By Sewe Ishola

As they say, no one can do it like the professionals, so today, we tap into the minds of professionals for that best way to apply the mascara. If only applying mascara was as simple as swipe, swipe, swipe, no one would be resorting to false eye lashes or at least only a few people would.

However, the truth is, there’s an art to coating your lashes just right. (FYI: There’s actually a perfect number of strokes that yields a perfect no-clump effect. Who knew?) While we apply it daily—and think we’re experts in the stuff—there’s a lot to learn about using a tube to its full capability. Here, 11 beauty experts share their best tips and tricks to step up your mascara game.

Plump your lashes.“Apply mascara, then pat pressed powder onto your lashes and add another coat of mascara. The powder acts as a thickener and keeps mascara in place.” —Ramy Gafni, a makeup artist who has worked with Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Britney Spears

Avoid clumps. “Apply mascara with a flat-edged synthetic brush. Paint the mascara onto your bottom lashes for soft, luscious lashes without any clumping or smudging.” —Viviana Martin, the director of global artistry and pro artist relations for Kevyn Aucoin

Use it as eyeliner in a pinch. “Your mascara can also double as a gel eyeliner. Use an eyeliner brush to apply a thin line of mascara on your top lid. If you have oily lids, use a waterproof formula.” —Daniel Chinchilla, Ariana Grande’s makeup artist

Cover grays. “Mascara can serve as a temporary cover for gray hairs on your head or around the hairline of the face. Pick a mascara color that mostly matches your hair, and wipe it the length of the gray hair to make the gray disappear until you shampoo.” —Matthew Waitesmith, the founder of Artis Makeup Brushes

Solve a fashion crisis.“Behind the scenes in a fashion emergency, I’ve used a stroke of mascara on leather bags or shoes to cover scratches. And save your mascara wands! They are the best lash and brow combs on the planet. Between coats, nothing works better to put rogue brow hairs and lashes in their place.” —BJ Gillian, a makeup artist and the creative director of Ready to Wear

Source: Allure

Photo credit: http://www.bijouxquibrillent.com/