Actually if you have problems with clumps it's most likely your mascara is old. Get a mascara with the little rubber bristles. They get in between each hair and apply mascara without clumps. Truly an amazing invention. For your lower lashes use a flat brush, wipe it through your wand and apply with the brush to your lower lashes. You have more control over where exactly you want it and it goes on thinner. Always remember that cheap makeup has cheap quality, as with most things. And with all things consumable, old makeup is bad news. Last thing you ever want going near your eye is crusty outdated makeup. It could make for one heck of an infection.