Comb mascara is used to coat, separate, and define individual lashes for a clean, clump-free look, often involving specific angles and techniques for different lash sections.
Comb mascaras feature a wand with bristles arranged like a fine-toothed comb, designed to glide through lashes, distributing product evenly while detangling and lifting. This differs from traditional brush wands which can sometimes hold more product and potentially cause clumping if not applied carefully.
Applying Comb Mascara: A Step-by-Step Approach
Using a comb mascara effectively requires focusing on precise application to maximize separation and definition.
Application on Upper Lashes
- Prepare: Start with clean, dry lashes. Some people curl their lashes before applying mascara.
- Coat: Dip the comb wand into the mascara tube, removing excess product from the tip on the edge of the tube opening. You want enough product to coat, but not so much it clumps the comb.
- Apply: Look slightly down and place the comb at the base of your upper lashes.
- Comb Through: Gently comb the wand upwards from root to tip, wiggling slightly as you go. This motion helps coat every lash and separates them.
- Layer: If desired, apply a second coat, allowing the first coat to dry slightly in between to prevent a heavy, clumpy look.
Application on Lower Lashes
Applying mascara to the lower lashes requires a different angle to prevent smudging and ensure good coverage.
- Look Up: As demonstrated in the provided clip from a Rae Morris tutorial, when applying to the bottom lashes, you should look up. This helps to pull the lower lid down slightly, making the lashes more accessible and reducing the chance of hitting your skin.
- Apply Gently: Using the tip or edge of the comb, gently brush the mascara onto your lower lashes while maintaining the upward gaze. The reference also notes that blinking is okay during this process, and you'll again notice the effectiveness of the comb for separation on these delicate lashes.
Benefits of a Comb Wand
- Separation: The fine teeth excel at separating individual lashes.
- Definition: It helps define each lash for a clean look.
- Clump Control: Less prone to clumping compared to some brush types.
- Precision: Allows for more precise application, especially on smaller or lower lashes.
By using the comb mascara with the appropriate techniques, like looking up for bottom lashes as shown in the example reference, you can achieve well-defined and separated lashes.