Colored Mascara Placement That Actually Works

Place colored mascara on bottom lashes or just the tips of top lashes for impact without looking costume-y.

1. Start with black base. Apply one coat of black mascara to top lashes first. This creates depth and prevents colored mascara from looking flat or chalky against your natural lash color.
2. Focus on lower lashes. Apply colored mascara to bottom lashes only. This placement feels intentional rather than accidental and works with any eye shape or makeup look.
3. Try the tip technique. For top lashes, apply colored mascara just to the very tips after your black base has dried. This creates a subtle ombré effect that catches light beautifully.
4. Build gradually. Add color in thin layers rather than loading up the brush. Colored formulas tend to clump more than black, and thin applications look more sophisticated.