
Why can’t I put on mascara without opening my mouth? Rita, London
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Readers reply
You don’t need to when you do your upper lashes but if you open your mouth it stretches your cheeks downwards so you can apply the mascara to your lower lashes without getting it on your face. Goldgreen
I can’t put on Newsnight without opening mine. StuartDarmon
Because that’s how your mom/aunt/big sister did it, and you just followed suit. They in turn learned from their mom/aunt/big sister, and so on. It’s why I do it anyway! bigflatfeet
Same reason you stick your tongue out when concentrating? reggiepurrin
My partner tells me it’s in case she needs to shout at me. I don’t know what that has to do with mascara, but I’ve learned that when her mouth is open I should keep mine shut. Dorkalicious
At least you can put on mascara without needing to open someone else’s mouth. That would be awkward. Porthos
Otherwise, your lips stick. sparklesthewonderhen
I assume it’s because you open your eyes in a shocked expression that makes you open your mouth. LadyxxMacbeth