All About Lashes + The Wink

I’m a natural blonde, which means that my eyelashes are non-existent when I’m not wearing mascara. I can assure you that there are platinum blonde eyelashes surrounding my eyes, but you basically have to look through a microscope to spot them. Even one coat of mascara can completely transform how I look, so I’ve been on a personal mission since the age of 10 to perfect the art of creating fabulous lashes. After years of testing (and who knows how many dollars spent on mascara), I’ve determined that the key to creating showstopping lashes is a combination of great preparation, incredible products, and proper maintenance. Today I’m spilling all of my eyelash secrets, so that you can learn how to maximize the lashes that you have!

Tip #1: Protect Your Eyelashes

Eyelashes can fall out at the drop of a hat, and they take a long time to grow back in to their original length. That’s why I pamper my lashes like they’re a newborn baby. When I apply my mascara in the morning, I use slow and gentle strokes to prevent causing any damage to my eyelashes. Throughout the day, I avoid rubbing my eyes at all costs, and I’ll carefully remove my mascara every evening with a gentle eye makeup remover and soft cotton pads. If I’m wearing heavy duty mascara or eye makeup, I’ll preface this step by removing most of my eye makeup with an oil-based cleanser and warm water. Finally, I end each day by applying an eyelash growth serum, a moisturizing eyelash serum, or a bit of petroleum jelly to my lashes to prevent my lashes from falling out prematurely.

Tip #2: Invest in An Eyelash Curler

Curling your eyelashes is the most underrated step in makeup application. I highly recommend investing in a quality eyelash curler that fits the shape of your eye and allows you to curl your lashes easily. When your eyelashes are curled upwards, you can take advantage of the full length of your eyelashes. I guarantee that you’ll be amazed at how much longer your lashes look after a few seconds of curling. I recommend using a gentle pumping motion when you’re curling your lashes to achieve a flirty and curled shape without causing damage.

Tip #3: Embrace Your Eyeliner

Eyeliner and mascara go hand in hand. Applying a thin coat of eyeliner along your upper lash line will make your eyelashes look fuller, and it also covers up any mistakes made in mascara application. I like to flick the outer edges of my eyeliner into a subtle wing to reshape my eyes, but I recommend playing around with your eyeliner to find the shape that works best for you and your eyes!

 Tip #4: Find A Mascara Formula and Brush That Works for You

Once your eyelashes are properly curled, you’ll want to apply a mascara formula that works for your lashes and makeup preferences. I have short and stubby lashes with uneven volume, and I love a bold and dramatic eye look. I want my lashes to look longer, fuller, curlier, and slightly clumpy to fill in the gaps in my eyelashes, so I prefer mascaras with a slightly wet formula and bristles of varying lengths. I’ve been using the Clinique Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara for the past few weeks, and I love how it provides extreme volume with minimal effort! If you like bold lashes, I think you’ll love this mascara! You might have to do a little bit of experimentation to find out what mascara works best for you and your lashes, but it’s worth the effort. Once you find your ideal mascara brush and formula, you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in the appearance of your eyelashes!

Tip #5: Bottom, Top, Tips, and Wiggle

Ok, this tip may sound like a hit rap song, but it’s my secret weapon for creating big lashes.  My signature mascara application technique is to apply one coat to the bottom or underside of my eyelashes and one coat to the top  or upper side of my eyelashes. Then I’ll twist the mascara wand and use the tip to coat the very ends of my eyelashes, and I finish the look by wiggling the mascara wand through the base of my eyelashes.

Tip #6 Have Fun with Your Eye Makeup

At the end of the day, makeup should be fun! I love searching for makeup tutorials from my favorite bloggers and YouTubers, and I’m constantly experimenting with different colors, textures, and styles of eye makeup. If you don’t like the look, you can take it off in 30 seconds with a makeup remover wipe. Have fun and play with your makeup!

One of my favorite places to get beauty inspiration is Clinique‘s new editorial hub called “The Wink!” The Wink is completely addictive, and I guarantee you’ll find amazing content like their interview with Tavi Gevinson from Rookie or their behind-the-scenes look at Gray Malin’s photography! Clinique has always been one of my favorite makeup brands, and The Wink has already earned a highly competitive spot in the “Daily Reads” folder on my browser’s bookmarks bar. I attempted to do a winking face to celebrate the launch of The Wink, but I quickly learned that I am unable to wink like a normal person. So ignore my ridiculous winking face in the photo above, and go check out The Wink!  

What’s your favorite mascara?