MUST KNOW MASCARA HACKS

For most of us, the way we apply mascara is a well-practiced routine. We do it – pretty much - every day: mouth wide open, close to the mirror, a few swipes on each eye et voilà. On top of that, we often don't have enough time to apply our mascara like the real pros. But have you ever wondered if you apply your mascara correctly? If you should curl your eyelashes? And how long should you curl them? The following tips have been tried and tested and approved by our makeup artists.

» Curl your lashes for 10 seconds: this will make them look all the more fuller and longer after you apply mascara. But be careful when you do this, because your eyelashes are fragile. Since they are so delicate, it is best to curl them only once for 10 seconds.

» Bend your brush slightly: everyone is different and so is our way of applying mascara. Bend the tip of your brush slightly so that the brush is parallel to your lashline. This way you can move the brush more easily and you can apply the mascara better.

» Twist it, don't pump it: you know the drill, you pump your mascara brush up and down a number of times to get a good layer, but did you know that this is actually a bad habit? This way, air enters the tube, wich dries out the mascara faster and makes it easier for bacteria to get in. Gently twist the brush when you remove it from the tube so that the product spreads evenly.

» Pay attention to a 'plop' sound: do you want to know if your mascara is still good to use? Then listen carefully to the 'plop' sound when you remove the brush from the tube. If you don't hear it, your mascara is probably dried out and your eyelashes will stick together. By the way, did you know that you should change your mascara every 6 months?

PARFUMA EXPLAINS: IS WATERPROOF MASCARA REALLY THAT BAD FOR YOUR EYELASHES?

Although using waterproof mascara seems like a good idea - you can swim without your mascara running out - nothing could be further from the truth. Whether it's seawater, sweat or tears, nothing can make your waterproof mascara run out... and let that be the reason why they aren’t that great for your eyelashes.

Waterproof mascara is made to not come off, so removing it at the end of the day is not an easy task. You have to rub much harder to remove it and this will damage your eyelashes. In addition, the waterproof formula also dries out your eyelashes, so they can break off and of course no one wants that. Use a waterproof makeup remover for this, this way you avoid damage to your eyelashes due to excessive rubbing.

OUR 6 FAVORITE MASCARAS

NARS CLIMAX MASCARA Reach your (eyelash) climax with explosive volume with NARS’ bestseller, the Climax mascara. The ribbed bristles create dramatic volume and lift your lashes to new heights.

JANE IREDALE LASH EXTENDER & CONDITIONER Jane Iredales Lash Extender & Conditioner will strengthen, lengthen and thicken your lashes, making your mascara 2x more effective. In addition, it moisturizes your eyelashes. A real win-win situation!

LAURA MERCIER CAVIAR VOLUME PANORAMIC MASCARA For nicely spread eyelashes you’re at the right place with Laura Mercier. Thanks to its innovative brush, it covers all eyelashes evenly and gives a va-va-voom boost to your eyelashes.