Mascara has come a long way since our mothers' time. But there's one trick Mom taught us that has withstood the test of time, regardless of the latest formula or trend of the moment: Applying mascara to your bottom lashes first.

While it's easy to forget this rule and focus on layering mascara on the upper lashes, we always pay the price. Not sure to what I'm referring? Think about those wet, black dots that show up on our eyelids as soon as we look up to cover our lower lash line. Not cute!

So, rather than mess up your eye shadow or waste time waiting for those top lashes to dry, just work from the bottom up. Now, if only Mom had taught us how to avoid that one guy who would break our hearts, right?!

Product Recommendations: Lancôme Définicils, L'Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara

What's your favorite benefit of modern mascara? Tell us in the comments below.