How to Put Mascara on Bottom Lashes in 9 Steps

Mascara is a makeup product that aims to lengthen, enhance, and define eyelashes. The beauty product comes in a tube and has a removable wand for application. Mascara is typically black or brown, but it also comes in other colors, such as white, blue, and pink.

Applying mascara can make eyelashes look longer or create a bold look when paired with other eye makeup like eyeliner and eye shadow. Other techniques for full, long lashes include false eyelashes (also called “false lashes” or “falsies”) and lash extensions.

Here’s a step-by-step tutorial to help you apply mascara to your bottom lashes:

1. 1. Choose your mascara. A mascara formula that works on your upper lashes will also work on your lower ones, so if you have a go-to mascara for your top lashes, you can use it on your bottom lashes, too. However, beginners may find regular mascara smudges easily, leaving dark circles or flakes underneath the eyes. In this case, try a waterproof formula to reduce smudging.
2. 2. Apply a primer (optional). To help prevent your mascara from smearing or flaking onto your under-eye concealer, apply a layer of lash primer before your mascara to help keep your bottom lashes smudge-free.
3. 3. Choose your brush. While you can use any mascara brush to apply mascara to your lower lashes, a small brush will give you more precision, helping you to avoid clumpy application.
4. 4. Apply shadow (optional). Some makeup artists apply a light base of eye shadow on the lower lash line to serve as a visual foundation for lower-lash mascara and create more depth to the look. Use a makeup brush to add a few gentle swipes of your pigment immediately below your lower lash line before applying your mascara.
5. 5. Tilt your head down. Lower your chin so that your lower lashes are parallel with the mirror. This makes them more visible and helps you avoid smudging the mascara.
6. 6. Apply in gentle zigzags. Take your mascara wand and, beginning at the base of your eyeline, wiggle the brush bristles through your lashes in short back-and-forth motions. If you want to add extra product to individual lashes, hold the brush vertically (parallel to your lashes) to add more mascara.
7. 7. Let the mascara dry. Wait at least ten seconds to allow your coat of mascara to dry.
8. 8. Reapply a second coat (optional). For a fuller result, add additional coats of mascara to your bottom eyelashes to thicken and elongate the look. Let the mascara dry between coats.
9. 9. Clean up any smudges. To finish your makeup look, remove any streaks or spots under your eye with a clean cotton swab. Gently stroke the under-eye area to remove the excess mascara. Apply a drop of makeup remover or micellar water to the swab for stubborn waterproof mascara.

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