Soft, natural lashes had their moment, but when you’re craving extra drama, a good mascara routine can take you further than you think. With the holidays coming up and glam nights filling the calendar, it’s the perfect time to give your lashes a little upgrade. If your mascara has been looking more “meh” than major lately, a few smart tweaks can make all the difference. Ahead, we’re sharing the simple techniques and product tips that help you lift, lengthen, and define your lashes for a next-level look—no falsies, no extensions, just better results.
Nurture: Healthy lashes always make your mascara look better, so a little care goes a long way. If you’re trying to boost length and fullness, adding a serum like Babe Lash Renewing Serum to your nighttime routine can help strengthen and condition over time. Prefer something more natural? A swipe of organic castor oil is a classic go-to for supporting healthy growth. With consistent use, your lashes will feel softer, stronger, and way more responsive to mascara—meaning every coat goes on smoother and looks more dramatic.
Mascara Routine: A good lash routine starts with the basics, and that means a solid curler. You don’t need anything fancy—just a reliable tool like the Surratt Relevee Lash Curler to give your lashes a lifted base. Gently pulse at the root, then move upward for a soft, natural curve.
Here’s a little trick: run a bit of clear gel through your lashes before mascara. Something like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze helps separate, hold curl, and give your mascara something to grip onto.
When it’s time for mascara, go for a lengthening formula with a bold payoff. A cult favorite like Better Than Sex delivers serious drama. Build in thin layers, coating the front and back of your lashes for maximum impact, and let each layer dry before adding the next to avoid clumping.
Follow these steps and your lashes will look lifted, longer, and noticeably fuller—aka the kind of results that always get compliments.
Unless you prefer getting eyelash extensions, achieving long, luscious lashes is harder than you think. From perms to heated lash curlers, beauty lovers have tried every trick under the sun to hack their way into voluminous lashes. Now, TikTok users are all about mascara cocktailing. Simply put, the methodology layers two (or more) mascara formulas for lashes that stay fluttery and curled all day. Although this isn’t an entirely new phenomenon, it’s becoming a well-known beauty trick thanks to the social media app. Below, we’re revealing our favorite mascara cocktail recipes for unbeatable lashes.
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This is a super easy DIY experiment that doesn’t require precision or a specific set of skills. Mascara cocktailing is all about trial and error and seeing what mix of products works best for your lashes. That being said, there are already some specific combos that are gaining major traction on TikTok. A favorite involves using the Lancôme Lash Idôle for a lengthening boost. Wait 15 – 30 seconds for the product to settle before applying a coat of Lancôme’s Monsieur Big for volume. The same method can be applied to differing brands. The combination of Ilia’s Limitless Lash and Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara is nothing short of magic.
If the above wasn’t enough volume for you, feel free to take things to the next level. The next mascara cocktail is perfect for those who are looking to make a statement. Before applying any product, take the time to carefully curl your eyelashes. From there, you are going to apply a mascara primer to nourish, lengthen, and thicken your natural eyelashes. Followed by applying a coat or two of a waterproof mascara. Waterproof formulas tend to do a better job of holding onto that flirty curl.
Although mascara cocktailing takes a few extra minutes, the proof is in the pudding. Layering multiple mascaras is the key to achieving fluffy, lush lashes.
✨Mascara Cocktailing ✨ I love how we are romanticizing our makeup application, and this I’m here for. I’m using @Lancôme Monsieur Big to get big volume on my top lashes, then I apply Definicils to separate and define my lower lashes. Available @Ulta Beauty #LancomePartner#LancomeLashes#LancomeMascara#mascaracocktailing
It’s safe to say that finding your go-to, daily mascara is just as important as selecting your best non-comedogenic foundation or ride-or-die sunscreen for your face. It’s a very personal journey and one none of us beauty enthusiasts take lightly—especially when there’s so much choice.
Do you opt for waterproof, brown, lengthening, or super volumizing? And how can you tell which of the best mascaras will deliver lusciously long lashes, without that pesky mascara flaking all over your cheeks before you drop your hard-earned cash on them? All very important questions.
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This is why I’ve done the leg work for you when it comes to the Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes mascara, wearing it on the daily, seven days a week. And much like with the Rare Beauty products, I have some thoughts…
Eye-wise, I keep it pretty minimal, just opting for mascara on a normal day—sometimes I pair it with an all-over eyeshadow, but I’m not an eyeliner gal, despite there being some great eyeliners for beginners out there. So, I rely on my mascara to make me look awake and somewhat put together, while still keeping it natural—so preferably, no clumps in sight
Now, onto the key info, is the Rare Mascara waterproof?
