Next up: curl your lashes with a traditional mechanical lash curler on bare lashes before applying mascara. First, start at the roots of your lashes and pump the crimper a couple times. Then move halfway up towards the tips of your lashes and curl once more. If your lashes don’t fit into your eyelash curler at once, opt for a smaller, half lash curler. The key is to start this step with bare lashes to avoid clumping.

Once you’ve curled your lashes, apply your favorite mascara – I love this one for a more affordable option, or this one for more of a splurge. Don’t be afraid to mix different mascaras! I’ve also heard amaaaaazing rave reviews about this one. Move the mascara to the base of your lashes and work from the bottom up to help keep your eyelashes curled. I like to use about two coats- more than once again can start to make them clumpy.

As the third step, use a metal (metal is key) eyelash brush to comb through the mascara on your lashes. This one is really affordable and I love that it’s an eyebrow brush duo too. Using a metal brush will help remove some excess mascara/clumping for a more natural finish. Start at the bottom of the lashes and work your way up for more definition to distribute the mascara evenly from root to tip.