blinc
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Love the tip about warming it under hot water!! So going to try that one out!!
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No idea where I would be without eyelash curlers
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woah! I did even think of using mascara as eye liner! I'm so trying this! Haha thanks BH! I clean up using a cotton tip and a dab of water.
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Love the card idea.. I always either poke myself in the eye, or get it under my eye. I also have never owned a curler. On the list for sure ;) x
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some great tips here! love the idea
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