8 Mascara Hacks That Make You Look Younger
Did you know that applying mascara a certain way can make you appear younger and more youthful?
Mascara is a powerful tool for defying the ageing process. Many believe it does more for keeping your eyes looking youthful than concealer, which often just draws attention to fine lines.
Saffron Hughes, the resident makeup artist at FalseEyelashes.co.uk, has shared her step-by-step guide with YCB and included everything from an unexpected tissue hack to a how-to on the right direction to brush the mascara wand…
“As we get older, the skin around our eyes can become hooded and lose volume underneath, which can make dark circles more noticeable. Mascara is brilliant because it redirects attention away from those signs and straight onto the iris – the part of your eye that never ages.” Says Saffron.
Here’s Saffron’s expert guide to achieving captivating eyes with just mascara, broken down into eight simple steps:
1. Always curl your eyelashes
“Lashes lose their curl and thickness as we age, so curling them before mascara is non-negotiable. It instantly opens up your eyes and makes hooded lids less obvious.”
2. Opt for a waterproof mascara
“I always recommend waterproof mascara for mature clients because if it smudges or runs, it creates shadows that age you rather than freshen you up.”
3. Select the correct mascara brush
“There’s definitely a bit of science behind mascara wands. Big, thick brushes give volume but can miss tiny lashes. A long, skinny, slightly tapered wand is best for precision and definition—it catches every lash, even the sparse ones.”
For example, mascaras like Chanel Inimitable feature small fibre brushes that coat lashes evenly without clumping, perfect for mature eyes. Avoid overly thick or hourglass-shaped wands if you want to define every lash with care.
4. Experiment with coloured mascara
“Your eye colour stays the same no matter your age, so why not make it pop? Brown mascara flatters blue eyes, red-toned mascara brings out greens, and navy mascara is stunning on brown eyes. It’s a subtle way to draw attention to your natural beauty.
”Try shades like burgundy or violet for blue eyes, aubergine or brown with green undertones for green eyes, and rich navy or burgundy for brown eyes. Products like Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Mascara in Dream Pop or Kiko Milano Smart Colour Mascara in Jungle Green are great picks that add just the right hint of colour without overwhelming your look.”
5. Separate your lashes with this tissue trick
“Before your first coat, wipe off any excess mascara on a tissue. This keeps lashes separated and fluttery, not clumpy.”
6. Make sure you’re brushing the right way
“Once your first coat is dry, brush outer lashes outward and inner lashes toward the inner corner of your brow. It makes your lashes look longer and fuller by extending them in a natural line.”
7. Always accentuate the outer lashes
“When adding extra mascara, focus on the outer third of your lashes. Pair this with a pencil liner on that same outer lash line to create a wider, more youthful eye shape.”
8. Enhance the lash line
“For thicker-looking roots without clumping, gently press the mascara wand into the base of your lashes 5 to 10 times. It adds depth where it counts without making your lashes look heavy.”