How to Choose a Mascara

Mascara is a makeup necessity. It can take tired, worn out eyes and make them look awake and perky. It can add color, drama, mystery and sexiness, all in just one coat! With so many different prescriptions and extension options, women often underestimate the quality and effectiveness of regular mascara.  This guide will explain the different types of mascara and make it simple for you to choose whichever formula is best for you.

Lengthening:

Lengthening mascara, obviously, lengthens your lashes and makes them appear much longer than they actually are. Lengthening mascaras are perfect for women who have short, stubby lashes. Lengthening mascara wands are typically long and skinny, since their function is to lightly coat the lash and drag the lash outward. Lengthening mascara is applied like any other mascara, but there are a couple of techniques that will make this mascara more effective. First, when applying lengthening mascara, instead of holding the brush up to your lashes, flip the wand around so that the end of the wand faces outward, away from your face. Apply mascara as needed. Using the wand from this angle will allow your lashes to spread open forward, giving your eyes a more open, dollish effect. As you apply the mascara, wiggle the brush a tiny bit to keep lashes from sticking together. You don’t want to end up with spidery-lashes! Lengthening mascaras can be found at drugstores, department store makeup counters and online

Volumizing:

Volumizing mascara is really suitable for any type of lashes. I personally prefer volumzing mascara to lengthening because it makes my lashes look fuller and more natural. Volumizing mascara can be used lightly or layered for a dramatic effect. Volumizing mascara coats each lash (even the tiny little ones), and splays them out so that each individual lash can be seen, making the lashes look full and beautiful. If you are new to mascara or just want to experiment a little more, try a tube of volumizing mascara. Volumizing mascaras can be found at drugstores, department store makeup counters, and of course, online.

Clear:

Clear mascara is ideal for those who do not like wearing mascara, but wish to have gorgeous, styled lashes. Clear mascara is not noticeable on the lashes, and has a gel like texture. Clear mascara is often very thin, unlike regular mascara, so take caution and apply slowly so that the mascara’s contents do not drip into your eyes. Clear mascaras can be found at drugstores and online.

Waterproof:

Waterproof mascaras are just like any other mascaras, only they are waterproof. Waterproof mascaras are typically a lot harder to remove than normal mascara. If your eyes naturally water a lot, or you are planning to go to an event where you know you will probably get emotional, waterproof mascara is a smart purchase. Waterproof mascara can be used for everyday use, but it does have a shorter shelf like than normal mascara. Because waterproof mascara is a lot drier than normal mascara, the contents of waterproof mascara can age very quickly.

The Curler:

Prepping your lashes for mascara is just as important as the mascara itself. First, make sure that your lashes are clean. If you still have makeup on your lashes, remove it with a makeup wipe designed for eye-makeup removal. Next, take an eyelash-curler and slowly curl your lashes. If you’ve never used a curler before don’t be alarmed! The process looks a little confusing and maybe dangerous, but it’s really not once you know what you are doing. Take the eyelash-curler between your thumb and index finger (there will be holes in the curler for both of these fingers). Look into a mirror with your eyes looking straight ahead. Slowly bring the eyelash-curler to your lashes and carefully insert your lashes into the curler. Try to position the curler right in the center of your lashes, not too close to your eyes and not on the tips either. Slowly squeeze the curler and clamp down on your lashes. Hold down for about 5 seconds, then release. Slowly pull the curler from your lashes and then coat your lashes with mascara. Repeat on the other side. Usually eyelash-curlers are made of metal or plastic, but heated eyelash curlers can be bought as well. The heater curlers administer a low dose of heat to the lashes, making them curl more easily and possibly more dramatically.

The easiest way to choose a mascara is to determine what your purpose for it is. Do you want to lengthen? Add volume? Once you’ve decided which mascara is for you, choose a shade closest to your natural lash shade to achieve a natural, pretty look.

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