Sometimes, no matter how careful we are with our coats of mascara, clumpy, spidery lashes can happen. And while some are a fan of the dramatic look, others do anything they can to avoid it.
According to IT Cosmetics’ cofounder Jamie Kern Lima, clumping makes lashes look shorter, so we asked for her top tip on how to avoid it. Her answer? It’s all in the mascara!
“Using a mascara that allows you to define each lash by applying mascara both horizontally as well as vertically helps separate each lash, making lashes look longer and fuller, while opening up your eyes,” explains Lima. She recommends using a mascara with a vertical detailer ball like IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara ($24) to help separate and lengthen each lash.
If your mascara doesn’t have a ball at the tip, you can still avoid clumps! Just wipe off your wand before applying, paying special attention to the tip, and go vertical. While you should still apply the mascara horizontally to ensure it gets to the base of your lashes, follow up with a vertical application—it should look like you’re pointing to your eye with your wand—to keep lashes separate and keep all signs of clumping at bay. We like Clinique’s new Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara ($17) because the oversized brush delivers great volume without weighing down lashes.