Who doesn’t know the struggle of keeping your perfectly-applied mascara from smudging? This is precisely the reason why we have decided to write a guide on how to prevent mascara from smudging, in case you are also fighting this issue.
When it’s perfect, mascara makes your eyes pop, makes them brighter and even bigger. However, that smudged look only gives the impression of an entire night of partying, making your entire makeup look a lot more unattractive and messy.
It’s important to know that mascara usually smudges because of the natural oils on the skin that’s around your eyes. They have a tendency of absorbing it, melting it and then causing it to smudge around the eyes, leading to those annoying dark and raccoon-like dark circles.
It’s important to know that there are a few tips and tricks that can help you when it comes to preventing the mascara from smudging.
We will offer valuable details on some of the most effective and easy to adopt such tricks. After doing them, you will surely get rid of the smudging mascara issue that has, most probably, always bothered you, since you start applying makeup. Here we go!

1. Avoid oil-based under eye creams!
This is one of the most important tips that you can learn. If you are used to applying a greasy, oil-based cream under your eyes as makeup base, stop doing it now! Unless you want smudged mascara.
Your skin’s natural oils are already causing that, so there is no need to also apply an oily cream in that same area. It will only make things a lot worse, as it will make your mascara wet and cause it to smudge.
The best alternative would be a very light water-based under-eye cream that won’t make your mascara wet.
2. Use waterproof mascara!
This is probably the alternative that everyone already knows but not many people apply. It is a specially-created formula of mascara that is a lot more water-resistant than regular formulas.
Probably the easiest to follow tip out there, a waterproof mascara won’t smudge when it comes into contact with oils, whether from creams or natural ones, or water, in case you plan on swimming or it begins to rain unexpectedly.
So, go buy a quality waterproof mascara if you are constantly struggling with raccoon-like dark circles around your eyes.

3. Powder your under-eye area!
Face powder is like the Holy Grail when it comes to stopping mascara from smudging.
Be careful to apply powder with either a powder puff or a brush under your eyes after applying mascara. It will absorb all the oils on your skin and keep it dry for me hours.
Mascara is a lot less likely to smear if it comes in contact with a dry and powdery surface.
4. Use clear mascara too!
Finally, the last tip is to apply a coat of clear mascara over your regular one, after it’s already dry. This will act like a seal and will also prevent the mascara from smudging.
In conclusion
In addition to our top tips take care when applying your mascara. Remove any excess product by wiping the wand against the neck of the tube, when applying mascara. Coming too close to the eyelid skin will cause clumps and a smudgy look. It’s best to let mascara dry for a few seconds.
Instant smudging will be guaranteed if you blink too soon.
Locking your look in place is achieved by dusting translucent powder under your eyes and applying setting spray. You will also want to use a setting spray before, and possibly after makeup to add extra staying power.
If it comes to hooded eyes try to keep the lashes curled up, so that they don’t droop and touch the skin, oily skin could be sorted out with a mid-day face wipe.
Concentrating on the T-zone and the area under your eyes, and if you have watery eyes or allergies you’ll be wanting hypoallergenic and water-resistant formulas.
Well-known fact is that mascaras need to be replaced every three months, as older formulas tend to smudge more.
Store the mascara tightly closed, or it will thicken and run.
So, what did you think about our guide on how to prevent mascara from smudging? Did you find these tips useful at all? Will you try them from now on when you’re doing your makeup? Let us know your opinions down below!
You may also like:
- Top 5 Best Drugstore Mascara for Perfect Eyelashes
- Learn How to Apply Mascara Perfectly
- 3 Professionals Teach Us How to Remove Waterproof Mascara
Image source: pixabay

















