If you’ve always been a black liquid eyeliner girl with naturally long lashes, you may not apply mascara on a regular basis. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t want to do so in the future, especially if you have a special event coming up. Here are a few mistakes to avoid if you aren’t completely familiar with the application process.

1. Don’t pump the wand.
It may be tempting to repeatedly pump the mascara wand into the tube prior to applying it, and some people do it out of habit. However, doing this can dry out the mascara faster and make it tougher to use.

2. Try not to blink.
This one can be tough, but it’s important not to blink once you apply your lengthening mascara to your top lashes. Keeping your eyes open for several seconds can help keep the look you’ve created intact.

3. Curl your lashes before applying mascara.
There’s no going back once you begin putting it on! Take a few moments to use a lash curler to give your eyelashes the glamorous look you desire prior to using your mascara.