Mascara can often flake off or smudge, giving you those dreaded ‘panda eyes’. This can happen if you rub your eyes due to allergies, or if the mascara has dried out. Remember, mascara should be replaced every three months once opened.
But did you know that your concealer could also be causing your mascara to smudge? Dominic Skinner, makeup artistry director at Mac Cosmetics, explains that many concealers are oil-based. Since mascara is usually removed with cleansing oil, the oil from the concealer can break down the mascara and cause it to transfer color. To prevent this, consider using a long-wear concealer with lower oil content.
Skinner recommends products like Mac Pro Longwear Concealer or Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-refreshing Skin Concealer. These concealers last longer on the skin and work better with mascara. Additionally, applying loose setting powder under the eyes and on the lashes can set and protect the mascara from oil.
If you still struggle with panda eyes, it might be time to switch to a waterproof mascara. However, Skinner advises that waterproof mascara can still smudge if it’s not allowed to dry properly before applying concealer. Always wait at least five minutes for the mascara to dry completely before moving on to concealer.
So, the next time you’re dealing with ‘panda eyes’, remember to check your concealer and consider switching to a waterproof mascara. If you have any beauty-related questions, feel free to reach out to Anita at beautyQandA@theguardian.com.