How to Try the Mascara Cocktailing Trend That TikTok Creators Love

Big, bold lashes will never go out of style and thanks to lash extensions and false eyelashes, having a full set of fluttery eye fringe has never been easier. But if you aren’t quite ready to dabble in eyelash extensions, or you're just not that skilled at applying false eyelashes, mascara cocktailing is another way to hack the look.

You can turn your lashes from lackluster to luscious simply by layering a few coats of different mascaras on top of one another. Think of it like putting together a delicious cocktail — it doesn’t have to be complicated, and when you add elements of lengthening, lifting and volumizing, you can get a gorgeous result. Keep reading to learn the secrets of mascara cocktailing so you can become a master makeup mixologist in no time.

What’s Mascara Cocktailing?

Mascara cocktailing is the art of layering multiple mascaras with different effects to create a full, hybrid lash look. For instance, many choose to pair a lengthening mascara with a volumizing mascara to get both effects. 

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?

That being said, you may be wondering if there’s a science to which order is the best for your layered lash look. You may have heard that when it comes to skin care you should layer products from lightest consistency first, we would recommend the same for your mascara. 

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.

The Best Mascaras for Layering 

Applying mascara layers without clumps and smudging comes down to technique and the formulas you choose. For beautiful lashes that allow you to skip the falsies, try these mascara combos that we love:

Pair L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara with L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara for lashes that have extreme length and extreme volume.

Try L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Washable Mascara, Lasting Volume with L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara for a fanned out, thicker-looking fringe with length.

Try L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer (which is actually a primer) to prepare lashes (and even prime the most unruly lashes) for mascara, then apply L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara. You can also dabble in color with this combo, opting for mascara in green, burgundy or blue.

Pair L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Washable Mascara with L’Oréal Paris Air Wear Air Volume Mega Mascara, Lightweight Mega Volume Washable for long, light and plumped up lashes. 

Cocktail L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Washable Mascara, Lasting Volume and L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara for long, wispy and curly lashes. 

Mascara Cocktailing: How to Layer Mascara

Now that you’re up to speed with mascara cocktailing, follow the steps below and you’ll be batting your bold, dramatic lashes in no time.

1. Prep Your Lashes

To make your mascara application easier, start by prepping your lashes with an eyelash primer like L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Primer/Base. This primer wraps around your lashes, creating a smooth surface for your first layer of mascara and amplifying the impact of any mascaras to follow. The rose oil-infused formula also helps condition lashes so you can avoid dry, crunchy lashes once you remove your makeup.

2. Choose a Formula 

From lengthening to curling, there are many different types of mascara formulas on the market. The best part about layering is that you can use a combination of mascaras to create your perfect lash look. As we mentioned above, a lengthening and volumizing mascara combo is a foolproof choice. 

3. Clean Excess Before Applying

A little mascara goes a long way, so make sure to get rid of any excess mascara on the wand before application. Simply scrape the entire brush against the lip of the tube before you apply each layer. This will help to prevent any clumping and ensure each layer of mascara goes on lightly and smoothly.

4. Apply From the Root

Like we said earlier, the first coat of mascara is all about separating and defining the lashes. For this, start with a base mascara that has a skinny wand, like Telescopic Original Mascara. Place the mascara brush as close to the root of your lashes as possible, then wiggle the wand from side to side, pulling it upward. Repeat this step on top of your lashes, wiggling the wand from the root of your upper lash line to the tip. Wait for your first coat to dry before you add your next layer. 

5. Layer Your Mascara

Grab the next formula and apply a light coat to your lashes. Avoiding clumps is key here, so use a thin coat of mascara and wait for each layer to dry before moving on to the next. Continue to layer your mascaras until you’ve reached your desired look.

6. Finish With Your Bottom Lashes 

The question: Should I put mascara on my bottom lashes? The answer: Yes, yes and yes. Since your bottom lashes are typically thinner than the top it’s not a good idea to weigh them down with multiple coats, but giving them a quick brush with your base mascara will be just enough to even out your look.

Next: How to Create Smudged Eyeliner Makeup in 3 Simple Steps

Photographer: Stephanie Price, Photo Assistant: Thomas Miller, Digi Tech: Sergio Colon, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Visual Designer: Sarah Duvivier, Makeup Artist: Kelly Bellevue, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Rika Watanabe, Wardrobe Assistant: Fausti, Model: Anastasia Offutt