It’s described as having a ‘water-resistant formula,’ so theoretically it should be able to withstand getting caught in a surprise rain shower or a gentle cry sesh. Technically though, it’s not fully waterproof—but I prefer that as it’s easier to remove with a makeup remover or micellar water, without needing to be too vigorous.
HOW TO APPLY THE RARE BEAUTY MASCARA
To apply this mascara, I’d recommend curling your lashes first with your preferred eyelash curler, before then gently wiggling the mascara wand from side to side as you stroke up along your lashes, from root to tip. This side-to-side motion will feather out your lashes and will help to get an even coating on your lashes and avoid clumps.
WHAT’S IN THE RARE BEAUTY MASCARA?
This mascara is formulated with castor oil, which helps to condition and nourish your lashes—plus it’s vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, ophthalmologist-tested, dermatologist-tested, and suitable for anyone with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers.
BEAUTYLEEBAR VERDICT ON THE RARE BEAUTY MASCARA
So, is this Rare Beauty mascara good? My answer is yes. It does everything it promises to do—it’s buildable, comfortable, volumizing, and lasts all day without smudging.
I’ve worn it every day, seven days a week, for over a month, and haven’t experienced any transferring or flaking. I’m also a big fan of its chunky tube, with its soft, matte pink finish. It feels expensive and looks soo cute in my makeup bag.
It’s also easy to apply, even with a slightly large wand, which I wouldn’t necessarily have gone for, but didn’t find it in any way messy or hard to handle. In fact, with every use, it leaves my lashes looking lengthened, voluminous, and curled up—and it lasts all day long, so everything you can ask of a mascara. The formula itself feels great on the lashes as well, not super stiff or brittle.
This Rare Beauty mascara fends off moisture well (from tears and even sweat from a gym sesh) but comes off like a dream with a bit of micellar water.
My main gripe with this product though is that it’s only available in black—if this came in a soft brown shade, it would be a real game-changer. There’s also the question of the price…
This mascara will set you back $20 which is pretty pricey for a mascara. That being said—like with all of Rare’s line-up—the amount of product you get for the money is generous since the tube is pretty chunky.
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So, my final verdict: it’s great and if you’ve been hunting far and wide for a mascara that is both gentle on your eyes but still delivers length and volume, this could be one to try. I will say this though, other mascaras out there are comparable and more inexpensive on the market, but if you’re a Selena stan looking to make another (or your first) Rare Beauty purchase, I’d recommend it for the cute tube alone!
Falsies are a girl’s best friend — bring on the volume and length. But if sticky eyelash glue gets stuck to your real lashes, it’s game over. The buildup and tackiness can make reapplication nearly impossible and cause unwanted irritation. To ensure that our false lashes can be used more than once and our real lashes stay healthy, it’s important to keep ’em clean. For some advice on the best way to do so, scroll down and enjoy!
Tip #1: Use Less Glue From the Start
To prevent a buildup of gunk and glue on your lashes at the end of the day, try to use as little glue as possible during application. My best tip is not to apply too much glue on the false lash to begin with. Think you may have gone too heavy with your glue? Recommended wiping it off and starting from scratch. Not only will this make it easier for you to take off your falsies at the end of the day, but it’s also a way to ensure that too much glue doesn’t get on or around your eyes.
PRIMP TIP: Apply Lash Couture Strip Lash Adhesive on the eyelids like an eyeliner then apply your favorite pair of lashes. Its easier and quicker to apply the lashes plus it is just less messier overall. Lee wished she came up with this brilliant beauty trick but she actually received it from Raye Boyce.
Tip #2: Don’t Pull Them Off
Time to take off your lashes for the day? Don’t start pulling them off, tugging or scrubbing. You won’t get all the glue off your lashes, and you risk getting glue in your eyes. What’s worse? You’re going to end up ripping your own lashes.
Tip #3: Use a Gentle Eye Makeup Cleanser
Instead, to get your fake lashes and glue off cleanly, Lee recommends using a soft and gentle eye makeup remover. For years I’ve been using the Lancôme Bi Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover; it’s the best for getting rid of lash glue. Just pour some onto a cotton pad and dab it over your lashes until the strip falls off cleanly. Plus, you can also use the product to clean glue off your falsies so they’re good as new for reapplication.