We’re always on the hunt for new makeup combinations and ideas. We can create countless versions of a smoky eye and endless variations of ombre lips. When it comes to our lashes, however, they’re usually just given a quick swipe of mascara to finish off our makeup look. We rarely get as creative with our lashes as we do with eyeshadows and lipsticks.
But really, why limit ourselves to just one lash look when there are a surprising amount of variations to try using just our trusty black mascara? It’s amazing what a subtle swipe here and a little less product there will do. And once the basics are mastered, it’s time to experiment further with colored mascaras and even false lashes.
Feeling iInspired? Read on for some creative mascara looks you’ll want to try today.
Images: Imaxtree
18 Unique Ways to Wear Your Mascara
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High Point
We're accustomed to coating every lash with mascara, but this look throws that rule out the window. Instead of using mascara on your entire upper lash line, focus your attention on the lashes in the very middle. You could also use a small set of false lashes to achieve the same effect.
Image: Altuzarra Spring 2015
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Fluttery Fringe
This look is one of the reasons why we're so obsessed with lashes. It shows the power they can have. Find the thickest, most feathery falsies around and get two sets of them. Then layer them on top of each other. Alternatively, you can pile on the mascara. Complete the look with one coat of white mascara on the bottom lashes.
Image: Stéphane Rolland Spring 2015 Haute Couture
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No Shadow Necessary
If you're wearing a bold blue mascara on your top and bottom lashes, you don't need to worry about eyeshadow. In fact, you don't even need to worry about a lip or cheek color. Even if you did wear a bold lip, your eyes would probably still be the center of attention.
Image: Martin Grant Spring 2015
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Glitter, Glitter Everywhere
You can always count on glitter to put you in the party spirit. Add a subtle touch of shimmer to black lashes by using a glittery liquid eyeliner. It's one of the easiest ways to wear sparkle.
Image: Carolina Herrera Fall 2015
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Baby Doll
Stop applying those countless coats of mascara to your upper lash line and apply them to your bottom lashes instead. If you want more drama, try falsies on the bottom. Complete the look with a pale pink lip color for the quintessential doll look.
Image: Jean-Pierre Braganza Spring 2014
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Bat Those Lashes
Remember that you can achieve thick lashes with a lash-plumping mascara or with lots of individual falsies. This look focuses on the latter. Give yourself a baby doll fringe by applying individual false lashes on your top lash line and along the entire bottom lash line. Draw white eyeliner around the perimeter of your eye to complete the cute look.
Image: Nanette Lepore Spring 2015
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Clump Together
Searching for an edgy mascara look that is less expected than heavy black eyeliner? These clumpy lashes are just the thing. Apply several coats of mascara to your lashes. When they're still tacky, clump the individual lashes together to create a spider-like effect.
Image: Jason Wu Fall 2016
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Greenery
When using colored mascara, a little bit goes a long way, especially if you're rocking a lime green shade. Make your eyes pop with the bold color focused on the outer corners of the upper lash line. It's an instant eye lift.
Image: Emporio Armani Fall 2016
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On the Outside
No one will ever accuse you of looking tired when you're sporting a blue smoky eye mixed with voluminous lashes on the outer corners of your eyes. Apply a few extra layers on the corners to really get that flicked effect. No cat eye necessary.
Image: Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2014 Haute Couture
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Blue Eyes
Think of colored mascara like your liquid eyeliner. You don't need to add it to your entire eye area; a well-placed stroke will work. Try adding a few coats of blue mascara on your top lashes and leave the bottom ones natural. People will notice your eyes sparkling, but they won't realize it's thanks to your mascara until they get close enough.
Image: Léa Peckre Spring 2015
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Break the Rules
Are you someone who is obsessed with getting your mascara look perfectly symmetrical? Ditch your old thinking and embrace an uneven look. Experiment with only putting mascara on certain lashes for a quirky-cool look. FYI: You can do the same with different-sized individual lashes.
Image: Marni Spring 2016
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White Out
White mascara can be more intimidating to some people than the boldest of lip colors. In reality, it's not that hard to pull off. Take a cue from this ethereal look and try white mascara on the top and bottom lashes. Pair it with a clear lip gloss and a hint of highlighter on the inner corners of the eyes. It's a lot easier to pull off than the choppy haircut.
Image: Haider Ackermann Spring 2015
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Down the Middle
Here's your proof that you don't need to coat the entire perimeter of your eyes in mascara. Just doing the lashes in the center of your upper and lower lash lines is enough. Remember this trick on Monday mornings when you need to look more awake.
Image: Altuzarra Spring 2015
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Piece by Piece
Dense lashes are usually the desired look, but this is proof that a thinner set of false lashes can do wonders for your eyes. To enhance the effect, curl your lashes and extend individual lashes out further with mascara.
Image: Julien Fournié Fall 2014 Haute Couture
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Clump It
Got clumps? Don't start over. They can form a dramatic look. When you apply mascara to your bottom lashes, use the brush to group individual lashes into sections for the spidery look. Clumps of individual false lashes will also create the same result.
Image: Rochas Fall 2014
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Mellow Yellow
Don't associate yellow with eye infections. The Molly Goddard Spring 2017 show proved that it's a surprisingly pretty look, especially when paired with a bold red lip. If you're wondering where you can find yellow mascara, Lucky Trendy's TM Color Mascara in Juicy Yellow ($6.90) will work.
Image: Molly Goddard Spring 2017
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Like Snow
Have you ever noticed how pretty snowflakes look when they fall on your lashes? Recreate the look with white mascara and a hint of glitter eyeliner. You won't have to worry about this look melting away like actual snow.
Image: Sonia Rykiel Spring 2014
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Lift Off
It can be hard to get every lash looking the same, so embrace different-sized lashes. Skip the eyeshadow so your lashes remain the focal point.
Image: I'm Isola Marras Spring 2015
