How to prevent mascara stains under your eyes: 6 tips

Mascara smudging under the eyes is a common frustration—you start with perfect lashes, only to end up with dark smudges and flakes hours later. The main culprit? Oil, moisture, and leftover makeup breaking down your mascara.

Here’s how to stop the smudge for good.

1 Prep your under-eyes: apply an oil-free eye cream, then set with primer or translucent powder to absorb excess oil. A long-wear concealer also helps control shine.

2 Use a lash primer: a lash primer creates a barrier against natural oils and helps mascara stay put all day.

3 Choose the right mascara: ideally, tubing mascara, since it forms smudge-proof tubes around lashes, or waterproof mascara for extra staying power.

4 Skip mascara on lower lashes: you can use long-wear eyeliner instead.

5 Use lash tools: curl your lashes to keep them lifted and away from the skin.

6 Lock it in: finish with a mascara sealer or clear topcoat to keep everything in place.