How to Apply Mascara for the Best Results

1. Begin with Clean, Dry Lashes 

Always start fresh. Any leftover oil, skincare, or old makeup will stop your mascara from performing at its best — and can be the main culprit behind smudges. Clean, dry lashes give the formula the perfect base to grip onto, helping your mascara look its best and stay put all day. 

2. Curl for a Natural Lift (Optional) 

If your lashes are naturally straight, a quick squeeze with a lash curler before mascara can give them an instant lift. But this step is optional — Modern Mascara is designed to hold curl without stiffness, while Icon Mascara’s oversized spiral brush adds a lash-lift effect of its own and improves lash curl angle by up to 20º* 

**based on a 21-day clinical trial of 22 women 

3. Apply the First Coat from Root to Tip 

This is where the magic begins. Place the wand right at the base of your lashes, gently wiggle, and sweep upward in one smooth motion. The wiggle anchors pigment at the root for fuller-looking lashes, while the sweep ensures length and separation. Both of VIEVE’s mascaras’ brushes are designed to coat evenly with no clumps — so every coat looks clean, not spidery. 

4. Add a Second Coat for More Volume 

For extra impact, layer while the first coat is still slightly damp. Both mascaras are buildable: Modern Mascara layers beautifully for added natural-looking definition, while Icon Mascara can be built up to dramatic, lifted volume.  

5. Use the Tip for Lower Lashes & Precision Areas 

Turn the wand vertically and use just the tip to reach your bottom lashes and those tiny inner corners. This gives definition without overloading — one of those small but game-changing mascara application tips that makes your lashes look polished from every angle. If you’ve ever wondered should you apply mascara to bottom lashes, this technique makes it easy to define them lightly without smudges. 

Mascara Application Tips for the Best Results

Even if you know the basics of how to apply mascara, a few insider tweaks can make all the difference. Think of these as the dos and don’ts that our team (including our founder Jamie Genevieve) swears by — small changes that help your mascara perform at its very best. 

  • Skip the Pumping 
    We get it, it’s weirdly addictive — like clicking a pen when you’re bored. But pumping your mascara wand in and out just pushes in air, dries out the formula, and makes clumps more likely. Instead, swirl the wand gently inside the tube to coat it evenly. 
  • Pause Between Layers 
    Give each coat a few seconds to settle before adding another. It helps the formula grip properly and keeps lashes defined, rather than collapsing into clumps. 
  • Trust the Formula 
    With VIEVE mascaras, you don’t need to overthink it. Both are designed to stay smooth and non-clumping, so you get fluttery definition without those spidery, stuck-together lashes. 

The Best Mascara Hacks to Try

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to have a little fun. These are the best mascara hacks we’ve come across —tricks that make mascara easier to apply and give lashes that polished, MUA-approved finish. 

  • Cocktailing (With a Twist) 
    Cocktailing is the art of layering two mascaras to get the best of both worlds Start with Modern Mascara: its hourglass brush gives clean, defined lashes with that everyday lift. Then, add Icon Mascara on top for instant volume, curl, and drama.  
  • The Lash Zigzag  
    Instead of pulling straight through, wiggle the wand side to side at the roots before sweeping upward. This anchors pigment at the base, creating fuller-looking lashes without clumps. 
  • Warm It Up 
    Cold mascara can be stiff and difficult to glide through your lashes smoothly, just like cold butter on toast. Roll the tube between your palms for a few seconds before applying, and suddenly the formula glides on like a dream. 

FAQs About Applying Mascara

Mascara is one of those products people always have questions about — from the basics to the little details that make all the difference. We’re here to answer the top-asked questions so you can feel confident every time you apply. 

How often should I replace my mascara? 

About every three months. We know, it feels wasteful if there’s still some left in the tube, but old mascara dries out, stops performing, and can even irritate your eyes. Think of it like changing your toothbrush — annoying, but non-negotiable. So if you’ve been wondering how often should I replace my mascara, the answer is: more often than you probably are. 

Should you apply mascara to bottom lashes? 

It’s about personal preference. If you want a wide-eyed, balanced look, adding mascara to your bottom lashes can make your eyes pop. If you prefer something softer and more minimal, you can skip it entirely. When you do apply, keep it light — bottom lashes are naturally finer and shorter, so a gentle sweep with just the tip of the wand is enough to define them without weighing them down. 

Can I wear mascara with lash extensions? 

You can wear mascara with lash extensions — but it’s not the best idea. Extensions are already giving you the length and volume, and adding mascara on top can make them clump or loosen the glue. If you’re wearing them already, it’s better to let the extensions do the work. You could skip the salon altogether and reach for a VIEVE mascara. Modern Mascara gives you that clean, defined, everyday lift, while Icon Mascara builds instant drama and curl for a false-lash-extension look (without the upkeep). 

VIEVE's Modern Mascara: Let the Formula Do the Work

Modern Mascara is your everyday staple. It gives lashes clean definition, length, and lift — the kind of look that feels polished but never overdone. 

What makes it unique: 

  • Precision hourglass brush that grips and separates every lash 
  • Creamy, buildable texture with no clumps 
  • Long-lasting and smudge-proof, yet easy to remove 
  • Perfect for day-to-night looks with seamless layering 

It’s ideal for the moments you want lashes to look naturally full and defined — whether that’s a day at the desk or dinner with friends. 

VIEVE's Icon Mascara: The Lash-Lift Effect in a Tube

Icon Mascara is about instant impact. It gives lashes bold volume, curl, and lift — mimicking the look of lash extensions without the upkeep. 

What makes it unique: 

  • Oversized spiral brush that fans out lashes from root to tip 
  • Deep black pigment for statement definition 
  • Flexible, buildable formula that stays soft and comfortable 
  • Enriched with panthenol, castor seed oil, and argan oil to care for lashes 

It’s the one to reach for when you want your lashes to really stand out — perfect for evenings, occasions, or any time you’re in the mood for drama. 

Armed with these mascara application tips, plus the best mascara hacks, you’ll know exactly how to use mascara for any occasion. Whether you’re discovering how to apply mascara for the first time or refreshing your technique, Modern and Icon give you everything you need. 

Ready to put your mascara skills to the test? Start with the one designed for results that speak for themselves — and explore the rest of the VIEVE eye collection to complete your look.