THE CHICKEN OR EGG PROBLEM OF BEAUTY: MASCARA FIRST OR LASHES FIRST?

You are standing in the bathroom. You have a fresh pair of false lashes in one hand and your trusty mascara in the other. Which one goes on first? If you put mascara on first, the falsies might slide around. If you put falsies on first, the mascara might clump on the fake fibers and ruin them.

This question causes more confusion than almost any other lash topic. And if you search for an answer, you will find beauty gurus telling you conflicting things. Let me settle this with the clear, editor-approved logic that I have developed over years of testing.

The answer is: it depends on the look you want and the type of lash you are using. But for most average situations, there is a clear winner. And it has to do with blending, not just application.

THE RIGHT ORDER: MASCARA ON YOUR NATURAL LASHES FIRST

For the classic, seamless look, you should apply mascara to your natural lashes first. Here is why. Mascara adds texture and grip to your natural lashes. When you apply the false lash on top, the two bond together more easily. The false lash does not slide around because it has something rough to hold onto.

This method also ensures you do not get mascara on your expensive false lashes. Mascara on false lashes is a death sentence. It clogs the fibers, makes them stiff, and shortens their lifespan dramatically. Once you put mascara on a false lash, you can only wear it one or two more times before it looks crusty.

So, the order is: curl your natural lashes, apply one thin coat of mascara to your natural lashes only, let it dry completely, then apply your false lashes. This is the safest, most effective method for beginners and for everyday wear.

WHEN TO SKIP MASCARA ENTIRELY

There is a school of thought that says you should never wear mascara with false lashes. This is extreme, but there is a valid point. If you are wearing a very dramatic, dense false lash, you do not need mascara. The false lash is thick enough to hide your natural lashes completely. Adding mascara to the mix just adds bulk and potential for clumping.

So, if you are wearing a heavy, volume lash, skip the mascara. Just curl your natural lashes and apply the falsie. The thick band and dense fibers will cover your natural lashes. This is also better if you are wearing your lashes for a long event, because mascara can flake and smudge.

However, if you are wearing a wispy, natural lash, mascara on your natural lashes is essential. It blends the two sets of lashes together so you do not see a separation line. The wispy gaps in the false lash will reveal your natural lashes, and if they are not coated, they will look pale and invisible.

THE 'MASCARA AFTER' TRICK FOR PERFECT BLENDING

There is one exception to the 'no mascara on falsies' rule. It is the blending trick used by makeup artists for photo shoots. After you apply your false lashes and press them together with your natural lashes, you can take a clean mascara wand (not the bottle, just the wand) and gently brush it through both sets of lashes together.

This is called 'mascara brushing' and it is different from applying mascara. You are not adding product. You are just using the wand to comb and align the lashes. This removes any mascara clumps and ensures that the natural and false lashes are pointing in the same direction.

If you want a bit more color intensity, you can take a tiny amount of mascara on the tip of the wand and run it along the very base of the lash line, where the false lash band sits. This hides the band and creates a faux-eyeliner effect.

THE COMPLETE ORDER FOR A FLAWLESS LOOK

Here is the exact sequence I recommend to my readers, from start to finish. Follow this and you will eliminate the guesswork.

1. Curl your natural lashes. Hold the curler for 10 seconds at the base, then 5 seconds in the middle.
2. Apply one thin coat of mascara to your natural lashes. Wait 60 seconds for it to dry completely.
3. Apply your false lash. Use the tacky glue method and press the center, then corners.
4. Pinch your natural lashes and the false lash together. Hold for 15 seconds.
5. Take a clean mascara wand and brush through both lash sets. This aligns everything.
6. If needed, apply a tiny dot of mascara at the base to hide the band.

This method works for every lash style, from natural to dramatic. It gives you the volume of falsies with the natural blend of mascara.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

There are a few things that will ruin your look no matter which order you choose. Do not pump the mascara wand in the tube. This pushes air in and dries out the mascara, causing clumps. Do not apply multiple heavy coats of mascara before your falsies. This creates a thick, heavy base that will weigh down the false lash and make it droop.

Also, never apply mascara to your false lashes while they are still on the tray. This bends the fibers permanently. And never use waterproof mascara with false lashes. Waterproof mascara is stiff and difficult to remove. It will pull the false lash off when you try to remove the mascara at the end of the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put mascara on my false lashes?

You can, but it will ruin them quickly. The mascara clogs the fibers and makes them stiff. It is better to apply mascara only to your natural lashes and use a clean wand to blend.

Should I curl my lashes before or after applying mascara?

Always curl before applying mascara. Curling after mascara can break your lashes and cause them to stick to the curler. It also creates a crimped, unnatural bend.

How do I remove mascara and false lashes together?

First, remove the false lashes gently with a makeup remover-soaked cotton pad. Then, wash your face to remove the mascara. Do not pull the false lash off dry, as this damages your natural lashes.

If you want a lash that blends beautifully with your natural lashes and mascara, I have designed a collection that is lightweight and easy to combine with your daily routine. Check them out below.

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