Nothing completes a makeup look quite like long, voluminous lashes. But if you’ve ever had your mascara smudge, flake, or lose its curl halfway through the day, you know the struggle of trying to keep your lashes looking fresh and full for hours.
The good news? With the right techniques and products, you can achieve long-lasting lashes that stay lifted, defined, and smudge-free all day. In this post, we’ll share the best makeup hacks to help you maintain flawless lashes from morning to night.
Prep Your Lashes for Maximum Hold
Clean and Dry Lashes Are Key
Before applying any mascara or lash products, it’s essential to start with a clean base. Natural oils, leftover makeup, and skincare products can create a slippery surface that causes mascara to smudge or wear off quickly.
Use an oil-free makeup remover or micellar water to cleanse your lashes thoroughly. Avoid applying heavy eye creams right before mascara application, as they can break down the formula and lead to unwanted smudging.
Curl Before You Coat
A well-curled lash instantly makes your eyes look more open and awake, but the trick is to curl them before applying mascara—not after. Curling your lashes post-mascara can lead to breakage and clumping.
For the best results:
- Start at the base of your lashes and gently press the curler for a few seconds.
- Move to the middle of your lashes and press again for a natural curve.
- For an extra-long hold, warm your eyelash curler slightly with a hairdryer (test the temperature on your hand first to avoid burns).
Choose the Right Products
Waterproof vs. Tubing Mascara
The type of mascara you use plays a huge role in how long your lashes last. If you need serious staying power, waterproof mascara is a great option—it resists smudging, tears, and humidity. However, it can be harder to remove and may dry out your lashes over time.
Tubing mascara, on the other hand, wraps each lash in a polymer-based formula that resists flaking and smudging but is easier to remove with warm water. Depending on your needs, choosing the right mascara formula will make all the difference in lash longevity.
Use a Lash Primer
If you’re not already using a lash primer, you’re missing out on a simple yet effective trick for long-lasting lashes. Lash primers help create a smooth base, enhance mascara adherence, and add extra volume and length.
imPRESS is an industry leader in innovative lash products, offering high-quality primers and mascaras designed to enhance lash longevity. A light coat of primer before your mascara application can significantly improve how well your lashes hold up throughout the day.
Application Techniques for Extended Wear
The Wiggle-and-Lift Method
How you apply your mascara is just as important as the products you use. A common mistake is applying mascara in straight, quick strokes, which can lead to clumping and uneven coverage. Instead, use the wiggle-and-lift method:
- Place the mascara wand at the base of your lashes.
- Wiggle it slightly from side to side as you move upward.
- Focus on lifting the lashes as you reach the tips.
This technique helps evenly coat each lash, separates them for a fuller look, and prevents excess product buildup that can lead to smudging.
Layer Wisely
It’s tempting to pile on thick layers of mascara for maximum volume, but too much at once can cause lashes to stick together and flake off later in the day. Instead, apply multiple thin coats, allowing each one to dry slightly before adding the next.
For even longer wear:
- Start with a lash primer to create a strong base.
- Apply one coat of mascara, let it sit for about 20 seconds, then apply another.
- Avoid overloading the tips of your lashes, as this can make them heavy and droopy.
A little patience in layering can go a long way in making your mascara last all day!
Setting and Maintaining Your Lashes
Seal with a Setting Spray
Setting sprays aren’t just for your foundation—they can also help lock in your lash look. After finishing your eye makeup, lightly mist your face with a long-wear setting spray, making sure to close your eyes during application.
Be sure to:
- Choose an oil-free setting spray to avoid breaking down the mascara formula.
- Hold the bottle about 8-10 inches away from your face to prevent over-saturation.
This extra step will help your lashes stay fresh and smudge-free for longer.
Avoid Touching Your Lashes
Throughout the day, it’s easy to rub your eyes without even thinking about it—but touching your lashes is one of the quickest ways to ruin your mascara. The natural oils from your fingers can break down the product, leading to smudging, flaking, or even transferring it to your under-eye area.
To avoid this:
- Be mindful of eye rubbing, especially if you wear contact lenses.
- If your eyes feel dry or irritated, use eye drops instead of rubbing.
- Keep a spoolie brush on hand to gently separate and refresh lashes if needed.
A hands-off approach will keep your lashes looking flawless for hours!
Bonus Hacks for Extra Longevity
The Baby Powder Trick
For ultra-long-lasting lashes with extra volume, try the baby powder trick. This simple hack adds texture between mascara layers, helping the product adhere better and last longer.
Here’s how to do it:
- Apply one coat of mascara.
- Using a clean spoolie or a cotton swab, lightly dust baby powder (or translucent setting powder) onto your lashes.
- Apply a second coat of mascara to seal in the powder.
The powder acts as a primer, gripping the mascara and giving your lashes a thicker, more defined look while improving their staying power.
Layering Different Formulas
If you struggle with mascara smudging or wearing off too soon, try layering two different formulas for the best of both worlds.
- Start with a regular mascara for flexibility and volume.
- Finish with a thin coat of waterproof mascara to lock it in place.
This method keeps your lashes looking natural while ensuring the mascara holds up through sweat, humidity, or long hours.
Proper Removal to Protect Your Lashes
Long-lasting lashes are great, but removing mascara correctly is just as important to keep your natural lashes healthy and strong. Harsh scrubbing can cause breakage and weaken your lash line over time.
Follow these steps for gentle, effective removal:
- Soak a cotton pad with dual-phase eye makeup remover or a cleansing balm.
- Press the pad against your closed eye for about 10-15 seconds to break down the mascara.
- Gently wipe downward—avoid rubbing back and forth.
- Use a fresh cotton pad if needed, and finish with a hydrating eye cream.
Taking care of your lashes properly will keep them looking full and healthy, so they’re ready for your next mascara application!
Conclusion
Achieving long-lasting, beautiful lashes doesn’t have to be a struggle. By prepping your lashes correctly, choosing the right products, mastering smart application techniques, and following maintenance hacks, you can keep your lashes lifted and flawless all day long.
Try out these tips and see the difference they make! Do you have a favorite lash hack that works wonders for you? Let us know in the comments!