Why many people open their mouths a little when applying eye liner, kajal, or mascara

Is this a physiological function? Let's understand more from an expert.

By: Lifestyle Desk
New Delhi | November 5, 2024 09:30 PM IST

3 min read

Here's why your mouth opens when you apply mascara (Source: Freepik)

It’s fascinating how the human body and mind work. So, after finding out what happens to the body if you stay silent for an entire day, why we can’t tickle ourselves, or why the gut is called the second brain, we were left wide-mouthed when we realised that we unknowingly do something whenever we apply makeup like mascara or eyeliner. Wondering what that is? Opening our mouths (well, at least a little!)

“Women often open their mouths while applying mascara or eyeliner due to natural reflexes. When focusing on tasks near the eyes, facial muscles relax, and the jaw loosens, which causes the mouth to open,” a post from FactsDaily read on Instagram.

Is this a physiological function? Let’s understand more from an expert.

Dr Vipul Gupta, group director – neurointervention, Paras Hospital Gurugram, noted that opening the mouth to apply eyeliner or mascara is a frequent response that isn’t caused by a particular bodily reaction.

Did you ever notice? (Source: Freepik)

“Rather, how our facial muscles are coupled is responsible for this phenomenon. The orbicularis oculi and other face muscles that govern the eyes are activated when we apply cosmetics to delicate areas like the eyes. Our jaws automatically open to stabilise our hands or ease the strain on these muscles, which relaxes the surrounding facial muscles and helps us concentrate on precise motions,” said Dr Gupta.

According to Dr Gupta, some people tilt their heads or raise their eyebrows when applying makeup because of this connection between the muscles in their faces.

“For many people, it has become a habitual, unconscious activity, even though it is not an automatic or protective response like blinking. In basic terms, opening the mouth results from focusing on a sensitive activity that calls for steadiness and accuracy,” said Dr Gupta.

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It is just a widespread human habit and has “no deeper physiological function”, added Dr Gupta.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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