I think I speak for everyone when I say the worst thing about summer is how it completely messes with your makeup.
The sweat situation ALONE is a killer. You practically need primer for your primer.
But *nothing* is as bad as accidental raccoon eyes. Sweat plus the oils on one's skin combine to strip mascara off your eyelashes and deposit it firmly under your eyes. It's not cute!
But I've discovered the easiest, most foolproof way to stop your mascara from smudging all over your under eyes. And it uses something you probably already have in your makeup bag.
Turns out that the only thing you need to prevent accidental raccoon eyes is CLEAR BROW GEL.
I love Urban Decay Brow Tamer ($20, Sephora) in clear.
(Yep, just like the stuff you use on your eyebrows to keep them in place all day.)
Clear brow gel is absolutely the underrated multitasking queen of the beauty world, and if you don't have it, you NEED it.
Not only will it keep your brows on the up and up, it's great for smoothing hair flyaways near your face. I've also been known to tap it onto my eyelids for hardcore eyelid primer. There's nothing brow gel can't do!
Anyway! This is 100% the easiest summer makeup hack of all time: First, apply a couple of coats of your favorite mascara. Top lashes, bottom lashes, however you like it.
I'm using Revlon Super Length mascara ($6, Target), which I freaking LOVE β the fat teddy bear brush make my lashes look super thick, and the formula is insanely black.
Once your mascara is dry, apply a layer of the clear brow gel overtop. This seals the mascara underneath, ensuring that it can't get all over your face.
This means NO MORE RACCOON EYES!
Brow gel can take a second to dry, so make sure you don't open your eyes super-wide to take in all the wonders of the universe, or you might end up with mascara dots on your browbone or β worst of all β under your eyes.
Stare straight ahead for about 30 seconds to a minute to ensure the gel is 100% dry. Make a lot of weird eye contact with your reflection. Think your thoughts. Whatever makes you happy.
This trick has changed my life. I haven't worn mascara on my lower lashes for YEARS because it always smudges off β but not anymore.
I even tested the clear gel hack at the gym, and my mascara stayed immaculate.
Voila! You now have perfectly long, thick, dark eyelashes β and zero fear that you'll look like a raccoon at the end of the day.
The brow gel doesn't add goop or bulk to my lashes β if they get a little clumpy, brush them out a with a clean spoolie or a dedicated lash comb once the gel is dry.
Unlike waterproof mascaras, which you have to scour off your face, the gel-mascara combo comes off easily with makeup remover. For anyone who has delicate under eyes β hello, it me β this is a life-changer.
So you can leave the running mascara to the ~dramatic angels~ of the world.
Your summer beauty routine will never be the same. Consider it a gift from me to you.
