How to stop mascara smudging under eyes (tried and tested)

After years of never knowing if my mascara would smudge that day, I’ve finally (after over twenty years) found a solution to stop mascara smudging.

I can now go all day—even in rain and sweat—and not have any smudging/transferring or panda eye at the end of the day.

Over the last six months, I’ve tried other options because I’ve been so sick of having smudged mascara by the end of the day. This including not wearing any mascara (I hated it) and fake lashes. Fake lashes from a salon are great if you can afford them and have time to go every few weeks. I used to go many moons ago, and they were great! But as I’m trying to do beauty treatments myself, I tried ones online and they were pretty good but only lasted 3-4 days and were too heavy/dark for me. They were called Tatti Lashes if you’re interested in checking them out.

Products I use:

1. Dermatica Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser
2. Dermatica SPF
3. NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Mattifying Lightweight Powder
4. Estee Lauder Double Wear Matt Powder Foundation
5. benefit Badgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara – Pitch Black
6. The Body Shop camomile balm

Here’s my process to keep mascara looking fresh all day and to not have panda eyes:

1. Clean your face and lashes

It goes without saying but make sure your face and lashes are clean of any dirt or oil. Before I put on makeup, I wash my face with a cleanser (Dermatica Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser)

2. Creams and SPF (don’t get them on your lashes)

I’ve always moisturised my whole face before applying makeup, which is the way to do it, but I’ve stopped going anywhere near my eyes. If creams get on my lashes, any mascara can’t hold on so I end up with panda eyes within hours.

I moisturise the skin around my eyes at night to make sure the skin is being moisturised. Then I don’t need to go near that skin in the morning, apart from SPF of course. I wait at least 10 minutes for it to dry before continuing with step 3. I usually do my hair at this point.

3. Apply base powder

Using a large, soft brush, I apply base powder all over my eyes. I’m using NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Mattifying Lightweight Powder (£9 from Beauty Bay) and it’s lovely to use; very light and soft. I add 2, maybe 3 layers but not so much that it creases in wrinkles.

I also use it on my forehead, which helps calm the oil down.

4. Apply matt powder foundation over the top of base powder

Then I go in with Estee Lauder Double Wear Matt Powder Foundation on top of the base powder.

I’ve always found it works great on my oily skin. It’s £32 and lasts months and months. The last time I purchased it was August 2023, and it looks hardly used, even though it’s my go-to and I wear multiple times a week.

At this point, I tend to apply it all over my face and my eyes for coverage. I don’t like wearing liquid foundation anymore, as I’m trying to get to the bottom of my fungal acne. Putting heavy liquid on my skin fills me with dread. When I do use liquid foundation, I use Il Makiage or Estee Lauder Double Wear, which I’ve found are the best for long-lasting without any irritation, and looks the best.

The Estee Lauder powder foundation is lightweight and doesn’t aggravate my skin.

5. Apply mascara

I apply waterproof mascara as I normally would—there’s no difference, although I tend to limit how much I use on my bottom lashes. I go in with a few coats, but I’m careful (now!) not to get any on my lids; otherwise, I’ll need to redo the powder.

Ensure your mascara isn’t old – this is probably my top tip!

I use Benefit Badgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara—Pitch Black, £23. It’s pretty expensive compared with other high-street brands, but it’s kept well and hasn’t irritated my eyes, so I’m pretty happy with it.

Top tips

How old is your mascara?

If you don’t know the answer to that then the answer is TOO LONG and you should buy another immediately! They all have a shelf life, whether that’s 6 or 12 months. This is my biggest tip to avoid panda eyes.

Reapply throughout the day

If you need to, reapply the foundation throughout the day. Your skin will become oily (which is natural), but it will get through both powders. Sometimes, when I go to work, my mascara starts to smudge after 12 hours. At this point, I’m at home or driving home, so I’m not bothered.

If I need to ensure it lasts longer, I take my Estee Lauder powder and a smaller brush to reapply during the day. I reapply before my skin starts to get oily.

Use waterproof mascara

Make sure you use waterproof mascara. If you need a good makeup remover, I recommend The Body Shop’s camomile balm (90ml for £12, which is a large tub, or £60 for 20ml). I’ve used it for years because it doesn’t irritate my skin and gets the toughest mascaras off easily with little rubbing.

The Body Shop discounts: Use my friends and family link to get £10 off (I’ll get the same) Here’s the link: https://thebodyshop.mention-me.com/m/ol/eh7rc-rachael-robinson

Don’t touch your eyes throughout the day

If you do, you’ll likely add oil to your skin which will get on your lashes and break down the mascara.