How Can I Keep Mascara From Flaking and Smudging?

This great question, submitted by reader Amy Mitchell, of Nashville, Tennessee, is a common problem for many women. I went to Jenna Menna, a New York City makeup artist, for her tricks on keeping mascara in place.

 

"Mascara transfer is a recurring dilemma. Sometimes it's a trial-and-error thing where you have to test out different formulas. But if you need a quick fix, these will fit the bill," says Menna.

 

1. Sweep on any mascara—waterproof or not—and then, with a clean wand, apply Benefit She Laq right on top. This clear fluid acts as a sealant to lock in color and pigments. (It can also be used on liners, shadows, and lipsticks to keep them from budging!)

 

 

 

2. Sometimes, something as simple as not pulling the mascara all the way through the ends of your lashes will help. Work the mascara into the base of your lashes and avoid the tips. Though you won't get a lengthening effect, you'll still get tons of volume. Pro Pick: Clinique High Lengths Mascara.

 

 

3. After applying mascara, dust translucent powder over the area where transfer happens most often. This will create a barrier on your skin so you'll have less rub-off. And keep away from cream shadows! Anything moist will just exacerbate the problem.

 

 

Thanks for the question, Amy!

 

 

Does anyone else suffer from this frustrating makeup woe? What are your burning beauty q's?