The Doubled-Up Mascara Hack That Promises All-Day Wear

If you love the idea of long, curled lashes, but have never been able to get yours to cooperate, rejoice: There's now a hack for that. As it turns out, the way you've been prepping and applying your mascara may be working against you if lasting curl is your end goal.

Many people know that in order to achieve the perfect lash look, a lash curler is essential. However, heat is another element that some of us fail to take into account. Heating your eyelash curler before applying it can give your wave far more staying power. To give it some warmth, hold it under your blow dryer for a few seconds. Then, allow it to cool for a moment before placing it on your lashes, to avoid a painful burn. Once you're ready, pump your lash curler at the base of your eyelashes a few times, then repeat the process at the tips.

Now, your lashes are ready for the doubled-up mascara hack. Grab your favorite waterproof mascara, as well as your preferred regular mascara, and get ready for lash magic.

To create curled lashes that will last throughout the entire day, apply your waterproof mascara after using your lash curler. Allow it to fully dry, then add your regular mascara on top. Be sure to wiggle the wand to prevent clumping. Once everything is completely dry, you'll be ready to rock curled, bold lashes all day.

If keeping your eyelashes curled has been an ongoing problem for you, there are a few factors to consider. First, you must make sure you're going over your lashes more than once with your curler, especially if your hair is thick or coarse. The idea is that the more you clamp them, the more longevity you're giving your wave — just make sure you aren't accidentally tugging on your lashes in the process.

It's also worth noting that if your lashes have trouble holding a curl, you might want to scale back your use of mascara, as well as lash primer. While lash primer may seem essential, it could be the main reason why your wave doesn't make it through the day. Any product that weighs down your lashes immediately cuts into how long they remain curled. This means that when you do apply mascara, you want to be mindful of the amount you're using — just a little bit will go a long way if you want a look that lasts.

If you love mascara but prefer to stay away from waterproof varieties, you're not alone. Research suggests that many waterproof mascaras have high levels of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Although they're included in everything from nonstick cookware to water-repellent clothing, these chemicals aren't totally benign; in fact, they're associated with an increased risk of cancer, diabetes, and other ailments. There are more than 9,000 of them in existence, and they're human-made. Many people refer to them as "forever chemicals," and for good reason: PFAS do not break down easily, and they can accumulate in our bodies and the environment over time.

Knowing what's in your makeup before you use it can go a long way in terms of preventing health issues. Some experts recommend limiting your use of waterproof cosmetics, such as waterproof mascara. Not only can it be difficult to remove, it can result in damage to your lashes, which might cause them to break or fall out over time.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires eye cosmetic manufacturers to list the ingredients of their products. Before making any purchases, take a look at the label: Ingredients including thimerosal, parabens, retinyl acetate, and aluminum powder can all be harmful to your health. When shopping for makeup, you should be comfortable with the purchases you're making. Knowing the ingredients in your products can go a long way when it comes to gaining peace of mind.