According to the Experts, We’ve Been Applying and Taking Off Mascara Incorrectly

Not all of us are blessed with naturally full and voluminous lashes. But luckily, we can trust in the power of mascara to get that falsie-like look in no time. Still, finding the right mascara and mastering the right technique can be a daunting task.

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If you’ve ever found yourself with clunky lashes when trying to achieve fullness, noticed black residue under your eyes after application, or found it impossible to remove mascara after days, you’re not alone. We tapped a few glam pros to help us get to the bottom of our mascara problem—and, as it turns out, we’ve been going about it all wrong.

According to celebrity makeup artist Esther Edeme—whose clients include Naomi Campbell, Gabrielle Union, and Saweetie—and film and TV makeup artist Cidni Merrett, who worked on Claws, P-Valley, and I’m a Virgo, we’re all making quite a few mistakes when it comes to application and removal.

“A little trick for longer length is to apply at the tip of your lash for instant length,” Merrett shared. “Then begin applying from root to tip for volume after giving your wand a little shake.” Edeme, meanwhile, stressed that sometimes the secret to dream lashes is paying attention to the product’s expiration date. “I replace my mascara every six months. … using old mascara can definitely lead to sticky, clunky lashes,” she explained, adding that restocking doesn’t have to break the bank thanks to retailers like Target and Ulta.

Keep scrolling to learn how to best apply mascara and find out what mistakes to avoid:

Proper Mascara Application Starts With the Tip

“The proper way to apply mascara is to first start at the tips of your lashes using upward strokes to increase length. Then, starting at the root of the lash (or base), comb the wand through the hairs.” — Cidni Merrett, Film and TV Makeup Artist

Let Your Mascara Dry for a Few Seconds After Applying a First Coat

“When you go right in with several coats of mascara, you’re just asking for clunkiness. After applying your initial coat, wait a few seconds for it to dry and then use a clean spoolie to feather and separate your lashes. Afterward, you can go in with an additional coat and repeat the same step for desired fullness.” — Esther Edeme, Celebrity Makeup Artist

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Do Not Pull at Your Lashes to Take Off Mascara

“When you do this, you are pulling your lashes out. You can also cause tension at the root of your lashes, which can irritate your lids. Instead, use a mild cleanser like a cleansing balm or micellar water.” — Cidni Merrett, Film and TV Makeup Artist

Wipe Off Excess Product

“When you take the wand out of the tube, always get rid of excess product with a spoolie or by tapping the wand lightly on your sink as this will prevent clumps and unwanted buildup.” — Esther Edeme, Celebrity Makeup Artist

Use a Spoolie for Smudging

“When you’re doing your mascara on your bottom lash, and it smudges on top of your foundation, wait for it to dry before attempting to clean up. Then, get a spoolie and scrape it off gently—this way it doesn’t mess up your makeup.” — Esther Edeme, Celebrity Makeup Artist

Pay Attention to the Expiration Date

“Makeup has an expiration date. If you’ve had your favorite mascara ‘forever,’ it’s time to toss it, girl. If you can’t find the expiration date, give the tube a sniff. If it smells strong, it’s probably time to get a new one,” — Cidni Merrett, Film and TV Makeup Artist

“You have a lot of bacteria in your eyes and it festers in the mascara tube. Never hold onto it. It can lead to eye infections,” — Esther Edeme, Celebrity Makeup Artist.