ComScore

A Simple Mascara Trick to Get Longer Lashes

With no gross clumps

Who doesn’t love a good beauty hack? Especially one that promises to make your lashes long and fluttery. Unfortunately, some things are way too complicated (like adding baby powder between coats of mascara…what?) or a tad too expensive (like getting lash extensions). But occasionally, we find a surprising trick that requires nothing but a simple tweak to our existing routine.

What you need: A handheld mirror and a tube of mascara

What you do: Instead of starting at the base of your lashes, apply the first coat of mascara to the tips, running the wand through the top side of your lashes and coating the tips from above. Then look down into the mirror (to make sure you apply your next coat as close to the roots as possible) and wiggle your wand from base to tips as you normally would. 

Why it works: When you apply multiple coats of mascara to the entire length of your lashes, it can be too heavy and cause clumping. By applying the first coat to only the top side of the tips, you get the added length where you need it most--and none of the extra bulk.



Jenny Jin Headshot Vertical 2023

Beauty Director

  • Oversees all beauty content at PureWow
  • Has over a decade of experience in writing and editing, both in print and digital media
  • Produces 'Youngish' newsletter, a guide to beauty in your 30s and beyond

beauty
/ Marissa Wu
This TikTok Favorite American Beauty Brand Is on the Rise in Europe
beauty
/ Courtney Mason
A Lip Product Hoarder’s Honest Review of the Rhode Peptide Lip Tint
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
3 Editors Test the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape—and Here’s Our Honest Review
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
How to Achieve Gray Blending for Dark Hair, According to Hairstylists
beauty
/ Natalie LaBarbera
Meghan Markle Swears By This Face Cream That's on Sale for Just *$10* at Amazon RN
beauty
/ Jael Rucker
Don't Look Now, This Popular Sunscreen is 20% Off for the Amazon Big Spring Sale
beauty
/ Marissa Wu
Does the Buzzy Wild Deodorant Live Up to Snuff? 6 Busy Women Put It to the Test
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
Meghan Markle Just Launched a Beauty Site and Here Are My 7 Favorite Products
beauty
/ Destinee Scott
You Can Save on Hailey Bieber's Go-To LED Skincare Device at the Amazon Big Spring Sale
beauty
/ Dana Dickey
Is Whole Body Deodorant Worth It? A Dermatologist Tells All
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
The 5 Haircuts Everyone in New York Wants Right Now
beauty
/ Destinee Scott
The Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Oil Is a 'Clean Girl' Cult Favorite—and It's on Rare Deal at the Amazon Big Spring Sale
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
Crest 3D Whitestrips vs. Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips: Score Both on Sale Now for the Amazon Big Spring Sale
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
Do I Pass TikTok’s Eyebrow Theory? How a Filter Can Make or Break Your Arches
beauty
/ PureWow Editors
The 35 Best Short Haircuts for Women Over 50, According to Stylists
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
The 13 Best Hair Perfumes of 2025, Tested by Editors
See More