Everything You Need to Know About Mascara Cocktailing

Sometimes one tube doesn’t contain everything you want for your lashes, that’s when cocktailing comes in. Like your favorite happy hour drink that’s a blend of ingredients and layered to perfection, so too can your mascara look. Here’s how to use more than one mascara for lash perfection.

Step 1: The Base

When selecting a base mascara, you’ll want to make sure you pick a formula that will separate the lashes from the get-go. Start at the bottom of the lashes and use gentle wiggle motions as you glide the wand upward. This way you’ll be sure to get everything covered and prepped for more mascara layering. We love the Lancôme Définicils Mascara, Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara.

Step 2: The Midsection

The center of the lashes are where you want to add curl and width. Choosing mascara with a wider, fatter brush is ideal to create thickness and an ideal curve. Starting at the middle of your lashes, move the wand upward. Using your best judgement, apply one to two layers of mascara (make sure it doesn’t get too thick or clumpy — you’ve got one more layer to apply!). Cue, the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara.

Step 3: The Finale

It’s all about the va-va-volume, ladies. For your final coat, apply a mascara with volumizing properties to pump up the lashes and seal the deal on the other formulas you’ve used. Try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara, YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara, or the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara.