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You’re feeling cute, makeup’s coming together, and you grab your mascara, start swiping... and your lashes are stuck together like they just made a pinky promise. Clumps. Again. Frustrating right?

If that sounds like your daily struggle, here are 8 common mascara mistakes you might be making (and how to fix them):

Photo from Jill Stuart

1. You’re Not Wiping Off the Excess

   

   When you pull the wand straight out of the tube and apply it right away, there’s probably too much product on the wand. Wipe the wand on a tissue or the edge of the tube before applying. Remember, too much product = clumpy lashes, clean wand = cleaner lashes.

2. You’re Skipping the Lash Comb

   
   Even the best mascara can clump if your lashes are sticking together. A quick comb-through with a lash comb (or even a clean spoolie) while the mascara is still wet helps separate them and gives a more natural, fanned-out look.

3. You’re Layering Too Fast

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   Rushing through your coats? That's a no-no. Let the first coat dry slightly before going in again. If it's still wet, the layers stick together and get chunky fast. Patience, girl.

   
   Wait about 20 to 30 seconds before the next layer. That way, your mascara sets just enough without drying out completely. If you wait too long, your lashes will harden and make it harder to layer more mascara without flaking.

4. You’re Using Old Mascara

   
   If it’s been sitting in your makeup bag for months, it’s probably time to say goodbye. Mascara has a short shelf life of usually about 3 months. If it smells off or feels thick and crusty, toss it. Old mascara isn’t the safest for your eyes either.

5. You’re Not Curling Your Lashes First

   
   Applying mascara to straight lashes can make them look flat and clumped together. A quick curl before mascara helps lift and separate each lash so the product goes on smoother and looks way better.

6. You’re Pumping the Wand (Stop Doing That!)

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   Pumping the wand in and out of the tube might seem like a way to grab more product, but it actually pushes air in and dries out the formula. Just twist the wand gently to pick up what you need.

7. You’re Using the Wrong Wand for Your Lashes

   
   Not all mascara wands are created equal. If you have short lashes and you're using a big, thick wand, you're more likely to smudge or clump. Skinny wands are better for precision, while curved brushes lift and separate. The right wand makes a big difference.

8. You Don't Clean Your Wand

   
   Yes, your mascara wand needs a little TLC too. Product builds up over time and that buildup = clumps. Every now and then, wipe your wand with a tissue or wash it with warm water. Just make sure it's dry before it goes back in the tube.

A few simple tweaks are all you need to avoid common mascara mistakes and bring your lashes back to looking fluffy and defined. Just remember, sometimes less is more. Now go forth and flutter those lashes.

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