When it comes to experimenting with beauty and, more specifically, makeup, there are so many products, formulas and techniques to try. We've seen how to create a seamlessly smooth graphic eyeliner, the best way to apply cream contour and we've even been convinced to switch up our decades old concealer routine. Thanks, TikTok.
Now, I don't know about you, but one thing in my routine that remains unchanged is how I apply mascara. It's simple: prep the lashes with a curling tool and then add a few coats of your favourite mascara, right? WRONG! According to makeup artist, Cynthia Di Meo, whose clientele includes the one and only Selena Gomez, we've apparently been missing a few vital steps. And said steps can actually give us that volume and lift we oh so desire.
In a recent Instagram video tutorial, Cynthia shows how she achieves volume, lift, length, separation and all that good stuff we want out of a fluffy lash. She instructs: "wave the wand around for about 30 seconds to let the formula dry; this helps to build volume a lot quicker". Okay, seems simple enough.
Adding to this, she then says to "fan out your lashes, and then when it's about 80% dry, press them up with your fingers to add more lift". And there you have it, the three-step trick that requires nothing more than your handy dandy mascara wand and your fingertips.
Cynthia uses the Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara, £19, but our two favourites here at Cosmo Beauty are the MAC Cosmetics MACStack Mascara, £26, and the Maybelline Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara, £8.79. One high-end and one from the high street – you're so welcome.
I mean, we love them both so much that we even awarded them with their very own virtual trophy! *Round of applause*.
Now, IDK about you, but I'm off to try this hack out for myself. See ya!
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
