How to apply your mascara to look younger

Mascara is a staple item in most women’s makeup bag, but many of us are applying our favourite product wrong.

As we age, the areas around the eyes lose firmness, causing them to look a little droopier than in our younger days. What’s more, eyelashes begin to thin and become more sparse, giving the eyes an overall older appearance.

But, applying mascara the correct way can truly transform the eye area and make them look years younger.

Saffron Hughes, MUA from FalseEyelashes, gave eight mascara tips for older ladies, the first being before you even take out your mascara wand.

“Before applying the first layer of mascara, wipe off excess product from the mascara wand with a tissue. This ensures that the lashes remain separated.”

Next, Saffron suggested that the secret to youthful lashes is eyelash curling: “As we age, our eyelashes tend to lose thickness and curl. It’s essential to curl them before applying mascara. The curling process opens up the eyes and diminishes the appearance of hooded eyes.”

When you come to put on your mascara, the type you are going for is key. Saffron said: “I would always recommend waterproof mascara to my mature makeup clients, because if mascara smudges or runs below the eyes, it can undo the anti-aging effects and create unwanted shadows.”

Using the correct mascara brush type is also essential: “Believe it or not, there’s science behind the different brush types that come with mascara.

“Big, thick wands with dense bristles are a great option if you want voluminous lashes, but beware these do make it hard to coat every eyelash. 

“A long, skinny, toothed mascara wand that is slightly tapered at the end will be your best friend for precision and well-defined lashes. This type of wand can define even the sparest eyelashes, reaching even the most challenging areas.”

The MUA’s next piece of advice may feel a little daunting, but trying her bold move might work wonders.

She told older ladies: “Eye colour remains consistent as we age. Draw attention to your beautiful eye colour by experimenting with coloured mascaras. This can divert unwanted attention away from other ageing aspects of the eyes. 

“According to natural colour theory, brown mascara compliments blue eyes, while a red-tinted mascara enhances emerald tones for green-eyed makeup lovers. For those with rich brown eyes, a navy mascara can work wonders.”

The MUA told mature women to “focus on brushing direction”. She explained: “After your initial mascara coat has dried, enhance your lashes further for maximum length and volume by focusing on every individual lash.

“Concentrate on brushing your outer lashes outward, avoiding an upward motion. Then gently sweep your inner lashes toward the inner corner of your eyebrow. This technique creates the illusion of fuller lashes by extending them in a straight line from their roots.”

Saffron concluded: “When applying extra mascara after your base layer, pay special attention to the outer third of your lashes. For an even wider-eyed appearance, apply pencil eyeliner along the outer third of your lash line.

“This technique enhances the thickness of the lashes on the outer third of your eye, resulting in a broader and more youthful look.”