14 Mascara Hacks From Make-Up Experts Around the World

When it comes to mascara, technique is just as important as tools. To make your wand magic, try these tricks from experts around the world and get set for the ULTIMATE full flutter.

1. Use a lash primer

"To boost any mascara payoff, prep with the new Smashbox Photo Finish Lash Primer that features 10 benefits – including making mascara last longer." This preconditioning formula makes any mascara last longer, conditions lashes to prevent flaking or smudging, volumises and lengthens lashes before you apply your mascara or touch up lashes throughout the day, amping up your look for optimum pay-off. Lori Taylor Davis, Smashbox Global Pro Lead Artist, US

2. Wipe your wands before use

Well respected beauty writers Sarah Stacey and Josephine Fairley have a hack for avoiding clumping. "Pros swear by lash combs for separating and preventing splodges – but we find them fiddly and time-consuming. Get rid of excess mascara by wiping the wand on a tissue, eliminating blobbiness before you start". Sarah Stacey and Josephine Fairley, authors of the The 21st Century Beauty Bible, UK

3. Monitor moisture for mascara transfer

"To prevent any mascara transfer, I always use an eyelid primer - this minimises excess moisture on your eyelids or under eye area. Also, a tip I've seen many makeup artists do is to set your concealer with powder so the area under the eye is dry and nothing smudges." Bridget, Beauty Editor, Cosmopolitan.co.uk, UK

4. Learn the 'wiggle and roll'

"From watching countless makeup artists on shoots and backstage at Fashion Week shows, I've picked up the technique I call 'wiggle and roll' (pictured above). Basically you wiggle the wand at the root of your lashes to initiate volume and then rotate your brush as you move it towards the tips. This way the bristles catch all the lashes – long and short – for a full, fanned-out flutter. I'm currently using the Smashbox X-Rated mascara, which has a buildable formula letting me create multiple layers of clump-free definition." Bridget, Beauty Editor, Cosmopolitan.co.uk, UK

5. Change your brush angle for a natural or dramatic finish

American Cosmo's beauty expert says the way you hold the brush when applying your mascara can make a huge difference. "Holding the brush horizontally and wiggling it back and forth will give you voluminous lashes, while holding it vertically and running the tip of the brush along the length of your lashes will leave you with a longer, more natural look." Brooke Shunatona, Associate Beauty Editor, Cosmopolitan.com, US

6. How to change your lash look throughout the day

"Changing a lash look on a photo shoot is messy and takes way too long. With the new Smashbox mascara formulas, I can layer a lash to be sultry and sophisticated or knockout sex kitten with a few sweeps – without any gunking or flaking." These mascaras –X-Rated, Indecent Exposure and Full Exposure – feature unique lash-hugging and lengthening Film Fibres and breakthrough brushes, putting you in charge of your lash look with limitless possibilities. Lori Taylor Davis, Smashbox Global Pro Lead Artist, US

7. Add a (clump-free) evening coat

Bella Box beauty writer, Julia Foskey has a trick for adding second coats of mascara without it clumping or flaking. "Pour a few drops of liquid makeup remover onto a mascara tester brush, or an old (clean) mascara brush from a dried up tube, so that the whole brush is damp. Next comb the brush gently through your lashes to thin out your existing mascara and loosen up any clumps or potential flakes. Then apply your evening coat of mascara like you normally would – it will glide through your eyelashes with ease, providing volume, definition and length." Julia Foskey, Bella Box beauty writer, Australia

8. Or choose a buildable volume formula

To take the risk and faff out of adding additional coats of mascara for night, simply invest in the Smashbox X-Rated mascara, which is all about buildable volume and lift. Update your makeup with "no flaking or smudging", simply repeat your application "until you get the volume that's right for you". Lori Taylor Davis, Smashbox Global Pro Lead Artist, US

[brightcove video="4758473982001" playerid="4115255476001" playerkey="AQ~~,AAAAAFP6XPs~,Oe0BRn-9H5-Nw6I-KbmSPDZs2bZympB4" sourcesite=""]

9. Recycle your perfect brush

Beauty experts Aisling McDermott and Laura Kennedy say that mascara brushes can be reused. "If you love a particular brush, wash it thoroughly and hang onto it to try with another mascara formula. Odds are you'll prefer the finish you get to the brush that comes with the mascara." Aisling McDermott and Laura Kennedy, authors of About Face, Ireland

10. Light layering is key

Aisling and Laura also say that mascara works by the same principle as all other makeup: "Several thin layers stay longer and look better than one quickly hefted-on blob. Thin coats of your favourite mascara will give you lift, length and volume without any stickiness or clogging." Again, a lash primer (see point 1!) will remove any risk of clogging - no matter how many layers you choose to do! Aisling McDermott and Laura Kennedy, authors of About Face, Ireland

11. Try the translucent powder trick

Dubai 's influential beauty blogger, Huda Beauty, always uses translucent powder on her lashes to make them thicker. "I think this actually makes them thicken like three times their size, and I think that's amazing. It doesn't do too much to the length, it's really just all about the volume." Huda Beauty, beauty blogger, Dubai

[youtube ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNN-f2iX5mU" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="">

12. Messy can equal chic

Apparently 'perfect' lashes with a smoky eye are the opposite of chic, as far as French women are concerned. "We're very lazy! We'll just use one product, put it all over, and blend it with our finger. Then we'll [brush] our eyebrows, put on a bit of blush and concealer, and go." Different mascaras achieve different looks, so if you want 'messy lashes' try the Smashbox Full Exposure which will give your lashes a full, glossy and lifted top-heavy effect that's still comfortable and lightweight enough for winks. This mascara delivers a blacker-than-black formula with a sultry shine. Violette, makeup artist, France

13. Apply mascara first AND last

Aussie girls take a double-pronged approach. "I've always been a big believer in applying mascara first – and last. After you've primed your skin, apply a coat of mascara to open your eyes, create that important definition, and map the rest of your makeup look. Once you've finished your eye makeup, then apply a second coat of mascara. When you're completely finished, do one final assessment to see if you need another coat for a finishing touch." Remember you can mix and match with different mascara formulas to achieve the definition or drama you want. Napoleon Perdis, makeup artist, Australia

14. Extend the life of your mascara

Have a mascara that's drying out? Celebrity makeup artist Brandie Hopstein says, "Put a couple drops of saline solution – the kind you use for contacts – into your mascara and swirl around with the brush. This will give your mascara a second life." Brandie Hopstein, makeup artist, US