Mascara Cocktailing: How to Layer Your Mascara

Big, bold lashes will never go out of style—and thanks to lash extensions and false eyelashes, it’s possible to rock a full set of fringe even if your natural lashes are on the shorter side. But if you aren’t quite ready to dabble in eyelash extensions or falsies, learning how to layer mascara can be your way into thick, luscious-looking lashes.

Layering different mascara formulas—a technique known as mascara cocktailing—is a great way to create fuller-looking fringe with lift, length, and volume. And though the results are show-stopping, it’s among the simplest makeup hacks to perfect. Keep reading to learn the secrets of mascara cocktailing so you can become a master makeup mixologist in no time.

What Is Mascara Cocktailing?

Mascara cocktailing is a technique that involves layering multiple mascaras with different benefits to create a bold, dramatic look. There are several ways to approach the technique, depending on your desired result. You can layer a lengthening mascara with a volumizing formula for length and thickness; a lifting formula with a lengthening formula for long, wispy fringe; or even top off your favorite thickening mascara with a colorful formula for a more playful, unexpected look.

What are the benefits of mascara cocktailing?

Layering different mascara formulas is a great way to create a custom lash look that serves your needs. For example, maybe you’ve found the best mascara for length and volume, but it’s not in the color you want. Using that mascara as a base coat and applying another formula (in your preferred hue) on top of it can allow you to achieve the length and volume you want—without having to settle for a mascara color you don’t. It’s also versatile. During the day, you may want to wear a lightweight, natural-looking mascara. In the evening, you can top it off with a coat of a bolder formula to amplify your lash look without having to start your makeup from scratch.

Applying two or more different mascaras may also help improve the longevity of your makeup, depending on the formulas used. Layering a waterproof mascara over a washable formula, for instance, can help “lock in” the latter, allowing for a longer wear time.

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How Many Layers of Mascara Should You Wear?

The rules of mascara layering are simple: there are no rules. Choose two to three mascaras to include in your cocktail based on the effects you desire and layer away. The trick is to balance formulas so that you walk away with a clump-free finish. How you apply each mascara and how much formula you coat your lashes with will have more of an effect on your look than how many layers you’ve applied.

What Goes First: Lengthening or Volumizing Mascara?

As you would when layering skincare products, you’ll typically want to layer mascara based on consistency. That means starting with the lightest, most fluid formula, and saving the thickest mascara for last.

If there’s no distinction in the consistency of your formulas, then you’d typically want to apply your lengthening mascara first to separate and define each lash, then coat lashes with your volumizing mascara so that it catches and plumps up the look of every lash from root to tip. And if you’re using one washable and one waterproof mascara, save the waterproof option for last.

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Our Best Mascaras for Volume, Length, and Lift

From volumizing formulas that help thicken sparse lashes to lengthening formulas that separate and lift, here are a few of our favorite mascaras worth adding to your makeup mag.

L'Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Buildable Washable Mascara

Whether you’re after a natural lash look or want dramatic fringe worthy of date night, this mascara can help you achieve your goals. The buildable formula is lightweight, and the cross-conic brush evenly coats and separates every lash for gorgeous-looking fringe without any unsightly clumps—no matter how many layers you apply. Five coats will yield a barely-there look to help enhance your lashes and 15 will create a classic lash look perfect for day. If you’re after a more dramatic night out look, you can apply up to 30 layers (or more)—just keep building until you’ve reached your desired end result. Choose from three shades (blackest black, black, and black-brown), or snag the waterproof version for long-lasting wear.

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara

Perfect your doe eye makeup look with this volumizing mascara. The lightweight formula features a five percent stretchflex complex that gives the appearance of full, soft lashes without clumping, flaking, or smudging. Sweep the mascara’s unique multi-level bristle brush throughout your fringe for corner-to-corner volume that’ll stay put for up to 24 hours.

L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara

If longer-looking lashes are your main goal, this classic mascara is a must-try. It evenly coats and separates each lash, leaving your eyelashes looking up to 60 percent longer without any clumpy residue. Use one of the black shades to help lengthen and define your fringe, or opt for the slightly softer black-brown hue to complete your daytime no-makeup makeup look.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara

For instant length and volume, reach for this long-wearing mascara. The wavy brush coats every lash for a full, dense lash look, while the conditioning mascara leaves lashes feeling soft to the touch. Plus, it’s clump-resistant, smudge-resistant, and available in five shades, including a soft, mid-toned brown (perfect for those with lighter hair).

