Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara. Courtesy of Clinique
Darkening your lower lashes can result in one of two ways: glamorous and wide-eyed, or clumpy and
raccoon-ish. Thankfully it's the former with
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara, which adds definition and won't end up running down your face.
While it isn't the first mini-
mascara especially designed to accentuate the bottom
fringe, its formula is a game-changer. It's enhanced with conditioning jojoba oil and a stretchy bentonite clay base that prevents it from flaking or smearing.
After enduring the past few weeks of winter here in New York City, I can vouch for
Clinique's claim that this stuff forms some sort of sweat- and humidity-proof film around each
lash -- it somehow remains perfect, even when I'm sweltering hot on the subway, bundled inside an incredibly
warm hat and scarf combo. It's even impervious to cold water, which comes in handy when my eyes immediately start tearing up the moment I step outside.
True, these attributes can be found in
waterproof mascaras, but they tend to irritate my lids with excessive rubbing or oily residue when it comes to removal time; this stuff dabs off with just a warm water compress.
The tiny brush makes it simple to apply mascara to the lower
lashes with a light touch, so you don't enter
drag queen territory; using a traditional brush and formula can cause a spider leg finish. It's also handy for reaching those tricky inner and outer corner lashes, and if you're like me, you're obsessed with coating each and every one.
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara ($10,
clinique.com) will be available in Black and Black/Brown starting in February.
Make any
eye color glow with these simple tips!
Click through the photo gallery below for step-by-step instructions for how to put on mascara.
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Beauty Basics: Mascara 101
There's nothing like mascara to create instantly flirty eyes. Makeup Artist Carmindy of TLC's What Not to Wear gives her best tips for Asian eyes, bold volume, or a natural look.
Mat Swajkos for AOL
There's nothing like mascara to create instantly flirty eyes. Makeup Artist Carmindy of TLC's What Not to Wear gives her best tips for Asian eyes, bold volume, or a natural look.
Natural Look: Choose a Small Brush
For really natural looking lashes, choose a mascara with a smaller brush and a thin formula, so it glides on smoothly and lightly.
Natural Look: Apply to Top Lashes
Carmindy's natural lash trick: Apply mascara to the top lashes only. This gives subtle definition without looking "done."
Natural Look
Just a quick swipe across the upper lashes, and you're done!
Big Volume: Big Brush
Use a big, spooly brush, which gets to every lash and loads on the product.
Big Volume: Lower Lashes
Carmindy's trick to ensure you don't smudge your mascara: "It's all about a plastic spoon. You just want to hold it underneath the lower lash line and then start sweeping the mascara right onto the lashes. The mascara won't clump or smudge on your skin, but go directly on the plastic spoon."
Big Volume: Upper Lashes
Allow lower lashes to dry before you work on the upper lash line. Dip your brush one more time so it's well coated. Lift up your eyelid a bit so you can get right to the base of the upper lashes, then wiggle the brush and sweep it up to the tips. For extra volume, hold the wand vertically and sweep it back and forth.
Big Volume: De-Clump
When lashes get clumpy, all you need is a metal lash comb. Be sure to use the comb while the lashes are still wet, and carefully comb through them to separate and define each lash.
Big Volume
Big, fat lashes are easy--just remember to use a big brush mascara, a spoon to protect your undereye area, and a comb to de-clump.
Asian Eyes: The Right Curler
Mascara can be tricky, but not if you have the right tools. First, don't use a traditional eyelash curler, but rather a small corner or sectional curler. They can get closer and work section by section making the curl last longer and ensuring that each lash is touched.
