Ask anyone to name their desert island beauty product and they’ll likely say black mascara. And rightfully so: whether it’s a smoky eye, a subtle no-makeup look or a bare face, it can make eyes pop.

But it’s time to stop underestimating clear mascara. While the pigment-free formula won’t give the same dramatic results as black, it has countless uses – some of which go beyond your lashes.

Ahead, top makeup artists share all the ways to use clear mascara in your makeup routine and why you should always use a multitasking product in your makeup bag.

Ask anyone to name their desert island beauty product and they’ll likely say black mascara. And rightfully so: whether it’s a smoky eye, a subtle no-makeup look or a bare face, it can make eyes pop.

But it’s time to stop underestimating clear mascara. While the pigment-free formula won’t give the same dramatic results as black, it has countless uses – some of which go beyond your lashes.

How to use clear mascara on your lashes
If you think a colorless mascara won’t do anything for your lashes, think again. Celebrity makeup artist Katie Mellinger says sheer formulas provide a glossy sheen to lashes, help them stay curled and can even act as a primer for colored mascara.

Clear mascara may also be an unexpected finish for bold eye makeup, such as a smoky eye. “Clear mascara can be used as a smoky eye that looks a bit edgy because it is unexpected, rather than black mascara, which is especially faux. Makeup artist and co-founder of Veil Cosmetics.

How to apply clear mascara on your eyelashes

To apply a clear mascara, Mellinger has a hack for preventing any clumps (yes, clear mascara can get clumpy, too). “I like to wipe or roll off the excess product from the spoolie on my hand before applying. That way it doesn’t get clumpy on the lash,” the makeup artist says. “Start with the brush perpendicular to the bottom of the lash and slightly wiggle back and forth as you coat the length of the lash.”

Other ways to use clear mascara in your makeup routine

One of the biggest draws of including a clear mascara in your makeup collection is that it can be used on other areas of the face. In lieu of a clear brow gel, use a clear mascara to tame and set your brows.

“I would use clear mascara to stick eyebrows in the right direction and to groom the eyebrows,” Tardif says. “Make sure to use it last after filling in with color, to not streak or remove any color.”

Beyond your face, a clear mascara can be used to smooth flyaways and lay baby hairs. “I love using clear mascara to take care of flyaways when doing a ponytail that needs to look a bit more sleek,” Tardif shares. “Simply gel or spray the hair in the ponytail and save the clear mascara for last as the ultimate touchup to tame flyaways.”

How to remove clear mascara
While removing clear mascara is no different than removing a colored formula, there is a proper way to shed eye makeup to prevent irritation in the soft areas around the eyes. Mellinger recommends the following three-step process.

First, use micellar water to remove all facial makeup. Then, Mellinger says to use an oil-based cleansing balm to break down any remaining makeup residue. She says, “Sc up a small amount in your hands, rub together to warm, then gently massage into the skin and eye area.”

Finally, massage the cream-based cleanser into the skin to ensure it is completely clean and free of makeup, excess oil and grime.