7 Solutions to Your Most Common Mascara Problems

The Mascara Problem: Smudges and Fall-Out

Avoid annoying mascara stamps on your browbone and under the eyes with a long-wearing formula like Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara, which contains silicone and minerals to help the formula dry faster and stay put longer. If your smudges occur due to shaky hands, place a beautyblender liner.designer between your lashes and skin as you apply.

The Mascara Problem: Stiff Lashes

Hard, stiff lashes are usually a sign of dry lashes (read: more susceptible to breakage). Swap your mascara for a formula with natural conditioning ingredients like W3LL PEOPLE Expressionist Mascara, which combines organic palm, aloe vera, and sunflower extracts to give your tiny precious hairs some extra TLC. The results? Fuller and darker lashes with a decidedly touchable feel.

The Mascara Problem: Flakes

Mascaras with a higher concentration of waxes and oils, like Smashbox Cosmetics Indecent Exposure Mascara tend to attach better to your natural hairs, making them less likely to sprinkle unwanted pigment on your face. For even better results, apply one coat and wait until your lashes are a little sticky (not wet) before putting on your second coat.

The Mascara Problem: Its All Gone by the End of the Day

Save the waterproof formulas for pool partiesthey can be tough to remove, thus, not the best option for an everyday use. Instead, make sure your mascara stays on all day (and night) by choosing a formula like Benefit They're Real! Lengthening Mascara, which hugs your lashes thanks to longwearing ingredients like beeswax and paraffin. Just a coat (or two!) guarantees supersized lashes from start to finish.

The Mascara Problem: Irritation

A hypoallergenic mascara is a no-brainer for someone with sensitive eyes. Also, avoid the brightly tinted ones, since the dyes used in them are more likely to irritate your delicate eye area. We love the Clinique High Impact Mascaraits gentle formula gives you plusher and bolder eyelashes without itchy side effects.

The Mascara Problem: Too-Dark Lashes

If you have light hair and want a natural look, skip the black mascara. Instead, curl your lashes with Tweezerman Procurl Lash Curler and follow with a tinted primer like Benefit They're Real! Tinted Lash Primer. The formulas mink brown color blends with your natural lash shade for subtle (not overwhelming) definition.

The Mascara Problem: Clumps

We all know that wiping off excess product before putting your mascara on helpsbut the real key to clump-free lashes is a moisturizing formula and a lash-hugging brush. Choose one like stila HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara which gives you soft lashes (courtesy of beeswax and glycerin) and a clump-free finish thanks to a brush that evenly distributes the formula from root to tip. Our trick: Make sure you gently wiggle the wand as you swipe it on.