:eek: Why do we open our mouths wide to apply mascara? :eek:
I can’t figure it out. I’m applying goop to my eyelashes. Why is it “instictive” (or so it seems) for EVERY WOMAN I KNOW to do the same?
I can open my eyes wide without opening my mouth. Just as wide as with my mouth closed. I have no intention of EATING the stuff, nor does it seem like it just may taste good. My gut is telling me that my eyelids are just more “stable” with my mouth opened, though that physically seems impossible.
This subject was explored by Dave Feldman in his book, Imponderables. An excerpt from the promo reads, Also included is my all-time favorite Imponderable submitted by an outside party (one Susan Sherman Smith): "Why do women open their mouths when applying mascara?"
I don’t do it when I’m putting my contacts in, but I do this with mascara.
I think the deal is this: sure, I can open my eyes wide without doing it, but when I open my mouth and open my eyes wide, I’m pulling my cheeks out of the way too.
Just a WAG though.
You’re probably extending your neck forward as you apply mascara (and contacts for some, but not all, people) Opening your mouth may be more comfortable for the muscles at the front/sides of your neck in that position. As you note, it wouldn’t be a major effect, but since your attention is focused elsewhere it may be semi-instinctual at first, and pass into habit over a period of years
Just a WAG. It does explain why not all contact wearers do this, though, since there are several distinct technique to apply contacts.
It’s so that you don’t feel the need to blink as often, thereby potentially messing up the mascara application. It sounded crazy to me too, until I tried it. I was able to apply mascara (with multiple coats) on each upper eyelid without blinking.
WAG= Wild Ass Guess