How do you remove mascara smudges?

Author: Prof. Helen Pouros DDS  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Zeichner recommends using a gentle makeup wipe to remove the very last traces of mascara after using a cotton pad. "You'll rub too much and irritate the skin," says Zeichner if you use a wipe first. "This double-cleanse process ensures all makeup and residue is gone," adds Dorn.

Why does my mascara keep smudging under my eyes?

There are so many factors that affect mascara's smudge-ability, like your lash type, your facial structure, your eye shape (which changes over time), your skin type, your skin laxity, the skin care you use near your eyes and how you apply it, the mascara formula, the brush, the freaking weather ...

What to do with mascara that smudges?

Here are 6 simple tricks to prevent mascara from smudging.
  1. Cleanse Your Face (and Lashes)
  2. Apply a Primer.
  3. Use a Tri-Locking Mascara.
  4. Lightly Dust Under the Eyes — Never Bake.
  5. (Occasionally) Wipe Your Undereyes.
  6. Apply Mascara Correctly.

What does it mean when mascara smudges?

smudges or if someone smudges it, it becomes dirty or not clear because someone or something has touched it: She was crying and her mascara had smudged. Synonym. smear.

What is the best smudge proof mascara?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Smudge-Proof Mascara Overall: Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara, $34.
  • Best Volumizing: Fenty Full Frontal Volume Mascara, $24.
  • Best Thickening: Benefit Cosmetics BadGal Bang, $16.
  • Best Tubing: Tarte Tartelette Tubing XL Mascara, $27.
  • Best Curling: Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara, $20.

HOW TO STOP EYELINER OR KAJAL FROM SMUDGING AND RUNNING | NINA UBHI

Does setting spray stop mascara smudging?

By spraying before, you allow the setting spray to lock in your base makeup AND eye shadow without affecting your lashes, ensuring your mascara stays and is smudge-free. This technique provides better longevity and a cleaner finish for your makeup look.

How do you make mascara look flawless?

  1. Curl lashes with an eyelash curler. ...
  2. Open your mascara without swirling or pumping. ...
  3. Scrape excess mascara back into the tube. ...
  4. Tilt your mascara wand horizontally and apply from the root to the tip of lashes. ...
  5. Wiggle mascara from side to side to separate and define. ...
  6. Turn mascara vertically and apply to corner lashes.

What can I use to wipe off mascara?

If using a cotton pad with cleansing oil or coconut cream, soak it in warm water until it is thoroughly moistened. You can also soak a makeup remover wipe, however you can also use these dry as they already contain coconut oil and are capable of removing some mascaras without water.

What is the best eyelash primer?

  • Best Overall Lash Primer: Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer. ...
  • Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer. ...
  • Milk Makeup Kush Lash Primer. ...
  • Morphe The Big Prime. ...
  • Milani The Violet One Lash Primer. ...
  • Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer. ...
  • Lancôme Clis Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Primer.

How do I stop my eyes from smudging?

How to fix it: Always use an eye primer. But if you're in a pinch, using a lightweight concealer can do the trick. Apply a small amount to your eyelids and blend in gently with your ring finger to create a smooth canvas. Then, set the concealer with a powder before applying your liner (and eyeshadow, if you want).

What's the best drugstore mascara?

Our top picks for the best drugstore mascaras:
  • Best Drugstore Mascara Overall. L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Mascara. Read more.
  • Best Budget Drugstore Mascara. Essence Lash Princess Mascara. Read more.
  • Best Drugstore Tubing Mascara. L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening 2 Step Mascara. Read more.

What are mascara mites?

Dear Reader: Eyelash mites, also known as Demodex mites, are a type of eight-legged parasite. They live in or near the hair follicles on the face and eyes and are found primarily near the eyelashes and the eyebrows.

Why does my mascara smudge under my eyes?

"The oil in our skin, or creamy products applied around the eyes, can make the pigment of the mascara transfer onto skin, even after the mascara is dry," says Nikki Wolff, the global creative director of artistry for KVD Beauty. Even if your skin isn't naturally oily, sweat and heat can cause mascara to run.

How does Vaseline remove mascara?

Well, because Vaseline is petroleum-based. Therefore it can pretty much dissolve almost any kind of makeup gently, making it super easy to just wipe it right off. There you have it. Vaseline is also apparently excellent for removing waterproof mascara and eyelash glue.

How do you remove smeared mascara?

Zeichner recommends using a gentle makeup wipe to remove the very last traces of mascara after using a cotton pad. "You'll rub too much and irritate the skin," says Zeichner if you use a wipe first. "This double-cleanse process ensures all makeup and residue is gone," adds Dorn.

Is it OK to use baby wipes to remove mascara?

In short, the answer is baby wipes and makeup wipes are not the same. We know a few of you have used baby wipes to remove makeup, we get it. Anything to wipe the gunk off. However, that's exactly what you're not doing, baby wipes leave the makeup behind, which can cause your pores to clog and even make you breakout.

Is vaseline a good mascara remover?

Vaseline can remove all sorts of eye makeup from eyeshadow and primer to eyeliner and mascara.

How do you make mascara smudge proof?

“Applying an eyelid primer can help control oil on your eyelids and create a smudge-proof base for mascara,” even if you're not wearing any other eye makeup, says DiSabatino.

What color mascara makes your eyes look bigger?

Or, make your eyes appear larger by applying black mascara on the top lashes and brown mascara on the bottom ones to mimic a '60s doll-like aesthetic. You could also try reaching for a black-brown mascara.

What do you put on before mascara?

Before you start applying your mascara, make sure your lashes are clean and free of make-up residues, concealer or moisturiser. Such residues can have a negative effect on hold or cause smudging. Favour light moisturisers and eye contour creams before doing your lashes.

Is there a smudge proof mascara?

tartetartelette™ XL tubing mascara

The Tartlette XL Tubing Mascara is sweat proof and smudge proof, and easy to remove because it's a tubing mascara. ... This mascara is fantastic! This mascara is smudge proof , flake free and sweat.

Should you put setting spray on before or after mascara?

Setting spray is super easy to use. Start by applying all your makeup, including your mascara and face powder (your skin will remain velvety and matte). Next, shake the bottle well so the ingredients go on without creating splotches. Ready to apply?

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