Applying Mascara: My Secret Weapon!

So I eluded to this in a previous post, but I have a very particular way of applying my mascara that I have found works really well and gives a fluttery finish that I just love. First, let me start by saying, I was blessed with long, full lashes. I have never had lash extensions and never wear false lashes (my wedding day was the one and only exception). I do, however, have a little routine that really helps to make my eyelashes look more dramatic and lush.

First, I will usually start by curling my lashes. Sometimes I accidentally leave this step out but I'm trying to get better at doing it every time I put on my makeup. I then apply several coats of my mascara. Right now I am bouncing between Revlon's Grow Luscious and Benefit's BAD gal lash mascaras. I prefer the BAD gal lash formula and wand (bottom) but the Grow Luscious is nice to use once in a while and the wand (top) is very large which I enjoy.

I like to go pretty heavy on the mascara. My eyes are my favorite feature to play up on my face and I feel like fluttery lashes just bring them out even more. This is where my secret weapon comes in. It can take many forms but the original was something I came up with while in my local Sephora. Now, I doubt that I'm the first one to have this idea but I didn't really learn it from anyone so I think it's unique and worth trying.

Anyway, I was browsing through loads of makeup and trying on several products, as usual. I decided to try a mascara and took one of their sample applicator wands to use. When I was done, I was about to throw the wand away when I realized, this is like a free makeup brush. I wrapped the sample wand up in a tissue and stuck it in my purse. When I got home I unwrapped it, feeling a bit sly, and washed it off to dry for the morning. It was one of the better ideas I've ever had.

After applying gobs of mascara now, I work the wand through my lashes until I achieve my desired effect. It really helps to work the mascara through from root to tip and fan out my lashes, giving them perfect fullness and volume. However, it doesn't stop here. I have now started to save the brushes from mascaras with wands that I love (BAD gal lash being one of them). I simply give them a good cleaning, and then use them when I find a mascara with an insufficient wand but lovely formula or just to work mascara nicely through my lashes.

Now I know that I can pay to buy a special mascara brush from Sephora or what have you, but why would I do that when I can get better ones for free? Just a thought that I hope you guys can take advantage of or enjoy exploring on your own. Let me know how you feel about this tip and if you try it out yourselves! Oh, and here is a peek at what my lashes look like when I'm done this little routine:

Not bad right (besides the photo quality). For me, this is a perfect look for my lashes because it keeps them looking a tad natural but still helps my eyes to really pop. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.. big, full, voluminous lashes included!

:: katie golightly x

everything is my own including opinions, photographs, and rambles alike. this is not sponsored.