How to Fix Clumpy Mascara and Get Perfectly Separated Lashes

There is nothing quite like the feeling of finishing a beautiful eye makeup look, only to ruin it at the very last second with a coat of thick, gooey, clumpy mascara. Instead of a fluttery, wide-eyed gaze, you are left with heavy "spider lashes" that stick together in thick triangles.

If you find yourself constantly picking clumps off your eyelashes with your fingertips, you are not alone. Getting that perfectly fanned-out, separated look comes down to a mix of the right formula, proper wand maintenance, and professional application techniques.

As beauty experts, we are here to save your lashes. If you want to know how to fix clumpy mascara, here is our ultimate guide to achieving perfectly separated, voluminous lashes every single time.

Why Does Mascara Clump?

Before we fix the problem, we need to understand what causes it. Clumping usually happens for one of three reasons:

1. Your mascara is expired: Mascara formulas dry out rapidly. If your tube is more than three to four months old, it has likely thickened into a paste that is impossible to apply smoothly.

2. Too much product on the wand: When you pull the wand out of the tube, it often holds way more product than your lashes can actually handle.

3. Applying coats too slowly: If you wait for the first coat of mascara to dry completely before applying the second, the wet formula will grab onto the dry, crispy formula and instantly create massive clumps.

3 Expert Hacks to Prevent Clumping

Stop the clumps before they even reach your eyes with these professional application techniques:

Hack 1: Wipe the Wand

This is the most crucial step! When you pull your volumizing mascara wand out of the tube, gently wipe the excess product off the tip and the sides using the rim of the tube or a clean tissue. You want the bristles to be visible, not coated in a thick glob of black pigment.

Hack 2: The "Wiggle and Pull" Technique

Never just swipe the wand blindly up your lashes. To get maximum volume without the mess, place the wand at the very root of your lashes. Gently wiggle the wand back and forth at the base to deposit the pigment, and then smoothly pull it straight up through the tips. The wiggling motion creates volume at the root, while the pulling motion separates the individual hairs.

Pro Tip: Wondering how to make sure that beautiful volume stays put in the heat? Check out our expert tricks on how to prevent mascara from smudging and flaking under eyes.

Hack 3: Layer While Wet

If you want dramatic, thick lashes, you need to apply your second coat immediately after the first. Keep working while the formula is still wet and flexible. Once it dries, adding more product will only create a chunky texture.

Prefer a more natural, breezy aesthetic? Discover how perfectly separated lashes complete the 5-minute no makeup makeup look guide for college girls.

How to Fix Lashes That Are Already Clumpy

Did you apply a bit too much and now your lashes are stuck together? Don't panic, and definitely do not use your fingers to pull them apart, as this can pull your lashes out!

Instead, take a clean, dry spoolie brush—like the one on the end of a brow pencil, or simply use a clear eye brow shaper wand that you've cleaned off. Gently comb through your wet lashes from root to tip. The clean bristles will grab the excess product and comb the hairs apart, restoring that fluttery, separated look instantly.

The Secret to Next-Day Perfection

Here is a secret many people miss: if your mascara is clumping on Monday morning, it might be because you didn't properly remove Sunday's makeup! Microscopic layers of leftover mascara build up on your lashes, creating a rough, uneven surface for your new coat.

To ensure your lashes are completely clean and conditioned, you must melt away the stubborn pigment at night. Use a highly effective, Natural makeup cleanser to dissolve the formula without ripping out your delicate hairs.

Learn the safest, most effective removal technique in our detailed guide on how to remove waterproof makeup gently double cleansing.

Upgrade Your Eye Routine

Now that you know exactly how to fix clumpy mascara, it is time to arm yourself with the right tools for a flawless application. If you are tired of dealing with dry, flaking formulas, upgrade your routine with our curated eye makeup kit (The Inclusif Eye Can Kit). Featuring our ultra-smooth Volume Mascara, Noiré Kohl Kajal, and Eye Brow Shaper, it has everything you need for perfectly defined, clump-free eyes!