How to Curl Your Eyelashes Without Ruining Your Makeup

Curl eyelashes after the mascara is dry to avoid ruining your makeup.

Forgetting to curl your eyelashes before applying eyeliner is not that bad -- just avoid pressing the curler against the base of your eyelashes. Forgetting to curl them before applying mascara, on the other hand, quickly becomes a sticky mess. Whenever possible, remove your mascara before curling your eyelashes to avoid breaking or pulling out eyelashes. However, if you don’t have time to start over, a careful application of powder will keep your eye makeup from smudging while you curl.

Things You'll Need

• Makeup brush
• Translucent powder or baby powder
• Tissue
• Eyelash comb

Instructions

1. Finish the rest of your makeup and allow your mascara and eyeliner to dry completely. It is best to allow your makeup to set as long as possible, but five to 10 minutes is sufficient.

2. Dip your makeup brush in a translucent face powder. Tap the brush to remove as much excess as possible.

3. Brush your eyes lightly, including the eyelashes. The powder protects your makeup. It will be slightly visible on your lashes, but will fall off during curling.

4. Set the eyelash curler just above the base of your lashes to avoid smudging your eyeliner, and crimp the eyelashes.

5. Repeat for the middle and tip of your eyelashes, wiping the inside of the eyelash curler with a dry tissue between crimping. If any mascara comes off on the curler, apply another layer of powder before crimping again.

6. Comb your eyelashes to separate them and remove any excess powder.

7. Reapply a light coat of mascara, if necessary.

References

• Ladies Home Journal: The Frames of Your Face: Fabulous Eyelashes and Brows
• Oprah: How to Curl Stiff, Straight Eyelashes
• Oprah: Keep Mascara from Smudging
• RunningwithHeels.com: Tips and Tricks: Mascara