Do you ever apply your mascara only to find that your eyelashes are sticking together?
Don‘t worry, it‘s actually a common issue and is easily fixable.
Let’s see, why do my eyelashes stick together when I apply mascara?
Looking at the most common causes of eyelashes sticking together when applying mascara and how to prevent them in the future.
Why Do My Eyelashes Stick Together When I Apply Mascara?
Mascara Dries Too Quickly
Having your mascara dry too quickly can cause eyelashes to stick together after applying it due to the high concentration of alcohol in the formula.
When applied, the alcohol evaporates quickly and causes fibers in two separate lashes to bind together.
This binding can create a clumpy look and make it challenging to apply additional coats of mascara.
Avoiding over-applying mascara can help reduce this problem, as well as choosing a tube of mascara with less alcohol content.
Applying Mascara Incorrectly
Applying mascara incorrectly causes your eyelashes to stick together because the excess product on the brush can transfer onto already applied mascara, thereby creating an unappealing clump of lashes.
To avoid this, you need to start with a clean and dry brush and only apply one coat of mascara.
If you find that your lashes are still sticking together after applying the first coat of mascara, then use a lash comb to separate them before adding more product.
Be sure not to over-apply, as too much product will also cause your eyelashes to stick together.
You’re Applying Too Much Mascara
If your lashes are sticking together, it’s likely that you’re either applying too much mascara or applying too much to the wrong places, with too many coats from your mascara wand.
It’s recommended that you don’t ever apply more than three coats of clumpy mascara on each eye.
As too much product will weigh down your lashes, and make your eyelashes sticky, making them more likely to clump together, and you want to avoid clumping.
You need to wipe off the excess product with a tissue, before applying to the lashes.
Those that wipe off excess mascara, will end up with less mascara clumps for your bottom lashes and upper lashes, as our lashes won’t be overloaded in product.
You’ve Had The Mascara For A Long Time
When you’ve had the mascara for a long time, it can start to dry out and become clumpy.
This clumpiness causes your eyelashes to stick together after applying the mascara, since it’s not dispersing evenly onto your lashes.
Too much product can also cause your lashes to stick together due to the excess weight of the product on them.
If your mascara is too old, its formula may have changed, causing it to be thicker than when you first bought it and therefore more likely to cause sticking.
A tube of mascara should never be kept for longer than three months, due to the bacteria that builds up within the product.
Your Eyelashes Are Dry
It’s recommend that you try to make sure you are using a good quality mascara in the first place.
If your lashes are brittle or dry and cracked as they’re lacking in moisture, try using a hypoallergenic mascara instead of one that contains chemicals and dyes.
If this doesn’t help, then consider changing mascaras altogether until a brand is found that works better for your eyes.
Another possibility is that you may be using too much pressure when applying the brush to your lashes; this can cause them to stick together as well as irritate them if they’re sensitive.
Make sure that when applying mascara, you don’t push too hard on the brush.
The best way to get long, thick lashes is by gently brushing through each individual lash strand instead of stabbing them with one big swipe.
Does Waterproof Mascara Make Your Lashes Clumpy?
Waterproof mascara is an essential item for many beauty routines.
It not only provides extra protection against humidity and moisture, but can give a dramatic effect to your eyes.
However, one downside of waterproof mascara is that it can often make lashes look clumpy.
The formula of waterproof mascaras are thicker and more resistant to water than regular formulas.
Which makes them ideal for keeping makeup in place during activities such as swimming or sweating.
Unfortunately, the thick nature of the formula causes heavy coats of product to be applied on each eyelash strand when used.
This results in clumping, making lashes appear messier than desired.
Before applying waterproof mascara, make sure you use an eyelash curler; doing so will open up the shape of your lash line and help with product separation.
If you prefer a more lengthening effect on your lashes without having their appearance lumped together, it’s best to opt for non-waterproof formulas instead.
These should provide enough coverage with fewer coats on each lash strand. For those who must wear waterproof mascara and are concerned about looking clumpy.
Try using a spoolie brush after application and lightly separate every single eyelash one by one.
This will definitely have a positive impact on achieving length and definition while avoiding any clumps.
Top Makeup Artist Lash Tips
Are you looking for the top makeup artist lash tips for longer lashes?
Here’s how you can get the longest, most luscious lashes with just a few simple steps.
First and foremost, always use a quality volumizing mascara, as it will help to add length and volume to your lashes.
Curling your lashes before applying mascara can also add length.
Another tip is to apply a thin layer of mascara to your upper lashes, and then wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes before brushing upwards.
This will help to make them look fuller and longer.
Also, try using a lash primer to give your lashes an extra pop before applying mascara.
Lastly, using a lash-separating mascara will help to visibly lengthen and lift your lashes by separating out each individual lash.
How To Declump Your Lashes
There are a few ways you can declump your eyelashes if they’re stuck together:
- Use a Lash Comb Or Mascara Spoolie: This is the most gentle way to declump your top lashes and will also help to separate them.
- Use Mascara Remover: Soak a cotton pad in makeup remover and gently press it against your lashes for a few seconds. This will help to break down the mascara and make it easier to remove.
- Use Baby Powder: Dip a clean mascara brush into some baby powder and then brush it through your lashes. The powder will absorb any excess oils and help to separate your lashes.
- Use Vaseline: Apply a small amount of Vaseline to your lashes using a clean mascara brush. This will help to lubricate your lashes and make it easier to comb through them.
- Use A Eyelash Curler: If your lashes are really clumped together, then you can try using a lash curler to gently separate them. Be careful not to press too hard, as this could damage your lashes.
How To Keep Your Lashes From Clumping
To prevent your lashes from clumping, it’s important to start with a clean eye.
Remove any mascara you have on before you apply new.
Apply one layer of lightweight mascara and let it dry before applying a second coat.
To ensure that the lashes are separated, use a lash comb in between coats and be sure to wipe off any excess product from the brush onto a tissue or paper towel.
You can also use an eyelash curler to separate them as well.
After applying, allow the mascara to completely dry and then lightly brush through your lashes again with the comb for even separation.
Lastly, invest in quality products for floor-length volume, curl retention and lengthening effects without clumping or flaking.
How To Make Your Lower Lashes Less Clumpy
When it comes to applying mascara, one of the biggest problems you may face is clumped lower lashes.
To make your lower lashes look less clumpy, start by using a clean spoolie brush and dipping it into your favorite lengthening mascara for a thin coat.
Try to avoid piling on too much product, as that can lead to clumping.
When coating the lashes, be sure to wiggle the wand from root to tip to evenly distribute the mascara.
Pay extra attention when batting your eyes or blinking; as this can cause product transfer onto other areas around your eye.
Once you’ve finished applying the mascara, use a lash comb or spoolie brush to gently separate any stuck-together lashes and remove excess product.
Finish off with an extra coat of volumizing mascara on just the tips of your lower lashes for more definition before blotting any excess color with a tissue.
This will leave you with gorgeous and fluttery lower lashes free from clumps.
Summary
There are a few reasons why your eyelashes may stick together when you apply mascara.
It could be because you’re using too much mascara, the mascara is old, or your lashes are dry.
You can declump your eyelashes by using a lash comb, mascara remover, baby powder, Vaseline, or a lash curler.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty. In addition to Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!