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No more raccoon eyes.
Mascara stained under eyes: they’ve happened to the best of us, and it goes something like this. After carefully swiping on a few layers of mascara, you do a quick makeup check in the mirror a few hours later, only to find black smudges outlining the under eyes (and not in a good way) accompanied by small dark flecks. The look is grungier and more of a left-over-makeup look, which is far from the curled, glossy look you were going for. “Mascara stains can create a tired, unkempt look, undermining an otherwise polished appearance,” says makeup expert Kat James. But there are ways to prevent it from happening, thanks to some easy-to-follow makeup tips straight from makeup artists themselves.
Meet the expert
- Nick Barose is a celebrity makeup artist.
- Kat James is a makeup expert.
- Alexandria Gilleo is a celebrity makeup artist.
Why It Happens
Dry skin on and around your eyelids may be the bane of your existence, but when it comes to preventing mascara from staining under your eyes, the less oil and moisture there is, the better. “Mascara stains happen because the skin around the eyes is a little too friendly with natural oils and moisture,” Gilleo explains. “Those oils break down mascara throughout the day, causing it to smudge or transfer.” Another reason why your mascara may slip and slide and end up under your eyes rather than on your lashes is because of lingering dirt, debris and leftover eye makeup that can prevent it from adhering to the eyelashes properly. That’s why it’s best always to apply mascara to clean, dry eyelashes and ensure no product residue is lingering on your eyelids or lashes. Between each coat of mascara, allow it to fully dry before applying the next coat.
How to Prevent it From Happening
Prep the Under-Eyes Well
It’s essential to prep the under eyes properly to prevent mascara-stained under eyes, which will help absorb oils from the eyelids and the surrounding skin, giving way to a smoother application and longer-lasting, smudge-free results. “Prepping reduces oil, moisture and creases, which means your mascara stays flawless,” Gilleo says.
Start with a lightweight, oil-free eye cream and allow it to fully absorb into the skin before moving on to the next steps. While James likes to layer on a light layer of makeup primer or a dusting of translucent powder with a fluffy brush onto the eyelashes before applying mascara to absorb oil and increase staying powder, Barose likes to apply a long-wear under-eye concealer, before applying mascara to the eyelashes. “This helps to control oil and prevent smudging so that your mascara stays in place.”
Always Apply a Lash Primer
Before a mascara wand even hits your eyelashes, you’re going to want to layer on a lash primer to both the upper and lower eyelashes (you can skip the lower lashes if you forgo mascara on them) and a bit of makeup primer on the upper eyelids, too. As James explains, lash primers create a barrier that helps mascara adhere better and last longer. “They also prevent oils from the upper eyelids from reaching the mascara.” While some eyelash primers are colored green or blue, others are white, so it’s key to make sure your mascara fully coats the lashes to cover up the primer.
Opt for Tubing or Waterproof Mascaras
Tubing mascara, which forms small tubes around each eyelash that stay put until removed, has stronger staying power than other mascara formulas. Barose prefers to use it since it is less likely to smudge.
Another option to prevent mascara-stained under eyes is waterproof mascara, which is resistant to moisture, sweat and water so that smudging and flaking does not occur. Gilleo says to trust a waterproof mascara to hold its ground. If waterproof formulas aren’t your thing (some can be drying and hard to remove at the end of the day), look for long-wearing or smudge-resistant ones, which will stay in place and won’t smudge or budge throughout the day.
Avoid Applying Mascara to the Lower Lashes (If You Can)
If you tend to experience smudged mascara under your eyes, Barose recommends avoiding applying it to the lower lashes. “Instead, use a long-wear eyeliner pencil to define the lower lash line,” he says. “A long-wearing liquid mix also works wonders.”
Use Lash Tools
Eyelash tools, like eyelash curlers, can make or break how your mascara wears. James says that an eyelash curler works to help lift the lashes and, therefore, reduce smudging by limiting contact with skin. On the other hand, using a clean spoolie brush can help remove excess product from the lashes.” A lash comb is also helpful. “It ensures that your mascara is evenly distributed, preventing clumps that can lead to smudging,” Gilleo adds.
Finally, Seal Everything In
After you’ve prepped your lashes and applied your mascara to the front of the eyelashes only, it’s time to lock everything in with a mascara sealer or clear topcoat. “A product like this locks mascara in place without altering its finish," Gilleo says.