3 Genius Ways Makeup Artists Use Clear Mascara

People either get clear mascara, or they don't. Those who get it understand its multi-use, natural-but-better makeup talents, and don't leave home without it. Those who don't get it? Well, they should just keep reading and become one of the converted!

On its own, clear mascara gives a wet-sheen gloss to lashes, and slightly darkens them, much the way water darkens hair when saturated. Excellent for that no makeup-makeup look. It also helps lashes hold curl when paired with a lash curler. Maybelline makeup artist Erin Parsons loves using it for this: "I use clear mascara as the first step before I curl my lashes," she says. "I love [clear mascara] for those no-makeup makeup days where I'll use clear mascara as a base, then once it dries, curl my lashes.I then apply another coat of clear to give lashes a glossy finish without seeming like actual makeup. It's the perfect natural eye opener!"

Makeup artist Grace Lee also has a great clear mascara hack that only a MUA would know: "You can also use clear mascara after using black mascara to soften up the black pigment. It adds a beautiful sheen to your lashes!" 

Clear mascara also works wonders as a brow gel, taming, defining and slightly darkening them without seeming like "makeup". Grace Lee attests: "You can use clear mascara as a brow gel for your eyebrows. Adds a nice sheen and keeps them in place."

Another cool clear mascara hack according to Jenna Kristina? Hair gel! "Clear Mascara also helps to tame flay-away/baby hairs with great precision."