How Do You Use a Curved Mascara Wand?

We tend to choose mascaras based on the formula, packaging, or reviews, but rarely ever for the wand (which usually just comes as a surprise upon opening up the tube.) But it’s about time we stop sleeping on mascara wands because they’re a total game changer!

Mascara wands come in a variety of shapes and sizes. But your favorite beauty brands aren’t just making oddly-shaped wands to stand out, they’re creating tools that can enhance your lashes in different ways. Think of mascara wands as makeup brushes; you don’t just use one brush for everything, you use a specific brush for applying concealer, spreading foundation, and blending blush. Needless to say, choosing the right mascara wand can completely change the look of your lashes.

One type of mascara brush that is as ubiquitous as it is misunderstood is the curved mascara wand. Many makeup brands sell at least one mascara product with this type of wand. Though it might seem trivial (considering how common it is) curved mascara wands were an innovative design that changed the game for mascara-users — particularly, those with straight lashes that fall down. Yet, many of us don’t actually know how to use a curved wand or curling mascara properly.

What Is a Curved Mascara Wand?

A curved mascara wand is a type of applicator with a curved brush that mimics the natural curvature of the eye. Its ergonomic design hugs the lashes from each end and provides lift from root to tip, thereby encouraging your lashes to form a curl.

Curved wands typically go hand-in-hand with curling mascara, a type of mascara formulated with filming polymers that contract upon application, causing your eyelashes to lift into a curl.

What Are the Benefits of a Curved Mascara Wand?

The main benefit of a curved brush is its shape; the concave side follows the natural curve of your lashes, which allows you to brush your lashes upwards to lift and form a curl without the use of a lash curler. You can also coat the top and bottom sides of your lashes without smudging mascara on your eyelids.

On the other hand, the convex side of the brush that goes against the curve of your lashes is perfect for applying mascara on hard-to-reach areas, like the lower lashes and the lashes on the inner and outer corners of the eye.

Curved mascara wands are a must-have for those with stick-straight eyelashes that have trouble holding a curl. They’re perfect for adding lift to your lashes on days when you’re in a rush to get out of the house or used in combination with a lash curler for a more dramatic effect.

How to Use a Curved Mascara Wand

Now that you know all the lash-enhancing benefits of curved wands, it’s time to learn how to use it properly.

Step 1: Curl your eyelashes

This step is optional but highly recommended, especially for those with lashes that have minimal to no natural curl. Position the lash curler along the base of your upper lash line and squeeze for five to 10 seconds with slow and light pulses. Repeat on the other eye until you’re happy with the results.

Step 2: Remove the excess mascara from the brush

Having too much product on the wand can cause clumping, so scrape the sides of the brush on the inner rim of the tube to remove the excess mascara. This will give you more control of the application and allow you to build up the mascara as you go.

Step 3: Hold the brush concave-side up

Position the wand along the base your lashes with the concave side parallel to the curve of your eye.

Step 4: Apply the first coat of mascara to your upper lashes

Carefully brush upwards, wiggling the wand from side to side and lifting your lashes as you go. Repeat until every eyelash is evenly coated with mascara.

Step 5: Apply mascara to the top side of your upper lashes

Place the curved wand on the top side of your upper lashes. Brush from the roots to the tip, twisting the wand upward as you move outward. Let the mascara dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 6: Apply a second coat of mascara

If you want fuller-looking lashes, you can thicken and lengthen your lashes with another coat of mascara.

Step 7: Hold the brush convex-side up

Hold the wand with the curve going against the shape of your lashes.

Step 8: Apply mascara to your lower lashes

Use the apex of the curved wand to apply mascara to the the lower lashes, as well as the hard-to-reach lashes on the inner and outer corners of the eye.

Step 9: Clean up

Though curved brushes are less prone to smudging than other types of wands, you can still make mistakes. If so, simply dip a cotton bud in a bit of eye makeup remover and carefully wipe off any smudges.

Step 10: Brush your lashes

This step is completely optional — and, to be honest, a little extra — but it can make your lashes look extra fluttery and feathery. Take a clean spoolie and brush your lashes upwards. This will help separate your lashes, as well as remove any clumps of mascara.

Pro Tip: You can DIY a curved mascara wand by bending a spoolie brush. Use this to apply your favorite mascara for extra glamorous and picture-perfect lashes!

source https://degreesofvanity.com/how-to-use-a-curved-mascara-wand/