How to separate your lashes – even when your clumpy mascara has other plans
7/7/2026
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Pictures: Natalie Hemengül
Is your mascara clumping like glue? It doesn’t have to be that way. With this trick up your sleeve, you can define your lashes beautifully, even with clumpy mascara.
The older an opened mascara is, the more likely it is to clump. With increased exposure to air, the formula thickens and the brush bristles become increasingly sticky. The result is an unfavourable combination that binds your lashes together rather than separating them. But it would be a shame to throw it away before its recommended shelf life is up. Luckily, you won’t have to, with this simple trick.
Small extra step for a big effect
All you need besides your mascara is an additional silicone spoolie – the kind make-up artists like to use for hygiene reasons. You can buy them separately, or you can simply clean the wand from an old mascara and reuse it instead.
What’s important is that your spoolie is made of silicone. Unlike those with wire-bound bristles, silicone spoolies are moulded in one piece. In my experience, silicone bristles are easier to clean, less prone to sticking, and better at grabbing individual lashes.
The trick:
Apply the first coat of mascara to your lashes as usual. Next, take your clean silicone spoolie and comb lightly through your lashes. This’ll spread the mascara evenly along the full length. Clumps and excess product will stick to your brush. Boom – just like that, your lashes look neatly separated. Repeat this step after every coat for best results.
Simple, but effective.
Of course, mascara will naturally build up on your spoolie over time. When that happens, simply soak it in eye make-up remover (ideally one for waterproof make-up) for a few minutes, then wipe it clean.
If you’re interested, here’s another useful mascara tip I only recently discovered:
Sometimes it’s the details that can make or break an entire hairstyle or make-up look. In the Blazing Beauty Tips series, I share useful techniques that I’ve either picked up through my own experience or learned from the professionals.
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Guide
Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.
Show allThese articles might also interest you
1 comment
later