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When it comes to experimenting with beauty and, more specifically, makeup, there are so many products, formulas and techniques to try. We've seen how to create a seamlessly smooth graphic eyeliner, the best way to apply cream contour and we've even been convinced to switch up our decades old concealer routine. Thanks, TikTok.

Now, I don't know about you, but one thing in my routine that remains unchanged is how I apply mascara. It's simple: prep the lashes with a curling tool and then add a few coats of your favourite mascara, right? WRONG! According to makeup artist, Cynthia Di Meo, whose clientele includes the one and only Selena Gomez, we've apparently been missing a few vital steps. And said steps can actually give us that volume and lift we oh so desire.

In a recent Instagram video tutorial, Cynthia shows how she achieves volume, lift, length, separation and all that good stuff we want out of a fluffy lash. She instructs: "wave the wand around for about 30 seconds to let the formula dry; this helps to build volume a lot quicker". Okay, seems simple enough.

A post shared by CYNTHIA DI MEO (@cynth_pop)

Adding to this, she then says to "fan out your lashes, and then when it's about 80% dry, press them up with your fingers to add more lift". And there you have it, the three-step trick that requires nothing more than your handy dandy mascara wand and your fingertips.

Cynthia uses the Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara, £19, but our two favourites here at Cosmo Beauty are the MAC Cosmetics MACStack Mascara, £26, and the Maybelline Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara, £8.79. One high-end and one from the high street – you're so welcome.

I mean, we love them both so much that we even awarded them with their very own virtual trophy! *Round of applause*.

Now, IDK about you, but I'm off to try this hack out for myself. See ya!