Say Goodbye to Raccoon Eyes

One of the most disappointing and unflattering make-up slip-ups is going about your day without realizing that your mascara has flaked and left you with raccoon eyes. Thankfully, there are tips and tricks that we can easily put to use in order to avoid this from happening in the future.

The reasons why mascaras rub off and flake onto your eyelids range from perspiration due to physical exertion, humid weather conditions, or even just rubbing your eyes. One of the simplest things you can do in order to avoid raccoon eyes is to use a waterproof mascara even if you don't plan on swimming, sweating, crying or being in the rain. Waterproof mascaras are formulated with ingredients that keep the product smudgeproof which means less flaking, if any. The mascaras are designed to stay put until you choose to take them off with eye make-up remover.

If using a waterproof mascara is not appealing to you, due to sensitive eyes or just not wanting the hassle of having to use an eye make-up remover every day, there are other things you can do to make sure that your mascara stays put and your eyeline remains clean. For example, rather then load your lashes up with mascara, make sure that your applicator wand is clean and free of clumps and apply one light coat of mascara, allow it to dry and repeat for a second time. With mascara, the old adage that "less is more" stands true.

Too much mascara will inevitably start to clump your lashes together which will lead to flaking later in the day as your lashes naturally start to separate. Be sure to toss out mascara after three months and buy a new tube as this will not only ensure that your eyes are not exposed to bacteria that can grow over time in your mascara, but will also provide you with the proper mascara consistency. After a while mascara starts to thicken in the tube which means, when applied, it will be more prone to flaking.

Another way to get rid of any excess mascara after application and before you start your day, is to use an eyelash comb. You can find these handy little cosmetic tools in the same aisle as eyebrow tweezers and mascara. They are wonderful for separating your lashes, making them look longer and more defined, and at the same time, removing any little clumps or flakes that you may have missed while applying your mascara. Catching these flakes and clumps right away will ensure that they don't end up falling onto your eyelids and under your eyes later.

If you happen to have oilier skin and notice that the skin on your eyelids tends to be moist because of this, a great trick is to use a priming powder or mineral based translucent powder on your eyelids prior to applying the mascara. Sometimes, the natural oils of your skin will cause your mascara to smudge. The powder will absorb the oils leaving your mascara in place longer.

We all love the look of long, defined lashes, but too often this illusion is ruined by flakes and smudges that make us look like we have raccoon eyes. By choosing to use a waterproof mascara or by implementing a few applications tips, our eyes and lashes can look flawless all day and all night.