SOMETHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT MASCARA
No matter if you wear a full face of makeup or you favor a far more natural approach, mascara is the cherry on top of any look. There are so many options when it comes to choosing which type of mascaras works best for you. From lengthening to thickening—even waterproof options—it can be difficult to navigate the beauty aisle to find your perfect mascara match.
Before heading out to the store, why not take a few moments to make the hunt a little easier by targeting your specific needs.
Volumizing Mascara
Looking for bigger lashes? It’s best to search for mascaras with thicker, buildable formulas. The brushes are often more dense to really pack on the formula and plump up the individual lash hairs. You may want to apply a few coats to add as much volume as possible. It’s best to do this while the mascara is still a bit wet in order to avoid it getting flaky and clumpy.
Lengthening Mascara
We have yet to meet someone who doesn’t want longer lashes. The brushes often have comb-like bristles that allow you to apply the formula onto your lashes, gliding it from root to end, coating the tip of each and every hair. Though these mascaras likely won’t give you thicker lashes, they can give a more dramatic, clump-free effect by making them appear more fluttery. Fiber mascaras are also a great option, since they attach tiny little fibers to each lash as you apply the formula, adding both length and fullness.
Curling Mascara
Straight lashes can be difficult to curl, especially if you’re not a fan of using a lash curler. A lifting or curling mascara can help shape your lashes to give them a falsie effect.
Washable Mascara
For starters, washable mascaras are made with a higher water content, so they are easier to remove. Washables tend to be more flexible on the lashes, which means they’re better for the health of your lashes. The downside to washables is that, because they don’t dry down fully, they can leave dark marks of product on your lower eyelid and smudge around your eyes.
Waterproof Mascara
Waterproof mascaras have a lower water content, and some contain none at all, making them last through sweat, rain, tears, or dampness of any sort. They’re not bulletproof, though. I only wear waterproof, and I’ll still notice little black marks around my lower lid from time to time. But any marks from a waterproof mascara are much lighter and less noticeable compared to smearing from washables and often look like a shadow rather than a smudge. However, because waterproof mascara is made to last, it’s important that you use a makeup remover, special eye makeup remover, or an oil cleanser, to gently remove the product from your lashes and prevent lash loss. Otherwise you’d tug on your lashes too much trying to remove it.
Tips
Never keep a mascara for more than three months. The unfortunate truth is that mascara tubes are a hotbed for germs. You’re putting that comb right up to your eyes, time and time again, and you really don’t want to risk expired product or exposure to bacteria. Mascara has the shortest shelf life of any beauty product, so if you’re not using up your tube of Dior show every day or using it up before three month’s time, consider finding a cheap drugstore alternative that you’re okay with throwing in the trash when it’s expired. It’s much better than the alternative—an eye infection.