It’s every girl’s dream to have dark, thick lashes. Mascara’s a blessing in the name of makeup, and it makes you look naturally beautiful by enhancing your look instantly. But like all makeup, choosing a mascara for yourself can often be tricky. So, here’s a detailed guide on selecting the best mascara for you.
Different Types of Mascara
Mascara Primer
Just as you prepare your face to put on foundation, your eyelashes need to be primed as well. Mascara primer will ensure that your eyelashes remain hydrated and will also prolong its wear time. It also protects your lashes from the adverse effects of regular and prolonged usage of mascara.
Volumizing Mascara
If you have really thin lashes, try a volumizing mascara. It’ll give you lush lashes that make a bold statement. It’s ideal for parties and special occasions where you want to unleash your inner diva. They’re generally made with silicone polymers, imparting a waxy texture that adds serious thickness.
Fiber Mascara
This mascara type contains small fiber-like microscopic pieces, usually silk or rayon. They attach themselves to the end of your lashes, adding length and thickness. They’re like falsies but cost-effective and hassle-free because who wants to deal with glue on the regular? Exercise caution when removing this at the end of the day because small fibers could enter your eyes and cause irritation.
Tubing Mascara
If you’re someone who wants your mascara to last a long time, tubing mascara’s the way to go. It doesn’t impart pigment to your eyes but instead coats individual lashes to give the illusion of length. It’s also easy to remove, which is a plus.
Curling Mascara
This mascara comes with a curved applicator and is ideal for those of you looking to maximize curl. Use the curved side of the applicator on the downside of your lashes, pulling them down and then push it up to the end of its length to get serious height. Use an eyelash curler beforehand to get an even more defined and long-lasting look.
Waterproof Mascara
Tired of your mascara bleeding, giving you a sad panda look? This can happen if it’s too hot outside, but lucky for you, waterproof mascara will solve all your problems and then some. It’s smudge-proof, and it won’t budge so rest assured, you’ll have perfect lashes all summer long. However, like fiber mascara, makeup removal is on the trickier side. It won’t come off with water so you’ll need a special oil-based remover.
Bottom Line Mascara
How many times have you struggled to put mascara on your lower lashes without messing up your makeup underneath? It’s definitely a strugglebus, which is why a handful of major beauty brands have created a solution to this dilemma. Bottom line mascara has a special applicator designed exclusively for lower lashes. The applicator’s long and thin and it hugs your lower line ensuring smooth application that won’t disturb makeup underneath.
Clump Free Mascara
Made with glycerin and silk extracts, clump free mascara comes with an elongated brush that gives you a natural look that’s great for everyday wear. Its unique selling point is that it won’t cake or clump up. It’s less waxy than other mascaras so it’s not as dark or volumizing, but it’s awesome for casual wear.
Eyebrow Mascara
This is the key to fuller arch-shaped eyebrows. Thick eyebrows are very on trend so get your hands on this mascara to complete your look. This mascara has a small applicator that fills in your brows with ease. It’s less waxy and shiny because you don’t want to overdo it. Aim for natural during application!
Types of Mascara Applicators
What holds equal importance as the quality of the mascara is the applicator it comes with. A good one gives you a smooth finish, whereas a bad one can make your lashes go all sorts of crazy. So be wise while choosing your mascara brush shape. Here are the kinds you should be familiar with:
The Classic Applicator
This is ideal for those of you who want volume. Choose a classic applicator with thick bristles to get a dramatic look that will turn break necks.
The Curved Applicator
This is specially made for those of you who want their curls to be defined. Use the curved side of the applicator on the inner side of your lashes by first bringing it down and then pushing it up from the midway. This will ensure the maximum height, giving the illusion of explicitly curled lashes.
Bottom-line applicator
Also known as micro applicators, these are specially made to define your lower eyelashes and those little lashes on the inner corner of your eyes. With this, you can easily apply your mascara on these problematic areas without having to worry about messing it up.
Tapered Applicator
This is particularly useful for lashes on the inner corner of your eyes as well as the longer ones on the outer corner. Use the pointed end of the applicator to apply product onto your lower lashes as well as the ones that are more difficult to access. Use the larger end of the applicator to coat the lashes on the outer corner of your eyes.
Some things to consider…
- Look for cruelty-free options. Most companies test makeup on animals, but there are a handful of great options available that are cruelty free. I recommend cruelty-free mascara – it works just as well so it’s a win-win situation for you as well as animals.
- Use a curler. Before you apply your mascara, make sure you use an eyelash curler and hold it for at least 15 seconds. This will make your curl firm and defined.
- Identify your eye size and shape. All applicators are not designed equal. Case in point, if you have small eyes with short lashes, choose a shorter applicator. This will help you reach lower lashes and the lashes on the inner corner of your eyes that are difficult to reach.
- Apply the mascara on the entire length of your lashes. Many believe applying mascara only at the tip makes their eyes look bigger, but that’s an urban beauty legend. That’ll weigh down your lashes rather than opening up your eyes, and you’ll lose out on much-desired curl. Therefore, make sure you apply your mascara from the roots, covering the entire lash up to the tip.
- Ingredients to avoid while choosing a mascara. Certain chemicals can affect your lashes and skin negatively when used for a long time. Parabens, aluminum powder, retinyl acetate, propylene glycol are some of the ingredients that you want to avoid when choosing mascara. Also, try to go for something that has Vitamin E in it so you don’t dry your lashes out.
Alright friends, I hope you enjoyed my latest post – hopefully you learned a lot about mascara today. It’s one of my favorite beauty products because it can make a big difference with a quick swipe. With the right product, you can create the look of falsies without the hassle. Until next time friends – for more on makeup, make sure to check out this tab.
I love Waterproof Mascara, but removing it is pain.
Author
I hear you! I’ll do a post on good makeup removers =) Thanks for the idea!