Constantly smudging your mascara? Here’s our guide to removing any mishaps, and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.

The Best Way to Clear Up Mascara Smudges

We’ve all been there - you master a make-up look you’ve been trying to learn for ages, just to end up with mascara smudged down your face within an hour. And whether it’s an instant smudge due to the wand slipping through your fingers, or those annoying little imprints that slide down your face throughout the day - rest assured, all is not lost. Here are our top tips on how to clear up - and prevent - smudges without ruining the rest of your make-up.

Blot away any oiliness around your eye

If you find smudges creep up throughout the day, make sure to keep some blotting papers in your handbag. It might sound a bit old-school, but blotting paper can be your best friend when it comes to nipping mascara smudges in the bud. Simply use the paper to blot gently around your eyes before you apply your eye make-up. This will remove any oil and mattify the area before mascara has the chance to cling to your undereyes.

Use a primer

Remember mascara primers? Well, it’s time to get on board again. Not to be confused as a ‘pointless’ step in your make-up regime, lash primers can actually provide your lashes with an ultra strong base to cling to - preventing it from slipping and sliding off of your lashes. Apply one coat and leave to dry before going in with your mascara of choice.

Consider your skincare

You might not think your skincare has a part to play in the longevity of your make-up, but you’ll be surprised to hear it might be the reason behind those pesky mascara smudges. If you apply an eye cream, make sure it’s fully absorbed into the skin before you apply any make-up. It’s also important to go for anything that’s oil-free, as oil can make skin extra slippery and attract mascara like a magnet. Always leave around 30 minutes between applying your skincare and your make-up to be on the safe side.

Powder up

Using a translucent powder under your eyes as part of your make-up routine is a must to keep your skin free of mascara fallout. Lightly dust it under your eyes with a small fluffy brush to keep the skin free from oil and add a blurring effect to the skin.

Avoid bottom lashes

A common reason for mascara smudging underneath the eye is applying it to the bottom lashes. If you can, avoid applying mascara here - or use a waterproof formula (or a completely non-budge formula like BELLA LASH) at the very least.

Use a cotton bud

A fail-safe way of removing immediate mascara flakiness or smudges is to use a cotton swab covered in micellar water. Gentle dab the area of the smudge a few times and your mishap should disappear. Finish with a light dusting of powder if you have removed any of your base underneath.