We’ve all been there – you spend time creating the perfect eye look only for it to be ruined shortly after putting on mascara. Dark flakes peppered under your eyes, or long black smudges dragging your eyeliner down your face halfway through the day. Not a good look.

But it doesn’t have to be this way! With just a few simple tweaks to your regular mascara routine, you can say goodbye to dreaded fallout and smearing and finally make your eye makeup last.

Why Does Mascara Fallout Happen?

To understand how to prevent mascara transfer and flaking, we first need to understand what causes it in the first place.

Your eyelashes have oil glands at the base just like the rest of your skin. As you apply layer upon layer of mascara throughout the day, excess product can build up and the oils from your skin can break down the waxy formulas causing clumps and flakes that drop onto your under eyes.

Common application mistakes like pumping the wand in and out of the tube too vigorously or applying coats before previous layers have dried also leads to clumping on lashes that will later smear or flake off.

Environmental factors also play a role – higher humidity can impact mascara performance and accelerate breakdown of formulas while hot weather and oils from skin can cause more smudging and running.

Step-By-Step Mascara Application Hack

Follow these simple steps for clump-free, flake-free lashes that last all day:

1. Curl eyelashes and apply lash primer first – curling helps lift lashes so mascara can easily coat them from base to tip. Primers add a smooth base to grip mascara.
2. Wipe excess product off the mascara wand – this prevents clumping from too much bulk product. Gently slide the curved side of the wand along the rim of the tube to remove excess before application.
3. Apply in a zig-zag motion from base to tips – a zig-zag application deposits the perfect amount of product to evenly coat lashes without weighing them down. Apply slowly, ensuring to coat every lash.
4. Let each coat completely dry before adding another – patience is key! Let each layer dry for at least 60 seconds to set properly and prevent flaking in future layers.
5. Seal with powder to set – once your last layer has dried, sweep a clean spoolie wand over your lashes, then apply powder under eyes using a fluffy brush. This mattifies leftover oils and sets mascara in place.

Choosing the Right Mascara Formula

With so many options on the market, how do choose the right mascara for you? Here’s what to consider:

Formula – volumizing mascaras contain waxes and thickening agents to plump lashes and are ideal for straight, thin lashes. Lengthening mascaras feature narrower brushes and lightweight oils to extend lashes. Waterproof versions contain more wax and silicone for staying power.

Wand brush – Thicker, denser brushes load more product to build volume. Combs and curved brushes separate and define lashes. Look for a brush shape that adds what your lashes lack.

Ingredients – Most mascaras use waxes like beeswax and carnauba wax to thicken and adhere formula to lashes. Pigments like carbon black provide color. Oils and emollients condition lashes.

Lash type – For straight, limp lashes, seek volumizing formulas featuring an hourglass-shaped, dense brush. For short, stubby lashes, choose a lengthening formula paired with a curved or comb wand.

Some top-rated mascaras include:

• Maybelline Lash Sensational for adding fullness
• Benefit They’re Real for length and definition
• Too Faced Better Than Sex for volume and curl

Making Your Mascara Last

You’ve perfected your mascara application, now learn how prolong its life:

• Store upright, away from sunlight and heat to prevent formulas drying out
• Only pump the wand in and out of tube 4-5 times before recapping
• Don’t share mascara with others to avoid bacteria buildup
• Replace mascara every 3 months as they expire faster than other makeup
• Remove all eye makeup thoroughly with a dedicated remover to prevent flaking

Ready, Set, Lash!

Now you’re equipped with all the tools and know-how for flawless, fallout-free lashes. Perfect the technique above, apply with care, and your mascara will last comfortably all day without transfer or smudging.

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