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara

This drugstore favorite is a must-have for those seeking fuller fringe that lasts. The panthenol and ceramide-infused mascara is uniquely formulated to keep lashes feeling soft and supple while simultaneously making them appear up to 15 times thicker (no, that’s not a typo). We love that this mascara comes in a range of shades to accentuate different eye colors, including several on-trend hues like burgundy and cobalt blue.

L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Washable Mascara

You don’t need to rely on false lashes to score long, lifted fringe—this lengthening mascara does the job perfectly. The long-wearing formula adds up to five millimeters of visible length, while the double-hook bristle brush separates each lash for a defined look without any weigh-down. And while it wears for up to 36 hours, the washable formula removes easily at the end of the day with cleanser and a little bit of warm water.

L’Oréal Paris Air Wear Air Volume Mega Mascara

If you find that volumizing mascaras tend to feel too thick or heavy on your finer lashes, we suggest giving this unique formula a try. The mascara is air-whipped and delivers intense, weightless volume that you can build to your liking without risking clumping or flaking. Sweep the cushiony bristle brush through your fringe from root to tip for a thick, full lash look that wears for up to 24 hours.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer

While not a mascara in the traditional sense, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include this lash-amplifying primer on our list—it's a must-have for mascara cocktailing. The lightweight lash primer builds dramatic length and volume on each lash and helps condition your eyelashes over time to promote soft, nourished lashes. Because it’s untinted and lightweight, you can layer it with any mascara—just be sure to apply your mascara before the primer has a chance to dry completely (more details on the how-to, below).

How To Layer Mascara Like a Pro

You probably know how to put on mascara normally, but cocktailing your formulas may require a slightly different approach than you’re used to. Follow these steps for a flawless, fuss-free application.

1. Choose your formulas

There are countless different types of mascara on the market. Before getting started, you’ll want to determine what it is you’re after and choose mascaras aligned with your end goal. If you’re not quite sure where to start, try pairing a lengthening mascara with a volumizing option for full, dramatic-looking fringe.

2. Prep your lashes

Generally, you’d want to apply mascara to clean, bare lashes. But for this tutorial, we’re starting with a lash primer to create a nice, voluminous base. Curl your lashes as usual, then apply one to two coats of your lash primer to your lashes, taking care to evenly sweep the wand from root to tip. If you’re using our eyelash primer mentioned above, you’ll need to apply your mascara before the primer has a chance to dry, so make sure to have it close by before applying your primer.

3. Apply your first coat of mascara

The first coat of mascara is all about separating and defining the lashes. Grab your chosen formula—we recommend opting for one with a thinner wand for the first coat—and remove the wand from the tube. Take a beat to scrape the brush against the lip of the tube to remove any excess mascara from the wand before sweeping it onto your lashes. This can help to prevent clumping and ensure each layer of mascara goes on smoothly and evenly. When applying your mascara, start at the base of your lashes, lightly wiggling the wand back and forth as you travel up toward the ends. Once your lashes are sufficiently coated, allow the mascara to dry.

4. Layer your mascara

Next, uncap your volumizing mascara, getting rid of any excess product as you did with your first mascara. Lightly sweep the formula through your lashes from root to tip, taking care to ensure the coat of mascara is thin and even. This is key to avoiding —if you rush through the process or load your lashes with too much product, you might end up with clumpy-looking lashes. Continue to layer your mascaras until you’ve reached your desired look, letting each coat dry for a few minutes between layers.

5. Finish with your bottom lashes

Since your bottom lashes are typically thinner than the top, it’s not a good idea to weigh them down with multiple coats of mascara. However, giving them a quick brush-through with your base mascara can help complete your look. If you end up with any mascara smudges beneath your eyes, use a cotton swab and micellar water to clean up the area before continuing on with the remainder of your makeup routine.

Next Up: How To Remove Waterproof Mascara and Other Waterproof Makeup

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris