Some theories for why people open their mouths include:
* Concentration: Opening the mouth might be a way to unconsciously release tension and aid concentration.
* Balance: It could be a subtle way to shift body weight and improve balance when focusing on a small, precise task.
* Mirroring: We see others do it, so we might subconsciously mimic the behavior.
However, with conscious effort, you can absolutely apply mascara without opening your mouth. It just might take a bit of practice to break the habit.