Who doesn’t love a good makeup hack, especially when it involves a staple such as mascara? And who doesn’t love using everyday products in new ways? Well, if you said “not me” to either question, then you should skip the rest of this article because we are doing a deep dive on the latest makeup trend that’s actually been around for years—Mascara Cocktailing!
What is mascara cocktailing? Well, it’s not using mascara as a drink garnish; let’s be clear on that. No, it’s just a buzz phrase for layering different mascara formulas to amplify your lashes without using extensions or falsies. Mascara cocktailing creates a dramatic effect and allows you to play around with different types of mascara products and tools depending on how many you have at hand. Basically, it’s standard mascara getting a major upgrade by simply wearing more of it.
The key to cocktailing your mascaras is picking the right mix of products and applying them appropriately. You want to apply mascaras that complement each other rather than wearing two that provide the same benefit. So instead of using two volumizing mascaras, you may start with a lengthening product and then layer on another that adds thickness for an impactful lash. Also, there’s no need to reserve your favorite mascaras or this trick for special nights. This technique is easy enough to do and perfectly wearable for the day. In fact, if you have to pick mascara cocktailing over bronzer or lip liner, I’d go for the mascara; it gives you a more done look, even with minimal makeup.
Before applying mascara to the lashes, remove any residue or lingering makeup from the eyelashes. Then swipe on some lash primer, which helps prevent clumping and strengthens your lashes. You can — of course — invest in a fancy-schmancy lash primer product or just get some drugstore-brand clear mascara. I’m a huge fan of Maybelline’s clear mascara. Not only does it work to prim lashes to negate clumps, but it’s also a great way to tame rogue eyebrows. Once your lashes are clean and prepped, start applying your first mascara slowly and build up more product as you go.
Picking your mascara pairings depends on the lash look you want to achieve. Not all mascaras are created equal, so start with your favorite mascara and ask what else you wish it could do, then find the product that does that to complement your original favorite. To thicken fine, short eyelashes, start with a lengthening mascara like Milk Makeup’s Rise mascara. This product boasts a natural-looking lift while adding subtle volume. Evenly coat your lashes with a lengthening mascara, then layer on a thickening one like MAC Macstack Mascara, which comes with two different brush sizes to customize your lash look.
If you’re going for super-long eyelashes, again start with a lengthening mascara and then add on an extension product like Thrive’s Liquid Lash Mascara. Use the shorter bristles on one side of the brush to coat your lashes, then use the longer bristles to comb the mascara through and fan out the lash.
For voluminous lashes, start with a high-defining mascara like Lancome’s Definicils Mascara and apply to eyelashes in gradual layers for a major lash lift. Then for the ultimate volume layer, go for a volumizing mascara like Stila’s Huge Extreme mascara. The name says it all!
If you wear mascara on your bottom lashes, stick to one light coat of lengthening mascara. If you find you’ve applied too much mascara on top or bottom, swipe a damp Q-tip over your lashes to thin out any clumps. Or use a dry/clean eyelash brush to further lift and separate your lashes. Lastly, set your mascara with another swipe of primer or clear mascara.
Limiting your eyelashes to just one mascara isn’t the end of the world, but doubling up creates a bigger impact. Plus, swiping multiple layers of mascara is a whole lot easier than, in my book, sticking on false eyelashes. Glue near the eyeball? No, thank you. Cheers to mascara cocktailing!
