Did you know that the way you apply mascara can completely transform your look? While most people use mascara the same way every day, the pro’s secret is using the brush differently for unique effects. Whether you’re going for smokey eyes or a chic feline flick, learn how to apply mascara like a makeup artist.

Want to get the big doe-eye look? Lashes are loud in this makeup trend – and you want to apply mascara to emphasise the centre of your eye. First, lift lashes with an eyelash curler. Then use a volumising mascara, wiggling the brush at the lash root to deposit lots of formula, before coating to tips in a zigzag motion. Now comes the makeup artist secret: to open up the eyes, hold the brush vertically and use the brush tip to layer up mascara just in the centre of your lashes (aim above your pupil). This technique coats middle lashes in a thicker accent to make your eyes appear bigger.

Best mascara for doe-eyes: THE ONE Pump & Plump Mascara loads up volume for mega, bold lashes – and it’s unique brush has bristles on the tip for easy vertical application, or coating those hard-to-reach lashes!

It’s all in the wiggle and zig-zag application.

Love a liquid liner feline flick? Whether you go effortless french chic, or more glam hollywood style – this mascara hack will enhance your look. A cool cat-eye is all about taking the eyes outwards, lengthening the outer corners. After you’ve perfected your liquid liner flick, use a lengthening mascara to sweep through lashes horizontally – pulling the brush out sideways, not up. Focus on outer corners, keeping inner to middle lashes bare… and trust us, this technique will elongate your feline flick and look ultra-modern.

Best mascara for feline-flick: THE ONE Wonder Lash Mascara is our fave for everyday use, giving lashes lush length with separation. Plus, you can layer it up for the volume you desire.

One word that is key to the ultimate, sultry smokey eyes: intensity. To draw people into your eyes, the colour depth needs to be ultra-intense at the lash root. Work a kohl eyeliner (we love the High Impact Eye Pencils) into the lashline, then smudge with a brush to give a smokey look. Soften edges with some eyeshadow, making sure darker shades are close to the lash root.

Now, when applying mascara, stick to the same rule – focus on the lashline only to create an eyeliner effect. Holding the brush horizontally, work mascara into the lash root and mid-lengths by wiggling back and forth to intensify the lashline – but do not coat to tips! This draws attention away from the eyes, which loses the intensity. Layer until you get the depth you want, but don’t worry about it being super neat and separated – a smokey eye tends to look even better when it’s effortlessly “lived-in”.

Best mascara for smokey eyes: THE ONE Pump & Plump Mascara loads up volume right at the base of the lash root, giving intense black density – and the bendable lash brush allows you to get right in to the lash root!