I Tried Applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Mascara 3 Different Ways — Here's What Came Out on Top
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I've probably experimented with hundreds of mascara formulas over the years, but my mascara application technique hasn't changed all that much since high school — when I finally got the hang of applying it without a ton of smudges.
After chatting with my friends about their mascara application tips and tricks (and falling down a TikTok eye makeup hack rabbit hole shortly thereafter), I decided it was time to road-test and then compare some other methods of applying the staple product.
For this fun little experiment, I chose the e.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Mascara ($7) as my constant variable. Keep scrolling to find out which application method I felt did the buzzy new formula (and my eyelashes) the most justice.
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The Zig-Zag Technique
This is actually the technique that e.l.f. Cosmetics recommends when using the Big Mood Mascara ($7). The "how-to-use" directions note to start at the root of the lashes and move the wand up to the tips of the lashes in a zig-zag motion. In my opinion, this is basically the same as the wiggle technique, where you gently wiggle the mascara wand through your eyelashes from root to tip.
I've found that the zig-zag technique helps to separate my tiny eyelashes and evenly coat them with pigment, therefore creating really impressive volume and preventing clumps. I also think it helps create more of a curled and fanned-out effect.
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Applying Mascara Back-and-Forth and Root-to-Tip
I learned about this mascara hack on TikTok, and I'll be honest: I actually didn't have high hopes for it at first. It involves holding your mascara wand vertically and then swiping the brush against your eyelashes, from inner corner to outer corner. Then, you're supposed to hold the wand horizontally and swipe it from root to tip as per usual.
After figuring out that wiping off the excess product from the wand is crucial, I was pretty content with my lash results. I don't think this hack separates my eyelashes as well as the zig-zag technique, but it does help build intensity at the lash line. I rarely wear eyeliner, so I can appreciate this. I also think it does a fairly decent job at fanning out and lifting my eyelashes as well.
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Coating Both Sides of the Upper Lashes and the Zig Zag Technique
Since I found so much eyelash success with e.l.f. Cosmetics' zig-zag method, I decided to add another eyelash hack to the overall technique. This trick, which I had heard about for years before actually trying, involves coating both sides of the upper eyelashes — not just under the upper lashes.
I began this combo method by wiping off excess pigment from my Big Mood wand. Then, to coat the top of my upper eyelashes, I looked down toward the ground and gently swiped my mascara wand against my eyelashes, from root to tip. Then, I coated the other side of my upper eyelashes by simply performing the zig-zag technique.
Out of the three methods I tried in this makeup experiment, this was by far my favorite. I have fair eyelashes, so coating each side of the upper eyelashes with the intense Big Mood pigment really helps them pop. Of course, following up with the zig-zag technique delivers that impressive volume and subtle curl.