Cake mascara has a long history. The fact that it’s been around a long time gives it a cute vintage vibe. Because it’s dry and doesn’t sit in a tube, it doesn’t clump up, and you can take it on a plane as a carry-on. [2] X Research source Cake mascara is also more hygienic than cream mascara. The dark, wet interior of a mascara tube is a perfect place for bacteria to grow, but cake mascara is dry and doesn’t encourage this. [3] X Research source There are some drawbacks, too. Cake mascara is difficult to source, has a slight learning curve, and is not as easy to throw in your purse as cream mascara. It’s up to you to decide if the pluses outweigh these minuses.
Sephora started carrying Besame Cosmetics cake mascara online in 2016. This brand is well-recognized, and though it’s pricy, it won’t expire like cream mascara will. Many smaller indie brands offer cake mascaras, too. Try Clean Faced Cosmetics or Keeping It Natural.
Bend your brush at a 90 degree angle so that it’s easier to apply your mascara.
If you want to use cake mascara to fill in your brows, a small angled brush is great. You can use it to fill in sparse spots, or create an entirely new shape. You can also use a spoolie to comb the powder through your brows, which will make them look more natural. Small bent or angled brushes are best for eyeliner application.
You can heat your eyelash curler by running hot water over it, or turning a blow dryer on it for a few seconds. To make sure it’s not too hot, press it on your wrist before putting it near your eyes. [6] X Research source Never curl your lashes after mascara, even cake mascara. The makeup can stick your lashes to the curler’s pads, which will rip them out.
You can use a drop of contact solution as well. This is sanitary, since saline is sterile, and convenient. [7] X Research source
Alternatively, you can rinse the brush. This will both remove excess product and make the brush pick up less product when you dip it again.
If you find yourself blinking reflexively, open your lips a bit when you put the brush near your eyes. This will inhibit your blinking reflex. [9] X Research source Don’t apply cake mascara to your lower lashes. It’s not waterproof, so it runs easily, and makeup that drags the eye down is often unflattering anyway.
You may also want to add more layers in the evening to take your day look to night. Unlike cream formulas, cake mascara won’t clump, even when you apply a wet layer over fully dried lashes.
If you are wearing eye shadow, you may want to use a cotton swab dabbed in lotion so that you don’t accidentally remove the rest of your makeup. Simply twirl the swab over the stray spot. Then you can touch up the shadow if it looks faded.
