You start with your top lashes… and 7 other ways you’ve been using mascara wrong your whole life

WE'RE not quite sure how to break this to you, but you've probably been using mascara wrong all your life.

From the art of application to removal, there are various common mistakes people make time and time again.

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This could come as welcome news if you often end up with clumpy lashes or black specks on your cheeks after applying the make-up.

So without further ado, here are eight of the most common mascara blunders - your lashes will never be the same again.

You've only been using one

If you only use one mascara to dress your eyes, you're missing out.

According to Laramie, pro make-up artist and founder of : "Each mascara has one purpose, no matter what the advertising says.

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"Certain ones give you a lot of length while others offer thickness and volume."

So, mix it up for a more defined, lash-tastic look - though let the first coat dry before applying another.

You apply to your top lashes first

This seems like the most logical way to put mascara on, but actually you're better off doing the bottom ones first.

This is because your top ones can smudge and rub off onto your cheek when you look down to apply the underneath layer.

You're applying it in a straight motion

For the fullest, thickest looking lashes, the best way to apply mascara is by using a zig-zag motion.

Marlena, founder and CEO of the blog , explained: ";This will help give your lashes a curled effect.

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"Keep repeating this until you get your lashes as thick as you want, usually two to three coats.

"When it comes to the bottom lashes, tilt your head forward slightly to keep from getting mascara onto your cheek."

You don't wipe the brush off first

When you remove your wand from the tube, use a tissue to gently wipe off the excess product.

You'll find you end up with lashes that look more defined and separated, rather than clumped together.

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You're using a mascara past its prime

If your mascara is more than six months old, ditch it.

This is advisable health-wise, as the product comes into contact with your eyes, and will hopefully prevent the clumping lash problem.

You curl your lashes after applying mascara

Once mascara dries, your lashes become less flexible and more brittle, meaning curling them AFTER risks damaging them.

Always curl before applying - and if you don't curl them at all, think about investing.

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Make-up artist  pointed out: "The main thing when applying mascara is definitely beginning with opening up the eyes.

"An eyelash curler goes hand in hand with mascara."

You don't adjust your technique according to your eye shape

Depending on the shape and size of your eyes, it's important to apply mascara accordingly.

Sonia recommends putting more coats on the inner part of your eyes if your peepers are further apart, while focusing on the outer edges if they're closer together.

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You don't take it off properly

To take off stubborn mascara completely - especially waterproof - you're best off using a product specially designed to remove eye make-up.

Last week we reported how most of us have been wearing fake eyelashes wrong - apparently we should be wearing them under the lash line, not on top.