Use a new applicator everytime which seems to really help. I just get cheap ones from amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/ChefBee-Disposable-Applicators-Extensions-Container/dp/B08JV1F4HM/

And if I don't have any available I separate clumps with a comb:
https://www.amazon.com/MSQ-Separator-Applicator-Designed-Cosmetic/dp/B07GGR2LY1

I've given up. I think I have very greasy eye lashes and eye lids. I used to be able to wear Marathon ("Marathon looks just put on, until you take it off..." if you remember the jingle) -- but that was discontinued years ago. They probably discovered it was 50% concrete or something.
Now I just do brown liquid eyeliner right only the top lash line, which seems to have roughly the same effect as mascara as far as brightening my eyes.

Tubing mascara is a godsend for me, someone with watery eyes who always touches her face.

It’s never harmed my lashes and I don’t understand why people have that issue. I just hold a damp warm washcloth over my eyes for a few seconds, then gently wipe and the tubes come off.

I think I use Hourglass brand.

Sephora has a premium mascara sampler a few times a year. Good way to find what you like. https://www.sephora.com/product/holiday-lashstash-to-go-mini-mascara-set-P512564?country_switch=us&lang=en&skuId=2813269&om_mmc=ppc-GG_17791296877___2813269__9007527_m&country_switch=us&lang=en&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADnIXb3D1EAXYaCLk0ybq3SFjNny6&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm5e5BhCWARIsANwm06jauF4hMlN5cQqv8VPbJvmpFpGdCRjHV9CxXvmj0w_LiR6Dj2C5jKQaAmh3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Anonymous wrote:I have found that Ilia mascara is about the worst out there with regard to flaking.

I do use tubing, but I only like the Blinc brand. (Tarte is terrible.) You have to put it on carefully with the fact that it is tubing in mind. I brush in on top first if that makes sense, the opposite of how you think of someone applying mascara, and then put it back in the tube for more product and pull out and stroke it upwards on the lashes the normal way. That way I make sure each entire lash is covered.

PP here. Saw someone asked for an explanation of why those of us who use tubing do so. My eyes water like crazy because of allergies, that is why I use it. It's the only thing that won't run/smudge the minute the water works that are my eyes once I step outside start up.

I have found that Ilia mascara is about the worst out there with regard to flaking.

I do use tubing, but I only like the Blinc brand. (Tarte is terrible.) You have to put it on carefully with the fact that it is tubing in mind. I brush in on top first if that makes sense, the opposite of how you think of someone applying mascara, and then put it back in the tube for more product and pull out and stroke it upwards on the lashes the normal way. That way I make sure each entire lash is covered.

To avoid clumps and flakes I take out the applicator and wipe off almost all the mascara on a small piece of paper (a cheap tissue, paper towel, or napkin is better than anything linty).

Then I apply what's left, starting at the base of my lashes and wiggling the wand subtly back and forth as I work my way to the lash tips.

Repeat after a minute drying time if you want it to be a heavier coat.

Drugstore brands are fine.
Don't have a lot of moisturiser or under eye cream on.
If you have oil free makeup primer around your eyelid area and blot your eyelids with blotting paper first it can also help about pull making the eye makeup come off.

Good luck!

I always had trouble with mascara smudging; tubing works for me, but at the time it was only the more expensive Sephora brands. Try Japanese brand KissMe Heroine Make waterproof mascara. It’s a drugstore makeup in Japan, and the only one I use. You need an oil makeup remover to take it off though - it really doesn’t budge. I buy from olive & young or yes style bc I don’t trust Amazon stock, or you can find it in the us at some Asian stores.

I so hate tubing mascara. on me it simply takes my natural lashes with it when it's removed. I would love an explanation of why women like it, except that the tubes make lashes look thicker.

I hate mascara too. Recently used MAC Stack mascara and like it. I doesn't flake and most importantly, mostly comes off with micellar cleanser and doesn't leave black residue on my eyes for three days! I will say the brush is a little hard/rigid and can poke though.
Application for me gets harder as I get older because the lashes are as thick so it takes much longer to put on mascara. hate that.

Yes, I hate mascara, it always flakes off me, too. People have recommended tubing mascara, but I can never get it off in tubes like everyone else can.

From the drugstore I get the L’Oreal telescopic and I’ve never had an issue with clumping or flaking. When I can spend more money, I get the Chantecaille Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara And it goes on like a dream! I am by no means an expert, but I do sort of do a wiggle near the base of my lashes as I go up.

Do you put on moisturizer and/or eye cream after you wash your face, and do you think you’re getting any on your lashes?

This is OP. I’ve tried Cover Girl, the classic and others, Loreal and Almay.

I’ve also tried Ilia, Lancome, Too Faced, It Cosmetics and Thrive.

I have flaking, smudging and clumping with all. It makes me wonder, am I applying wrong? Is there some basic mascara application tip that I never learned?

You're probably spending too much $$. IME, cheap drugstore mascara always works better. My current favorite is No. 7, but I wore Cover Girl Professional for years.

I am 55 years old and still can’t apply mascara well. Please help!

I have tried so many brands, including traditional and tubing. I’m currently using Ilia.

All and I mean all flake so in quick order after applying so I have little black flakes under my eyes and on cheeks. Many smudge. Many look clumpy and fake when I apply.

I’d like natural looking, lengthened lashes. I’d appreciate recs for brands and any application tips. Thank you!