Mascara mishaps are a common beauty blunder that can be caused by smears, which is when the mascara gets on the skin around the eyes. Smears can occur when too much mascara is applied, when the wand is not wiped off properly, or when the mascara is old and has dried out. To avoid smears, it is important to use the right amount of mascara, to wipe the wand off after each use, and to replace the mascara regularly.