Mascara is a cosmetic product designed to enhance the appearance of your eyelashes. Its main functions are to:

• Darken: Mascara coats lashes, making them more visible and defined, especially for those with light-colored lashes.

• Thicken: Mascara adds volume to each lash, making them appear fuller and more dramatic.

• Lengthen: Mascara extends the perceived length of lashes, creating a more open and awake eye look.

• Curl: Many formulas help to lift and hold a curl in the lashes, further opening up the eyes.

Essentially, mascara helps to frame and accentuate the eyes, making them appear larger and more expressive.

Mascara primer is applied to your lashes before mascara in order to condition and prepare your eyelashes for optimal mascara application. It typically helps to:

• Enhance Volume and Length: By coating each lash, mascara primer creates a thicker base for mascara, leading to more dramatic results.

• Improve Adhesion: Mascara primer helps mascara cling better to the lashes, preventing flaking and smudging.

• Condition Lashes: Many primers contain ingredients that nourish and protect your lashes.

• Prevent Clumping: A smooth base can help mascara apply more evenly, reducing clumps.

How to choose a mascara depends on your desired lash look.

• Mascara for Volume: Look for voluminous mascaras with thicker formulas and dense, often fluffy, brushes.

• Mascara for Length: Opt for lengthening mascara with thinner formulas and brushes with fine bristles or a comb-like design.

• Mascara for Lift and Curl: Seek out formulas designed to hold a curl and curved brushes.

• For Definition: Choose brushes with well-separated bristles that can coat each lash individually.

• Mascara for Longevity: Consider waterproof or tubing mascaras for smudge-proof wear.

Match the mascara to the effect you want to achieve. To choose the best mascara color for you, check out our guide to colored mascara.

Applying mascara can be accomplished in a few simple steps. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply mascara to achieve the best results:

1. Start with Clean Lashes (and Primer, if using): Ensure your lashes are clean and free of any old mascara or makeup. If you're using a mascara primer, apply a thin coat to your lashes first, from base to tip, and let it dry for a few seconds as per the product instructions.

2. Wiggle the Wand at the Base: Remove the mascara wand from the tube, wiping off any excess product on the rim (but avoid pumping the wand in and out, as this introduces air and can dry out the mascara). Place the wand at the very base of your upper lashes, as close to the lash line as possible. Gently wiggle the wand back and forth horizontally. This helps to deposit the most product at the roots, giving the illusion of a fuller lash line and providing a good foundation for volume.

3. Sweep Upwards to the Tips: After wiggling at the base, sweep the wand upwards from the roots to the tips of your lashes. For best coverage and separation, you can pull the wand slightly towards your nose for inner lashes and slightly towards your ear for outer lashes.

4. Apply to Lower Lashes (Optional): If you desire, lightly coat your lower lashes. For a more subtle look, you can use just the tip of the wand, or hold the wand vertically and gently sweep across the lower lashes. Be careful not to apply too much, as this can lead to smudging.

5. Build in Layers (if needed): For more volume or length, allow the first coat to dry slightly (about 10-30 seconds) before applying a second coat. Applying too many wet coats can lead to clumping. Typically, two to three coats are sufficient for a dramatic look.

6. Comb Through (Optional): If you notice any clumps, use a clean, dry mascara spoolie or an eyelash comb to gently brush through your lashes while the mascara is still slightly wet. This helps to separate them and create a more defined look.

7. Clean Up Any Smudges: If you get any mascara on your eyelids or under-eye area, wait for it to dry completely. Once dry, use a cotton swab (you can moisten it with a tiny bit of makeup remover or micellar water for stubborn spots) to gently flick away the smudge without disturbing your other makeup.

Yes, you can wear mascara with a lash lift! It's generally recommended to wait 24-48 hours after your lash lift before applying mascara to allow the lift to fully set. Look for water-based, non-waterproof formulas like washable mascara for easier removal, as rubbing your lashes too vigorously can impact the lift's longevity.

Yes, you can wear mascara with false lashes, but it's best to use washable mascara and stay away from waterproof formulas, as they can damage falsies and make cleaning difficult, reducing their usability. Avoid heavily coating the false lashes themselves, as this may affect the adhesive. It’s usually best to apply a light coat to your natural eyelashes before applying false lashes if you wish to wear both. Be sure to follow guidance from the fake lash manufacturer, as different types of lashes may respond to mascara differently.

Removing waterproof mascara requires an oil-based makeup remover or micellar water specifically formulated for waterproof makeup. Here’s a quick guide to removal:

1. Saturate a cotton pad: Soak a cotton pad with the remover.

2. Press and hold: Gently press the saturated pad onto your closed eyelid, covering your lashes, and hold for 15-30 seconds. This allows the remover to dissolve the mascara.

3. Gently wipe: Without rubbing, gently wipe downwards and outwards to sweep away the mascara.

4. Repeat if necessary: Use a fresh cotton pad if needed until all mascara is gone. Avoid harsh scrubbing to protect your lashes and delicate eye area.

For more tips and tricks, check out our guide to how to remove waterproof makeup.

Once opened, you should replace your mascara every three months. This is a general guideline to prevent eye infections and ensure the product performs optimally. Over time, bacteria can accumulate in the mascara tube, and the formula can dry out or become clumpy. If you notice any change in smell, texture, or performance before the three-month mark, it's best to discard it sooner. Unopened mascara usually lasts two to three years after the date of manufacture.

You can purchase L’Oreal Paris mascara in-person at your local drugstore or online through retailers like Target, Amazon, and Ulta Beauty. Click the “Buy Online” button on the individual product pages to see where to purchase your mascara online, or use our Store Locator to find an in-store option near you.