How to Prevent Mascara-Stained Eyes for All Day Wear (2025)

No more raccoon eyes. No more midday makeup check-ins only to find smudges where your concealer once reigned supreme. We’ve all been there—perfectly curled lashes in the morning, only to catch a glimpse of ourselves later and see the dreaded mascara smears creeping under our eyes. But don’t worry, this is not your fate. With the right techniques and Laura Mercier essentials, your mascara will stay exactly where it belongs—on your lashes, all day long.

Why Does Mascara Smudge?

It all comes down to moisture, oils, and friction. The delicate skin around your eyes naturally produces oil throughout the day, which can cause mascara to break down and transfer. Add in a bit of blinking, humidity, or even residual eye cream, and your perfectly applied mascara can start smearing before your morning coffee has even cooled. But don't fret, just a few easy tweaks to your routine will keep those smudges at bay.

Step 1: Prep the Eyes

Your eye area is the foundation for a flawless mascara application, so setting the stage is key.

• Prime the undereye using a thin layer of Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating for a hydrated base and helping makeup grip.
• Apply Eye Basics Primer to ensure your mascara doesn't smudge onto your upper lid.

Step 2: Choose the Right Mascara

The formula matters. The wrong mascara can smudge, flake, and betray you before lunch. Laura Mercier's Caviar Extravagant Mascara is designed for double the volume and length, triple the curl and lift, and 24-hour buildable, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof wear. This long-lasting formula resists humidity, sweat, and oils, so it stays put without clumping or flaking to hold up against even the most humid of days.

Step 3: Lash Like a Pro

How you apply your mascara can make all the difference.

• Curl first, always: The Artist Eyelash Curler lifts lashes away from the skin, reducing the chance of smudging while creating an open, lifted effect.
• Less is more, focus mascara application on the upper lashes if smudging is an issue. Skip the lower lashes altogether and define them with a bit of eyeshadow or eyeliner instead.
• Layer strategically: Let each coat dry before applying the next to prevent excess product from settling under your eyes.
• Use a clean spoolie or eye makeup remover to remove extra product and separate lashes for a feathery, smudge-free finish.

Step 4: Lock It In

Once your lashes are perfectly lifted, volumized, and defined, seal the deal. A final dusting of Translucent Loose Setting Powder with a powder brush under the eyes helps absorb oil throughout the day.

Step 5: Hands Off!

We know it’s tempting to touch up throughout the day. But rubbing your eyes (even subconsciously) can transfer oils and break down mascara! If you feel the need to refresh, simply blot with a tissue or a bit of powder rather than swiping at your undereye area.

What To Do If You Did Smudge

Don't worry, this is an easy fix, especially if you just applied mascara. Use a cotton swap and eye makeup remover to remove any stains. Then, carefully applyconcealer in the smudged areas using a concealer brush and lock it in place with setting powder.

With the right products and a few easy tricks, you can keep your lashes lifted and smudge-free from morning to night. Say goodbye to smudging and hello to all-day wear!