We’ve all been there—starting the day with perfect eye makeup, only to catch a glimpse in the mirror a few hours later and discover dreaded panda eyes.

Smudged mascara under your eyes is a common problem, but fortunately, it’s one that can be prevented (or mitigated).

There are multiple causes like having excess oil, sweat, or simply the wrong formula but there are plenty more solutions to ensure your mascara doesn’t look panda-esk by the end of the day.

So let’s chat tried and true ways to avoid panda eyes, from setting powder tricks to using tubing mascaras, and everything in between.

1. Set Your Eye Area with Powder—But Avoid Over-Drying

One of the easiest ways to stop your mascara from transferring to your under-eye area is to set your makeup with a light layer of setting powder.

After applying your concealer or foundation, gently dust a translucent setting powder around your eyes. This helps absorb any excess oil that might cause your mascara to smudge.

However, be mindful not to use powders that are too drying or heavy. A lightweight, finely-milled powder is best as it will prevent your skin from looking cakey while creating a matte base that locks everything in place.

You can also lightly dust some powder on your eyelids if they tend to get oily, which can help with overall eye makeup longevity.

A gentle touch is key here—less is more when it comes to powdering the delicate skin around your eyes.

Our drugstore pick for non drying powder for the eye area is the Rimmel Match Perfection Loose Powder Translucent.

For a luxury pick, we really love the Holme Beauty Empowder Duette.

2. Choose Tubing Mascaras for Smudge-Free Wear

One of the best-kept secrets for preventing panda eyes is tubing mascaras.

Unlike traditional mascaras, which can smear and smudge as they mix with oil and sweat, tubing mascaras form tiny "tubes" around each lash.

These tubes don’t dissolve with oil or water during the day, meaning they stay put through sweat, tears, and humidity.

At the end of the day, tubing mascaras easily wash off with warm water, so you don’t need to worry about harsh makeup removers either.

The best part? You can get plenty amazing budget picks, too.

3. Prime Your Lids with an Eyeshadow Primer

If your eyelids get oily throughout the day, your mascara may transfer when you blink. One effective way to prevent this is to use an eyeshadow primer on your eyelids.

Although primers are typically used to keep eyeshadow from creasing, they also work wonders for keeping the skin around your eyes matte and smudge-proof.

After applying your primer, you can follow up with eyeshadow or wear it alone. Either way, this extra layer helps absorb oil and creates a smooth base for eye makeup, reducing the chances of mascara smudging or transferring.

Pro MUA Lisa Eldridge swears by NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, which you can get in a few shades, including clear.

Another popular pick are the MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pots, which can double as eyeshadows.

4. Get into the Habit of Not Touching Your Eyes

This might sound simple, but it’s one of the most effective tips: Don’t touch your eyes.

Throughout the day, we often touch our faces without realising it, whether it’s to rub our eyes, adjust makeup, or even out of habit.

According to studies, we touch our face an average of 23 times an hour- our eye area making up 3 of those figures.

However, rubbing or touching your eyes isn’t just a way of spreading infection- it can transfer oils from your fingers to your eye area, which increases the likelihood of your mascara smudging and break down.

To avoid this, try to be more conscious of your movements and keep your hands away from your face.

If you find yourself doing it often, you might want to carry blotting papers or a small tissue in your bag.

When you feel the urge to touch your eyes, use the blotting paper to gently dab away any oil without disrupting your makeup.

5. Consider Waterproof Mascara (With Caution)

If you’re someone who experiences a lot of moisture around the eyes—whether it’s from tears, sweat, or high humidity—you might want to consider using waterproof mascara. Waterproof formulas are designed to resist water and are less likely to smudge throughout the day.

However, it’s important to use these formulas carefully.

Waterproof mascaras can be more difficult to remove, which can lead to rubbing or tugging at the lashes, potentially causing damage over time.

When using waterproof mascara, make sure you have a good oil-based makeup remover to gently dissolve the product without scrubbing.

The good news? Your favourite mascara probably comes in a waterproof version.

6. Opt for a Lash Primer

Before applying your mascara, using a lash primer can add an extra layer of protection. Lash primers are designed to coat your lashes and help the mascara adhere better, which reduces the likelihood of smudging.

In addition to this, lash primers also lengthen and volumise your lashes, giving you an extra boost.

Look for a primer that’s compatible with your favourite mascara, and be sure to let it dry before layering your mascara over the top. This little extra step can go a long way in keeping your eye makeup intact.

We love the Loving Lash Primer from Holme Beauty that also doubles as a deepening effect on the lashes.

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Primer is also a budget friendly pick.

7. Use Blotting Papers Throughout the Day

Even with the best mascara and setting techniques, some people’s skin naturally produces more oil around the eyes. If you have oily skin, you might notice your under-eye area becoming shiny or greasy during the day, which can encourage mascara to transfer.

Carrying blotting papers in your bag is an easy way to prevent this. Simply press the paper gently under your eyes and on your eyelids to soak up any excess oil. This quick touch-up can prevent smudging and keep your makeup looking fresh.

No blotting papers? Split a tissue or square of toilet paper sheet apart per ply. Lightly dab around anywhere shiny.

8. Apply Mascara Only to Your Top Lashes

Another simple trick is to avoid applying mascara to your lower lashes. Lower lash mascara is often the culprit when it comes to under-eye smudging, especially if you have oily skin.

By focusing your mascara on your top lashes, you significantly reduce the chances of mascara transferring to your lower eye area.

If you love the look of defined lower lashes, opt for a waterproof or tubing mascara on the lower lashes only. This way, you’ll still achieve a balanced look without worrying about smudging under the eyes.

9. Be Mindful of Your Concealer

If you use concealer under your eyes, it’s important to choose a formula that complements your mascara routine.

Look for concealers that are long-lasting, non-greasy, and that set well. Avoid overly hydrating concealers that don’t set properly, as they can contribute to the mascara breaking down and transferring.

You can set your under-eye concealer with a lightweight translucent powder to create a smooth, matte surface.

This not only helps your concealer stay in place but also minimises the chances of your mascara smudging.

10. Layer Your Mascara Carefully

Finally, how you apply your mascara can make a big difference in preventing smudging. Avoid overloading your lashes with too many coats of mascara, as excess product is more likely to flake or smear.

Instead, apply one or two light coats, making sure each layer is dry before applying the next. This will give your lashes volume and length without clumping or excess product.

If you want more from your mascara and one or two coats aren’t cutting it, it might be time to switch up your go to.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding panda eyes and keeping your mascara from smudging throughout the day is completely achievable with the right techniques and products. The next time you do your eye makeup, give these tips a try.