How to Get Bold Bottom Lashes

Bold bottom lashes: we all want them, but mastering this makeup look is easier said than done. Don’t worry though, with the right makeup tips and tricks, you can expertly apply mascara to your bottom lashes without it looking clumpy or smearing under your eyes. Keep reading for nine eye makeup tips that will help you perfectly sweep on your mascara and emphasize your lower lash line in the process.

TIP #1: ALWAYS APPLY BOTTOM TO TOP

You might feel like you should apply mascara to your top lashes before your bottom—but that’s not actually the case. When you apply your mascara to your lower lashes before your upper lashes, looking up while swiping your mascara on will no longer mess up your perfectly blended smokey eye. A solution, at last!

TIP #2: PRIME YOUR LASHES FIRST

Whenever you want to make your makeup look better, whether it’s foundation or mascara, primer will be your best friend. So, add a tube of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer or the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Primer/Base to your arsenal and swipe, swipe, swipe. Before you know it, not only will your mascara stick to your lashes for longer, but it will make your lower lashes look longer and more luxurious—in other words, totally bold.

TIP #3: USE A WATERPROOF MASCARA

When you coat your bottom lashes with mascara, it’s best to use a waterproof formula (like the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Lengthening Mascara) if you want to avoid looking like a raccoon by the end of the day. If you have long bottom lashes, there’s a good chance that they’ll graze your under-eye area, which can result in your mascara mixing with your foundation or concealer, making for one big mess. Keep a waterproof makeup remover, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types, on hand so you can remove your mascara at the end of the day.

TIP #4: SWIPE MASCARA ON SIDE-TO-SIDE, NOT JUST UP AND DOWN

We’ve all been taught to apply our mascara in up and down swipes, but have you tried going from side to side? If you ever find yourself clicking through social media videos from fashion week and behind-the-scenes photoshoots, you’ll notice that makeup artists apply mascara this way to really achieve a bold bottom lash look reminiscent of the sixties. Give it a try and fall in love, ladies.

TIP #5: USE A SMALLER MASCARA WAND

Your lower lashes are shorter than your upper lashes, so it only makes sense to use a smaller mascara wand to get the job done. When you use a smaller wand, you’ll be less likely to smear any mascara along your lash line or under your eyes.

TIP #6: SWITCH UP YOUR MASCARA COLORS

Black is the most common mascara shade—it’s a classic for a reason—but that doesn’t mean you always have to color inside the lines. Think outside the box and apply a colored mascara to your bottom lashes for an eye-catching look. Try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Mascara in Cobalt Blue and, as always, use lash primer first so that the color really stands out.

TIP #7: PUT THE EXCESS TO USE

You know that irksome moment when you’re applying mascara to your lower lash line, and you accidentally clump some between your lashes and along your actual lash line? Instead of getting annoyed, pluck an angled eyeliner brush out of your collection and swipe the mascara along your entire lash line. Besides giving you the look of thicker lashes, this little trick will also give you “eyeliner” that’s perfectly matched to your mascara—genius!

TIP #8: BRUSH THROUGH YOUR BOTTOM LASHES

Both before and after applying mascara, run a clean spoolie through your lashes. This will help your lashes look fuller while ensuring that you avoid any clumps and bumps.

TIP #9: DITCH CREAMY UNDER-EYE CONCEALERS

Sometimes your mascara isn’t the culprit for smudged mascara under your eyes—it’s your under-eye concealer! If you apply a formula that’s too creamy under your eyes, chances are it’ll not only crease, but it’ll also cause the mascara on your bottom lashes to leave a black residue behind. To avoid this, apply a longwear, waterproof concealer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage, under your eyes or bake your makeup to set your concealer.

Want to take your overall lash look to the next level? Check out our article, How to Use an Eyelash Curler.