Whether you are getting ready for work or a night on the town, mascara is a necessary part of most women’s beauty routines. This fantastic product enhances lashes and makes eyes instantly more defined and alluring.

But, like most things, there is bad that comes with the good – though mascara emphasizes our stare, it can also wind up underneath our eyes creating the dreaded raccoon-look. Luckily, there are a few ways to keep this from happening.

According to O magazine, using too much eye cream can cause mascara to smear. To prevent this, makeup artist Cynde Watson recommends using an eye cream that contains water as its primary ingredient. Follow with a light dusting of translucent powder to absorb excess moisture.

Opt for a water-resistant or tubing mascara, as these formulas will be less likely to run. Finally, concentrate mascara on your upper lashes only.

“The most foolproof way to prevent smudging is to not apply mascara to your lower lashes,” the publication reports.