What is mascara cocktailing?

Whether it’s curling, lifting, lengthening or volumising, most mascaras on the market are formulated with one specific purpose. But sometimes, don’t you wish you could mix elements from one (say, the wand or formula) and combine them with another? Well, thanks to a technique beauty gurus have dubbed ‘mascara cocktailing’, you can! Curious to know more? Join us as we take you on a mascara masterclass, showing you how to use mascara to completely customise your lash look (no cocktail shaker needed, btw).

What is mascara cocktailing?

Mascara cocktailing is a technique that involves layering mascaras with different purposes to combine their benefits. This handy hack helps to texturise the lashes and bring you closer to your desired volume, definition, length, and curl.

How to mascara cocktail

We know what you’re thinking: how hard can it be to apply mascara? Well, if done too hastily, layering different mascaras can quickly land you in smudgy, spidery territory.

According to the pros (who have been perfecting this technique for years), patience is key. Slow, strategic placement will allow you to build layers of mascara while retaining each formula’s benefits. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to use mascara for falsie-rivalling results.

Step 1: Choose your look

Mascara cocktailing is all about personalising your lashes, so this is your opportunity to get creative! Need some inspo? Here are some popular looks that you can create with this technique.

Daytime doe eye:

Perfect for daytime wear, coating the entire lash line with a separating mascara, followed by a lengthening formula, will create a ‘your lashes but better’ effect. No-makeup makeup lovers, this one’s for you.

Top tip: Try brown mascara for a softer, more subtle look.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Volume On Demand Mascara Black Brown

£9.98

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Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara Black/Brown 102

£4.98 Black/Brown 102

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Curly cat eye:

For this universally flattering look, layer a lengthening mascara with a curling mascara (concentrated on the outer lashes) to create this oh-so-sleek almond shape.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara

£8.58 Black Waterproof

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Day-to-night drama:

Want big, volume lashes but hate the drooping and flaking that often comes with it? Try combining a waterproof curling mascara with a volumising mascara for thick, plump, and long-lasting lashes.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara Very Black Waterproof

£8.98 Very Black Wtp 1

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Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Mascara 01 Black

£10.98 Black

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Step 2: Curl your lashes

To give your lashes a leg up before mascara, curling your lashes is a must. To do so, gently clamp your lashes (as close to the root as possible) into the curler and pulse for around 10 seconds. You can repeat the process closer to the tip of your lash to create a more pronounced curl.

WBM Eyelash Curler

£1.49

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Step 3: Apply your first formula

Your first mascara should have a lighter formula than the second and typically work to lengthen, separate or define (thinner wands are ideal for this).

When applying your first layer, place the wand as close to the root as possible and wiggle it from root to tip, coating each individual lash. This technique will encourage your lashes to fan out without too much product build-up, creating the perfect base for your next mascara.

Step 4: Start layering!

Once your first layer has dried (usually after 30 seconds), you can either apply a second coat or move on to your next mascara. Your second formula should be slightly heavier duty and work to curl, lengthen or volumise.

When applying the next layer, be sure to match the look you’re going for (e.g., applying a lighter coat for a more natural look or a heavier concentration of mascara on the outer lashes for a cat-eye). The end result should perfectly combine the benefits of each mascara – if it doesn’t, keep layering until it does!