The best way to apply mascara is to curl the lashes first, then start applying at the root of the lash on the outside of the eye. Apply the brush to the lash, pushing upwards and outwards at the same time with a zig-zag type of movement so that it separates the lashes while applying the mascara. On the inner lashes and the bottom lashes, use just the tip of the brush and apply to individual lashes. It takes a little more time, but it makes the application cleaner.