In addition to keeping my eyebrows on fleek, I try to pay extra close attention to making sure my eyelashes are well-taken care of. I'll even go so far as to apply vaseline over my eyelids every night just to keep them soft and shiny. However, even the most careful beauty enthusiasts are human, too, and are capable of mistakes. I realized that I was doing the one thing that you should never do when curling your eyelashes and knew I had to correct my bad habit ASAP. What should you never do to your lashes? Curl them after coating them in mascara.
Yes, curling your lashes after wearing mascara is so, so, so bad for you. I mean, it's easy to overlook something so minuscule, especially when it doesn't seem like a big deal. However, it's a huge issue for the health of your lashes. Owner of Always Pretty Salon and Spa and licensed esthetician Carol Cheshire explained to Infinite Lash, "When curling eyelashes, do it before applying mascara because the curler can stick to the mascara and end up pulling lashes out. Plus, it makes the curler messy if you apply mascara first.” Not only are you ruining your lashes, you're going to also ruin your curler tool, too.
Allure added, saying, "If you regularly and recklessly curl your lashes after applying mascara, you could rip out your eyelashes." If you've been wondering why there are so many eyelash strands stuck in-between your eyelash curler, now you know.
Instead of curling your eyelashes after applying mascara, here are some alternative ways to ensure that you have perfect eyelashes all day long without the pain or missing hair:
Use Waterproof Mascara
Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara, $28, Sephora
Some bloggers and beauty experts swear that using waterproof mascara will make your curl last longer. Although I haven't tried it for myself, I've heard nothing but good responses when people attempt it. You can also apply an extra layer of regular mascara over it for an extra hold.
Apply Eyelash Serum Beforehand
Shiseido Full Lash and Brow Serum, $35, Sephora
I absolutely love using eyelash serum on my lids before curling. The eyelash serum keeps my lashes super soft and flexible, making it easier for them to curl.
Lose The Eyelash Curler Altogether
Midi Demi Spoon, $3, Crate And Barrell
Curling your lashes with a spoon might seem odd, but it's a must-know hack! Allure walked us through how to do it: "Heat a spoon in a mug of warm water, then press the curved side over your lid and gently press lashes against the curved edge of the spoon for ten seconds." Apply mascara after and you're good to go.
Clean Your Eyelash Curler
Neutrogena 25-Count Makeup Remover Wipes, $7, Amazon
I'll admit, I'm not the best at cleaning my eyelash curler, but have really tried hard to make a habit out of it. The more dirt and makeup you have on your eyelash curler, the higher risk you are for an infection and the more exposed you are to unwanted bacteria. Not cleaning your eyelash curler can also lead to more eyelash damage. Good House Keeping explained, "If you wear down the pad, which is there to protect your lashes, you risk harming your lashes with the exposed metal of the curler."
So the next time you pick up your eyelash curler, keep these things in mind!
Images: Isla Murray/Bustle; Courtesy of Brands
