Mascara can darken, lengthen and enhance your lashes — if you apply it correctly.

But applying it like a pro can be challenging. So, we asked some of the best makeup artists for tips and tricks.

Start at the Base of Your Lashes

Starting at the base of your lashes and how to apply mascara like a pro makeup artist is an easy way to create the perfect eyelash look. Starting at the bottom of your upper lashes, move the wand back and forth to coat each individual lash. Then, move to the tips of your lashes, removing any clumps.

Applying mascara from the root of your lashes to the tips helps prevent flaking and will also help create more dramatic lashes. They recommend a small brush with smaller bristles designed to get to the roots of each lash.

After the lashes have been coated, some pros recommend using an eyelash curler to create the look of a fuller, more voluminous lash line. They also say that using an eyelash primer can help fill in shorter lashes and give them more volume.

Hold the Mascara Brush in Your Right Hand

The right-hand wand is the key to getting it all, whether you’re trying to snag every last drop of mascara or brush a tiny amount onto your lower lashes. A few tricks will help you do just that.

First, don’t pump the wand — it can make bacteria go into your tube and cause your formula to dry out faster.

A better alternative is to twist the wand, which will apply the formula more evenly than if you pumped it. And, for extra credit, the best wand to use is one that isn’t made of plastic so that you can get as much product into your eyes as possible. Lastly, find a curved brush that won’t snag your hair but does a great job curling and coating your lashes.

Curl Your Lashes with an Eyelash Curler

If you have a good eyelash curler, it can help give your lashes the lift they need to look thick and full. However, it’s essential to use your curler correctly so you don’t pull out your lashes or pinch your eyelids (both of which can be very painful).

First, clean your lash curler thoroughly. This means removing any leftover makeup or dust from the base.

Next, ensure that the rubber pads clamp down on your lashes are sanitized and replace them when worn out. Swapping out these pads will help your lashes last longer and give you better results.

Finally, gently squeezing your lashes can help you get a more dramatic curl and reduce the chances of pulling out your lashes. Do this in three sections: a pump at the base, a bit more at the middle, and one final pressure application.

Apply Mascara to Your Bottom Lashes

Regarding mascara application, the lower lashes tend to be shorter and finer than the upper ones. Applying mascara to the bottom lashes requires special attention to avoid smudging.

The best bottom lash mascaras have specially designed tiny brushes that apply mascara without smudging. These brushes have small bristles that glide through your lashes and offer length and curl.

For a dramatic look, try colored mascara. Use a lash primer first to make the color pop.

Mascara experts say that applying mascara to the bottom lashes can help open your eyes and make them look bigger. But they also warn that it can accentuate dark circles and fine lines.

Apply Mascara to Your Eyelids

Mascara is a cosmetic used to enhance the eyelashes by darkening, thickening, lengthening, and defining them.

The most annoying thing about mascara is the smudges it can leave on your eyelids while wet. Keep your eyes looking down for a couple of seconds before opening them, and use a pointed Q-tip dipped in makeup remover to get rid of the stain ASAP—before it dries, says Inglessis.

It’s also a good idea to throw out any eye-makeup product after its expiration date because it can harbor bacteria that can cause infections like blepharitis and ocular MRSA. The FDA says mascara should be disposed of after three months, but some brands have shorter shelf lives and can go up to six months before they’re best tossed.