We all know TikTok loves to create new names for tried and tested beauty hacks and turn them into trends. The latest viral makeup trend to pop up on our ‘For You’ page? ‘Mascara cocktailing’.
But don’t dust off your cocktail shaker just yet. Mascara cocktailing is just a fancy word for layering two mascaras (and maybe a lash primer) to enhance your natural lashes. The result? A false lash effect, without the falsies.
This is certainly no new technique. Makeup artists and beauty addicts alike have been perfecting their mascara cocktails for years to find the perfect formula that gives a false lash illusion.
But now, as many in the beauty community have given up lash extensions and embraced their natural lashes, mascara cocktailing is making a major comeback. Even Jessica Alba has jumped on the trend!
So what is the perfect recipe for long, voluminous lashes? A good mascara cocktail starts with freshly curled lashes for extra lift. The next step is to decide what look you want to achieve, and choose your ‘ingredients’ (AKA mascaras) accordingly.
For example, length and volume. The first coat should be a volumising mascara, focusing on the lash line to the middle of the lash. You can also start with a lash primer to really level-up your lash game. Then go in with a lengthening mascara from lash line to tip to achieve a super lifted look.
Ready to perfect your mascara cocktail? Here are six of the best volumising and lengthening mascaras in Australia.
The best mascara cocktail products
essence i love extreme crazy volume mascara
This affordable power-player has become TikTok’s favourite drugstore mascara for a reason. It delivers unbeatable volume and lift with just a couple of coats – and it performs even better in a mascara cocktail.
Read more essence i love extreme crazy volume mascara reviews.
$8 at Priceline
L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Lift Mascara
If you’re looking for a lash lift in a bottle, this is the mascara for you. The lengthening formula has even solidified its status as a red carpet staple thanks to Eva Longoria’s Oscars makeup.
$18.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Lancome Lash Idole Mascara
With a clump-free finish, this cult-favourite mascara gives the falsie effect without the hassle of applying lashes. It won’t transfer, smudge or flake, but it will deliver a dramatic lift so be prepared.
$57 at MECCA
Maybelline Sky High Mascara
The hype surrounding the Sky High mascara is worth it. There’s no other drugstore mascara we’d rather reach for when it comes to long, lifted lashes that actually stay in place all day.
Read more Maybelline Sky High Mascara reviews.
$12.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumising Mascara
This volumising mascara is a must-have for dramatic lashes that last all day. It won’t flake or smudge and, although it’s not waterproof, will endure even the most epic nights out.
$35 at Sephora
Mcobeauty Xtendlash
Mcobeauty’s mascara is a tried and tested favourite among the bh team. It delivers length and volume without leaving your lashes clumpy. The best part? You can pick it up during your weekly Woolies grocery shop!
$16.80 at Woolworths
Main image credit: @jessicaalba
Have you tried mascara cocktailing before? What is your go-to mascara hack?
I’m not sure this look would suit me for a daily look but for a formal event – yeah!
Yeah, definitely would look great for a more formal or evening glamour look
it’s also a lot of effort to do daily
I don’t know about mascara cocktailing but sometimes I layer a couple of mascaras to get the effect I want.
This is a good idea. Never thought of layering a couple of mascaras.
I may have done it once or twice before but not on purpose like this! I’ve done a waterproof one over the top of a normal one but just to see if it made the first one stay better!
I think they just came up with a name for it. But it’s not a new technique or thing.
That sounds great, I use two layers of mascara for more volume.
Yes and it does work well
If essence i love extreme crazy volume mascara could make my eyelashes look like this for this price ($8) I’m in.
Nah, can not wear more than one layer of mascara
Yohanna, well you must have very good lashes then! Lucky.
Same. Otherwise my lashes get too clumpy and stuck together. Plus it looks more natural with only 1 layer.
I also prefer one layer – or none at all!
you probably have lovely long eyelashes. Some of us need all the help we can get >LOL
Mine would definitely clump and get stuck together.
Interesting!
I’ve been doing this forever. Funny how tiktok makes everything some new thing again. The best mascaras I’ve ever used are the Max Factor Masterpiece ones. Hard to find these days. Honestly better than Lancome. I miss those ones that had black on one end, and gold, silver or blue on the other. Definitely wish they’d bring these back.
everything go round in circles so keep looking
Oh I love the colour ones!
Sounds good for a night out or special occasions but one coat of mascara is fine for the day
I guess you are right, everyday would be a bit much but when you want to look extra special it would be great
How is this a new thing ? I’ve been doing stuff like this for years and years. I use two different formulas etc
yes an oldie but a goodie without the label
I like my white lash bonding first then apply 2 coats
Sometimes i thinkt he brush is more important than the actual mascara product
I always apply a couple of coats of mascara when I am going out but didn’t know it had a name
I love the look of this but mine struggle to look as good
I’ve never got more than one tube of mascara open at once. My idea of special effects is to dust off my curler & perhaps apply a 2nd coat.
I haven’t heard of the term before and I didn’t know you could layer mascara. I’ve learnt something new today. 😀
I’m keen to try it especially for a special occasion! Definitely looks amazing on Jessica Alba!
she looks amazing and an easy tip to try yourself.
Can’t say I’ve tried this before, but will give it a go next time I have something formal on
I’ve been doing this for years!
The essence mascara is nice and budget friendly. Love it.
I’m glad I don’t have TickTok.
This is an idea I’d never heard of before. I do think it would be “special occasion” for me.
fun! but i will keep ignoring tiktok like the plague lol
OOh, I should try this. Hopefully I don’t end up looking like I have furry caterpillars crawling over my eyes!
I want to try a lash primer
Oh wow, I used to do this back in Highschool!
Gen Z once again “discovering” what everyone already knew lol.
I get how this might work- it depends of the formula of each mascara in terms of how well this will layer, maybe the same brand will work? But I still think less is better- I don’t have the patience to be removing that much mascara off.
Tik Tok isn’t something I find interesting or appealing.
I have the maybelline one.
I don’t like having too many mascaras open
They don’t last.
I’ve stopped using mascara; eyelash tinting lasts a while
I will do this on special occasion.
I’ve seen this article recently – a repeat
Unfortunately, no matter what mascara I use my eyes water, so I avoid it.
Oh I think I will be trying this for date night thursday. I normally use The Iconic London mascara which I got online from Looks Fantastic.
Great article thanks for the info
I have no mascara hacks but i love mascaras that actually gives volume
I’ll give it a shot but my lashes don’t want to curl these days.
Interesting!
But I don’t use mascaras as I get panda eyes.
Ellyloves you should try Waterproof Mascara you don’t get panda eyes because once dry it doesn’t smudge at all.
Love the look but too much for me
Love Jessica Alba but the tiktoker did it better
I’ve always done this, great idea.
I doubt I’d go to this effort for daily wear. Special occasions maybe.
I am happy with one layer of mascara.
So much work! I’d maybe do it for a special occasion.
An interesting and great idea, I normally apply just one layer. Lovely mascaras too!
When I think of cocktails, I don’t think of mascara, lol
Something that I have never heard of before Mascara Cocktailing, the effect looks great will have to try this for myself 😊
I use a primer, i love those on lashes
Not for me, my lashes would feel too heavy
I don’t need it.