How to Apply Mascara for Fuller-Looking Lashes (Without Clumps or Smudges)
Quick answer: To apply mascara for fuller-looking lashes, curl your lashes first, wipe the excess off the wand, then wiggle it at the root and sweep up to the tips. Build in thin coats rather than one heavy one, and go lightly on the lower lashes to avoid smudges. A mascara with a precise brush, such as Thin Lizzy Big N Bad Mascara, makes it easier to reach every lash, including the short ones in the corners.
If you only have time for one eye product, make it mascara. It opens up your eyes and makes you look more awake in seconds. But as the years go by, lashes can look shorter, sparser or lighter than they once did, and the old habits of a quick, heavy coat often end in clumps or smudges by lunchtime. A few small changes to how you apply it make a big difference.
Why Does My Mascara Clump or Smudge?
Mascara usually clumps because there's too much product on the wand or too many coats layered on as they dry, and it smudges when it transfers onto skin that's oily or still damp from eye cream. Pumping the wand in and out of the tube pushes air in, which dries the formula out and makes clumps more likely. Old mascara also gets thick and flaky.
Should I Curl My Lashes Before Mascara?
Yes, curl your lashes before mascara, never after, as curling coated lashes can bend or pull them. Curled lashes catch the light and make eyes look more open, which is especially helpful if your lids have become a little hooded. Place the curler close to the base of your lashes, squeeze gently for a few seconds, then move halfway up and squeeze again for a soft, natural curve. Take care not to pinch the skin.
How Many Coats of Mascara Should I Apply?
One or two thin coats is usually enough. One coat gives natural definition for every day; a second gives a bolder look for evenings. Apply the second coat before the first has fully dried so the layers blend rather than clump. If you want even more drama, a fibre mascara lets you build extra length and fullness in steps.
How Do I Apply Mascara to My Lower Lashes Without Smudging?
Use just the tip of the wand and the little product left on it after doing your top lashes. Hold the wand upright and stroke each lower lash lightly, or skip the lower lashes altogether on hot days or if they tend to smudge. A light dusting of powder under the eyes first also helps keep mascara where it belongs.
Our Picks
Big N Bad Mascara
Best for: longer, lifted, fuller-looking lashes with minimal clumping, from natural to dramatic.
A silky, lightweight mascara with a purpose-built precision brush that separates and coats each lash, including the short ones at the inner corners and along the lower lash line. One coat gives natural definition and two give a bolder look. It holds all day without smudging or flaking, and washes off with warm water.
- Precision brush reaches short inner-corner and lower lashes
- Lengthens, lifts and thickens the look of lashes
- All-day hold that resists smudges and flakes
- Removes with warm water, no harsh remover needed
Max Lash Mascara
Best for: building a fuller, lash-extension look for special occasions.
A fibre lash mascara that uses 3D fibres to build the look of longer, fuller lashes. You control how much you apply, so you can go from a little extra length to a bold, dramatic look without false lashes.
- Fibre mascara with 3D fibres
- Build from subtle to dramatic
- An alternative to glue-on lashes
How to Apply Mascara Step by Step
- Prep your eye area: let any eye cream sink in fully, or blot with a tissue, so mascara doesn't slide onto your skin.
- Curl your lashes: squeeze gently at the base, then halfway up.
- Load the wand properly: twist it gently inside the tube rather than pumping, then wipe the excess on the rim or a tissue.
- Wiggle at the root: look down into a mirror, place the brush at the base of your top lashes and wiggle it side to side for a second.
- Sweep up and out: pull the wand up to the tips, angling outer lashes slightly outwards for a lifted look.
- Add a second thin coat: while the first is still slightly wet, if you want more drama.
- Touch the lower lashes lightly: with the tip of the wand only, or skip them.
- Separate and tidy: comb through with a clean spoolie, and clean any marks with a cotton bud once dry.
How Do I Remove Mascara Gently?
Remove mascara every night, and be gentle, as rubbing tugs at fine lashes and the delicate skin around them. With Big N Bad Mascara, warm water is all you need: hold a warm, damp face cloth over closed eyes for a few seconds, then wipe downwards. For other mascaras, press a cotton pad soaked in eye makeup remover over your lashes for a few seconds before wiping. Replace your mascara every three to four months, and never share it.
If you love mascara that slides off with warm water, read why tubing mascaras are a makeup artist favourite. And to frame your lashes, see how to choose eyeliner for your eye shape.
What Customers Say
"Really lengthen your eyelashes and the best thing is it stays on all day and doesn't smudge. Washes off with water."
Wendy D., verified customer (Big N Bad Mascara)
"I am very happy with this mascara, it does absolutely what it claims and lasts the whole day!"
Margaret I., verified customer (Big N Bad Mascara)
"Most of the time I just apply the first application without the fibres. If I want my lashes to appear more dramatic I apply the fibres."
Kim H., verified customer (Max Lash Mascara)
Read all Big N Bad Mascara reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I apply mascara to my top or bottom lashes first?
Either works. Many people do the top lashes first, then use the small amount left on the wand for the lower lashes. If you tend to smudge your lower lid when you look up, do the lower lashes first and let them dry.
How do I make sparse lashes look fuller?
Curl first, wiggle the wand at the root where lashes need the most colour, and build two thin coats. A fibre mascara can add extra length and fullness for special occasions.
Why does my mascara smudge under my eyes?
Usually because of oily eye cream or concealer under the eyes, too much product on the lower lashes, or rubbing your eyes. Let skincare sink in, set the area with a little powder and go lightly on the lower lashes.
How often should I replace my mascara?
Every three to four months, or sooner if it smells odd, feels dry or starts to flake.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Priceline, TerryWhite Chemmart and Wizard Pharmacy stores across Australia. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
Fuller-looking lashes are mostly about technique: curl first, wipe the wand, wiggle at the root and build thin coats. Go lightly on the lower lashes and take your mascara off gently each night, and your lashes will look their best every day.
