There are lots of ways to make your lashes look better than to simply pile on the mascara. And they’ll probably make less of a mess and be less itchy when a bit of mascara globs into your eye. Here are my favorite hacks for pretty, long lashes.

Hack 1: Avoid Mascara Clumps

To avoid getting mascara clumps on your lashes, which would require extra cleanup time, roll your mascara brush over a tissue before applying. Make sure to only do it once, or you might remove too much formula from the mascara and waste some of that precious black gunk!

Hack 2: The Business Card Trick

Don’t bother messing around trying to figure out your mascara in the morning. Get flawless lashes every morning with this do-ahead business card trick. Just hold a business card above your eye, and using a pencil or pen, measure and mark the length of your eye, then connect the two marks by drawing the curve of your eye (it doesn’t have to be perfect). Cut out that semi-circle from the business card. Now place the cutout card over your eye, behind your lashes, and lift a little. Your lashes should lift up with your lid. Apply mascara as usual. Your messy mistakes will go on the card instead of your skin!

Hack 3: Saline Solution

Get your mascara running again with saline solution (the kind you use for your eyes). It will re-wet the flaky mascara. Remember, though, you’re only supposed to keep mascara for three months. Any longer and it can lead to bacteria and eye infections. However, if it dries up within that time, revive it with this trick.

Hack 4: Hair Dryer Lashes

Hit your eyelash curler with a hair dyer to heat it up, so your lashes curl more easily. Blowing hot air on your eyelash curler will help your lashes curl easier and stay curled longer. It works the same way as if you were changing the texture of your hair with a hair iron or blow dryer. To do it, hit the lash curler with your blow dryer until it heats up, wait until it cools slightly but is still warm (don’t burn yourself or your lashes), and then clamp down on your lashes to curl them. Only hold for a few seconds at a time.

Hack 5: Bobby Eyelash

A bobby pin has a lot of great uses, but did you know it’s a great for applying false lashes? Simply apply eyelash glue even to the falsies with a clean bobby pin. Dispense the glue even along the base of the lashes. Wait a bit for the glue to get tacky and then apply the false eyelashes.

Hack 6: The Bra Trick

To get the most out of your mascara, stick it in your bra for a few minutes to warm it up. It’ll curl your lashes a lot better.

Hack 7: Baby Powder Lashes

Baby powder has a lot of great uses, like replacing dry shampoo, but it can also get you fuller, longer lashes. Simply dip a Q-tip into baby powder and run it across your lashes after your first coat of mascara. Then apply a second coat. The powder will adhere to the mascara, giving your lashes a great, almost-false lash look.