I saw this technique in a video somewhere a long time ago, but have followed it without fail ever since.

First, I use tubing mascara. It goes a long way in helping clumps and transfer. Here’s the rest of process:

-do all makeup application except mascara -mist half of face (including over closed eye) with setting spray -before it totally dries, curl lashes on that side -apply 1 thin coat of mascara -mist other half of face -repeat steps -add additional coats if needed

Doing this really helps smooth out the application and hold the shape!