How to pull off the clumpy mascara trend IRL

how to pull off clumpy mascara colleen conroy
how to pull off clumpy mascara colleen conroy

Remember when our awkward beauty mistakes became full-fledged trends on the runways a couple of seasons ago? Those perfect, feathery lash days are officially behind us. Now it’s all about lashes that say IDGAF. And given that they went overboard on the Spring 2016 runways, we’re not at all shocked.

We’ve been obsessed with this trend for a while now and this obsession isn’t dying down anytime soon. Though they make for the best eyelash porn, we think it’s time to actually wear this trend out in public. To show us how to pull it off, we recruited our Beauty Panel experts to show us exactly how it’s done. Since this is no easy task to take on, our beauty bloggers break it down for us, step by step, product by product. Flip through to see how to pull off clumpy mascara today.

Challenge 116: How do you pull off clumpy mascara? See the answers now! »

Have a beauty question you want to see the panel answer? Send it our way at [email protected]. Read on for the answers to this week’s challenge and for more goodness, get to know all contributors on our Beauty Panel hub page.


how to pull off clumpy mascara colleen conroy

Colleen Conroy
Vancouver | Blush Rouge

Clumpy mascara is a lash style that has been popping up all over the place, especially after being showcased in many recent fashion shows. It’s a trend that I myself have yet to jump on board for, however, I am definitely curious about it.

I can imagine this look for day-to-day as a focus element for the eyes. If I choose to do clumpy mascara, I would leave my eyes fairly neutral. Extra voluminous lashes stand out wonderfully on its own, so I personally would want to keep the focus just on them.

For this look I used Maybelline’s Colossal Chaotic Lash. This mascara is amazing, and does wonders for volume. In this case, to build up as much density as I could, I applied the first layer regularly (upwards strokes with the wand horizontally) and then I went in with the wand vertically and applied all of that wonderful mascara buildup that usually sits on the tip of the wand. I went in spaced out sections, purposely coaxing lashes to stick together. Then to go even further, I applied individual lashes (4 of them) spaced evenly across my entire top lash line. After that, I went in with yet another coat of mascara, both horizontally with the wand, and vertically with the tip. A few coats of mascara on my lower lashes (which I never do!) sealed the deal. All in all, I probably did about 10 coats of mascara and I have to tell you, I loved it! It made me feel like a mix between a 1960’s twiggy, a 1920’s flapper and a doe-eyed doll!

Products used: M.A.C Studio Fix fluid in “NC20,” M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish in “Medium,” M.A.C Bronzer in “Solar Riche,” M.A.C Mineralize Blush in “Warm Soul,” M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish in “Soft and Gentle,” Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in “Blonde and Medium Brown,” M.A.C Paint Pot in “Soft Ochre,” Nyx Matte Eyeshadow in “I Have a Headache,” Maybelline Colossal Chaotic Lash Mascara in “Blackest Black,” Ardell Individual Lashes, Duo Adhesive, M.A.C Lipstick in “Studded Kiss” and “Chile”


how to pull off clumpy mascara julie martinson
Julie Martinson
Toronto | Julie Martinson

The clumpy lash look isn’t a new trend, it’s iconic and classic made famous in the ’60s by Twiggy. And it’s making a comeback!

It’s easy to incorporate this bold and daring look into your beauty routine, just use your lashes as your main focal point and keep everything else natural.

1. Stay focused
Using a neutral matte shadow keeps the focus on the lashes. Shimmers and glitters will only compete and make your look seem overdone.

2. Keep it clean
The bottom lashes can get messy very quickly, so use a lash guard or small piece of cardboard under the lashes to act as a barrier during application and while the mascara is drying.

3. Go for the gloss
Add a bit more life to your look with a neutral or natural gloss, in true Twiggy fashion. Don’t go for a bold shade or something too dramatic. Remember it’s all about those lashes!

4. Pro tip
Always curl your lashes first if you’re going to go for bold mascara. The “clumpy look” can weigh your lashes down so you’re going to need all the help you can get!

Products used: Maybelline Volum’ Express Chaotic Colossal Lash mascara, Avon True Color matte Eyeshadow Quad in “Smoke & Fog,” Colourpop Brow Pencil in “Dope Taupe,” Niki Garret Contour Duo, Benefit Cosmetics Blush in “Hervana,” Kylie Lip Kit in “Posie K,” Mistura Beauty Plump & Glow Lip Gloss in “Charlotte”

More Beauty & Grooming