Kayla Young
Mascara thickens and defines the eyelashes, coloring (choose your color!) the lashes, lengthens, and curls them. It is one of the quickest ways to amp up your look, and a quick sweep of the brush can have dramatic effects.
But sometimes it goes wrong.
Sometimes mascara goes on poorly, and it gets all clumpy. And sometimes it gets flakey, falling off and looking piecemeal.
Why does mascara flake, and what can you do about it?
We’ve put together this article to explain what causes mascara to flake, and how you can keep it from ruining your look.
Contents
Why Does Mascara Flake?
There are multiple reasons why your mascara flakes. In this article, we will look through four of the most common reasons:
1. Old/Worn-out Mascara
The biggest issue when it comes to flaking is that you’re using old, dried-out mascara. You can try to revive it, but there are risks to doing that. It often doesn’t work, and even if it does, you’ll only get a couple of additional uses out of it.
The biggest issue when it comes to flaking is that you’re using old, dried-out mascara. You can try to revive it, but there are risks to doing that. It often doesn’t work, and even if it does, you’ll only get a couple of additional uses out of it.
How To Fix It
You might be able to resuscitate your mascara. But, ideally, you’ll purchase a new tube of mascara to address the dried-out issue.
If your mascara has been open for more than three or four months, it has probably expired, so just get rid of it.
2. Non-Sticky Fibers On Your Mascara
There are various fiber mascaras out there, even some that don’t identify themselves as fiber mascara. Fibers are undoubtedly present in your mascara if it contains a copolymer among the ingredients.
Maybelline’s Illegal Lengths, Milk Makeup’s Kush, and L’Oreal’s Voluminous X Fiber are all examples of fiber mascaras.
Fibers are fantastic for extending lashes. However, if your mascara formulation isn’t sticky or long-lasting enough, you may notice small blackened threads all over your cheek.
How To Fix It
If you like the look of your mascara, but it’s flaking, check the ingredients for copolymers as well as the product marketing for the term “fibers”.
Fiber mascaras could look great on you, but you should try a different recipe.
If you like the look of your mascara, but it’s flaking, check the ingredients for copolymers as well as the product marketing for the term “fibers”.
3. Using Too Many Coats
If you apply enough coats of mascara, the product will eventually lose its ability to stay put! Flaking will be hampered by the extra weight of the excess product.
How To Fix It
Cool it on those coats, babe!
Look for a mascara like IT's Superhero that provides a lot of thickness on the initial layer. Alternatively, look for a mascara that can handle many applications while also holding up to flaking.
- SUPER LASHES - Give your lashes...
- INNOVATIVE BRUSH DESIGN – IT...
- POWERFUL INGREDIENTS – The super...
- HOW TO APPLY - Starting at the base of...
- IT REALLY WORKS - With clinical insights...
4. Applying Mascara To Wet Or Damp Lashes
Imagine trying to apply glue to something wet. How well will it stick? Well, mascara is the same way! If your lashes are wet, the mascara won’t adhere as well, and you’ll end up with it flaking as it dries.
If you want to prevent flaking, make sure your lashes are always dry and clean.
How To Fix It
Of course, you’ll want to wait until your lashes are completely dry after showering or washing your face before applying mascara. It would be best if you also resisted using eye creams and other similar products in the morning before applying makeup.
If you apply oils, moisturizers, or lotions to your entire face in the morning, stay away from your lashes!
And if you take those precautions, you should be fine with the last reason why mascara flakes.
How To Prevent Your Mascara From Flaking
First, starting with a blank canvas ensures that the mascara adheres effectively. Because the eye area is so delicate, use a mild cleanser or makeup remover that removes long-lasting pigment without harming the lashes.
Mascara smudging can be caused by oils, which we can find in nature or face and eye products. To avoid this, lightly dust under your eyes, the lids, and the brow bone with translucent powder.
Throughout the day, dab a few times with blotting paper. Consider changing to a moisturizer that is oil-free if you still have smudging.
Layering multiple formulas and finishing with a coat of water-resistant mascara can give you falsie-like lashes that won’t budge (just don’t apply it on lash extensions!).
Conclusion
If you take all these precautions and consciously take the steps stated above, your mascara will most likely not flake, unless it is expired. Your gorgeous eyes will glimmer all night!
Don’t forget to remove it before you go to bed!
