Frequently Asked Questions
What should you look for when buying a no-clump mascara?
“When purchasing a nonclumping mascara, pay close attention to its wand type, but also pay attention to the stickiness of the formula,” says Williamson. Formulas containing hydrating ingredients like castor oil or lash serums apply a more thin layer to the lashes, leading to less clumping as the layers build up, she says.
What is the best mascara wand to get rid of clumps?
Curved and hourglass sticks are best when shopping. Spickard recommends choosing one of these that will comb the lashes easily. He says, “Bonus if it also has a comb component! This allows you to coat the lashes with mascara on one side and comb the other side.” Williamson says that if the mascara has a molded brush (with really thin spikes), it can also help separate lashes and avoid clumps more than traditional bristles.
Does tubing mascara not stick?
For the most part, tubing mascaras don’t clump, but the makeup artists we spoke to recommend proceeding with caution. “If you apply too many layers of tubing mascara, it can get clumpy, so remember that less is more,” says Williamson.
Besides choosing the right product, how can you avoid sticky mascara?
Spickard says the best way to avoid sticky mascara is to know how to apply it. “After completing your eye makeup, use an eyelash curler to lift and groom your lashes. Then, start at the root of the lashes and use a fine brushing or rocking motion back and forth from root to tip. If you notice any clumps, brush with a clean spoolie or lash comb to separate the lashes,” she says. Next, and this step is very important, make sure the first coat is completely dry before applying any other coats. “You’re creating the foundation for the next layers,” he says. Repeat this process until you reach your desired thickness for a natural look.
How to Fix Sticky Mascara
According to the artists we spoke to, if you’re unfortunately already dealing with clumpy mascara, there are a few ways to fix it. “My biggest tip is not to add more mascara right away. If you’ve already built up a bunch, adding another layer usually gives you more product to work with,” says Lauren D’AmelioNew-Jersey based makeup artist.
While the mascara is still workable, use the spoolie to separate and comb the lashes to redistribute excess product. “I recently switched with flexible, rubber-style teeth Instead of traditional pointy metal lash combs, and I absolutely love it. “I find it more comfortable and user-friendly, especially when you’re working very close to the eye,” she says.
Timing is of the essence here, as you’ll want to comb your lashes while the mascara is still wet. “Also pay attention to excess mascara that accumulates at the tips of the lashes. Sometimes simply combing out and removing that excess gives you a cleaner, longer-looking lash without adding another drop of mascara,” says D’Amelio.
How we rated the best no-clump mascaras
We tested the best mascaras by evaluating ingredients, pigments, and brush size, as well as long-lasting mascara without clumps or clumps.
| Material | Pigmentation and brush size | live long |
|---|---|---|
| Most of the mascaras that made the cut included ingredients like castor oil for hydration and peptides for an lash-thickening effect. Some formulas include tubing technology – polymers that wrap around lashes like a tube to provide length without clumping. | We also evaluated how pigmented the formulas were, as well as how easy it was to manipulate and coat our lashes with the brush. The ones that made the cut had pigmented but smooth formulas, as well as contour-style or tapered brushes that made it easier to saturate each lash. | Finally, we looked at the longevity of each mascara and how well it lasted throughout the day without clumping or flaking. All of these mascaras worked great in sweat, hot subways, high winds on the way to work, and nights out. They avoided knots during reapplication and even after hours of wear. |