Did You Know There Are Officially Nine Steps to Applying Mascara?

Its a wonder we ever leave the house on time...note the difficulty rating. hilarious.

An excerpt from eHow.com:

Mascara's one of the most popular beauty items. It defines and brings color to the lashes, and highlights and dramatizes eyes. Different formulas can enhance your lashes in different ways.

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

Step One
Consider the types of mascara and select one appropriate for your lashes and the occasion. You have a choice of lengthening, thickening, long-wearing, conditioning and waterproof formulas, among others. For day, you might decide to add length, while a night on the town may require a long-wearing or thickening formula.

Step Two
Select a color. If you have blond or red lashes, opt for brown mascara. Darker-lashed women can consider brown for a casual look, and black or brown-black for more pronounced or dramatic lashes.

Step Three
Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler, if desired, and apply all other eye makeup prior to your mascara.

Step Four
Remove the wand from the tube in one pull. Pumping the mascara will push air into the tube, potentially drying out the formula and introducing bacteria into it.

Step Five
Begin with the underside of your upper lashes, moving the brush slowly upward toward the tips of your lashes. Always hold the wand parallel to your eyelid. Roll the brush slowly on the upward stroke to promote separation of the lashes.

Step Six
Allow the first coat of mascara to dry before applying the second coat in the same manner.

Step Seven
Use an eyelash comb to separate the wet lashes. Also blot the lashes with tissue paper if necessary to remove excess mascara.

Step Eight
Use less mascara for the lower lashes. Begin where the lashes meet the rim of the lower eyelid, and gently stroke downward.

Step Nine
Remove any stray mascara around the eye with a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of eye makeup remover.

Tips & Warnings

Contact lens wearers should stick to waterproof mascara formulas, as they break down more slowly, minimizing the chance of any flakes getting into the eyes.
Always remove eye makeup thoroughly before going to bed. This will keep lashes healthier and prevent any mascara from getting into your eyes during the night.
Apply mascara after eye shadow and eyeliner.