How to Layer the Cult-Favorite Mascaras From L'Oréal Paris

By Témi Adebowale
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Whether it's grabbing your favorite mascara, applying a fluffy pair of false eyelashes at home, or heading to an expert for a full set of eyelash extensions, there are a number of ways to get longer, more voluminous lashes. But while applying a lengthening mascara is the easiest and most common way to enhance your lashes, one often overlooked method is layering your mascaras.

Using two, or even three, mascaras may seem like overkill, but layering mascaras is a great way to get benefits from different mascara formulas at once. L'Oréal Paris is known for its line of affordable and long-lasting drugstore mascaras, which work perfectly for layering since each mascara has its own fringe benefits. To find out more, keep reading for our guide on how to layer three super popular L'Oréal mascara formulas for bold, head-turning lashes.

What You'll Need Before Layering

L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara

The fan-favorite mascara adds length to your eyelashes and separates each one for a clump free look. Your lashes will look up to sixty percent longer than usual, and customers say that it won't clump or flake over time, which is always important when you're layering your mascaras.

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara

This mascara has a volumizing and smudge-resistant formula, and the soft wavy brush will catch every lash. The formula is also infused with floral oil so your lashes will feel comfortable and conditioned, and even reviewers with short, straight, and sparse lashes say they see more volume in their lashes when using the product.

L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Washable Mascara

If the name of this one sounds familiar, it's because it's the newest member of the Telescopic Mascara family. Users of this mascara love that it offers lift and volume for up to 36 hours of wear, and the brush is two-sided to raise and then separate your lashes to make sure they reach optimal heights.

How to Layer Mascara in 4 Steps

Layering mascara doesn't mean applying different mascaras right on top of each other. Each mascara will tackle a different part of your lashes, so your lashes will stay soft and flexible while still gaining length and volume. Here's a step-by-step guide to layering mascara.

01
Curl Your Lashes and Apply a Lengthening Mascara
L'Oréal Paris

Curl Your Lashes and Apply a Lengthening Mascara

Curling your eyelashes will give them added curve and strength to hold the mascaras you're about to apply. Take your eyelash curler and position it close to your lash line, with your lashes firmly but comfortably inside of the curler. Clamp the lash curler down on your lashes and hold for about five seconds. Remove the curler, and if you're satisfied with how your lashes look, you can move on to the mascara steps, or you can repeat the process for more curling action. You can also move the curler slightly upward to get an even more lifted curl.

Grabbing a lengthening mascara first will separate and define each lash, and the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara ($12) provides intense length. Use the flat side of the patented brush to apply the mascara from root to tip, then switch to the comb side to separate your lashes for a clump-free result. Wait about 30 seconds for the coat to partially — but not totally — dry before moving on to the next mascara.

02
Apply a Volumizing Mascara
L'Oréal Paris

Apply a Volumizing Mascara

Now, it's time for volume and fuller-looking lashes, so grab the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara ($12). Instead of just applying the mascara from root to tip, which could weigh down your lashes, you want to focus the mascara on the base of your lashes, extending it about halfway up. This will give you denser, fuller lashes that don't feel heavy. Again, wait 30 seconds before applying the last mascara.

03
Apply a Lifting Mascara
L'Oréal Paris

Apply a Lifting Mascara

To lift your lashes even higher, top your look off with the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Washable Mascara ($15). The double hook brush will load your lashes with product and lift them. Take the curved side of the brush and place it at the base of your lashes, sweep it up to the tip, then turn the brush to the straight comb side to separate your lashes for added lift and length, and to smooth out any possible clumps.