4 Different Mascaras - - Which is For You?
When you stand at the makeup counter or aisle, it can be confusing. Should you get lengthening, curling, thickening or non-smudging? And what, just what, is the difference between each of these anyway? (Is there a difference, or are these mascara types all hype, designed to get you to buy more than one type?)
Mascaras these days are loaded with proteins & waxes all designed to condition your lashes & come in problem-solving formulations. InStyle's beauty book, Getting Gorgeous, breaks down these different types of mascaras. Here goes:
Lengthening mascara
Lengthening mascaras have dense bristles that allow you to get more mascara on your lashes & especially on the tips of your lashes.
Thickening mascara When you want bulk, you do want to buy the mascaras touted as 'thickening.' These products contain a thicker formula of waxes & silicone polymers that coat lashes & make them appear bulkier.
Waterproof mascara Obviously these 'non-smudging' mascaras contain special synthetic formulas meant to repel moisture. But these can be harsh on your lashes (to prevent breaking lashes, you can put Vaseline on them before you go to sleep). Water-resistant mascaras that do not wash off easily and is great for summer and monsoons. It is the best choice for athletes and swimmers, as it does not melt away with sweat and water. Most water-resistant formulas are so processed that they do not smudge or flake easily.
Non-clumping mascara These contain ingredients like silk extract & glycerin. The applicators also have longer wands which allow for a more even application.
Tips for applying eye mascara:
We've compiled a list of great mascara tips & tricks to share with you. Follow these and you'll save money, look prettier and your eyes will appear brighter and wider.
- Tip #1: How to use a lash comb. For some, lash combs are simply too fussy. But for some makeup artists, they're a great invention and keep lashes glob-free and perfectly separated. So how to use? Apply mascara at the lash base. Then wiggle the lash comb through to the tips of your lashes. Not into the lash comb? Get rid of clumbs without them by removing excess mascara from the wand. Wipe wand on tissue, this eliminates blobs BEFORE you start.
- Tip #2: Try a clean mascara wand. Sweep a clean, fresh mascara wand through lashes when they're wet. Don't worry, you don't have to buy them.
- When you finish a mascara, clean the wand in a capful of eye makeup remover, then wash with soap and dry. Keep it clean by washing it whenever you wash your makeup tools.
- Tip #3: Don't shy away from colored mascara. Basic mascara rules are simple: Black works for everyone but can be harsh on blondes. Blondes should opt for brown/black by day and reserve black for night. Blue mascara, however, can brighten blue eyes while purple mascara makes brown eyes pop.
- Tip #4: When applying mascara, wiggle the wand at the base of the lashes. It's the mascara placed near the roots (not the tips) that gives the illusion of length.
- Tip #5: Thin, short brushes are best. A thinner brush allows you to get into the corner of eyes. Short brushes give you more control.
- Tip #6: Give a few coats to the edges by blinking. Blink onto the brush to give ends an extra coat.
- Tip #7: Powder under the eye before applying mascara. Sometimes mascara smudges because it's attracted to oily concealer or eye creams.
- Tip #8: Use an eyelash curler Curling lashes gives eyes the appearance of being wider and brighter. Shoot warm air from your blowdryer on the mascara curler for 3-5 seconds to warm it up before curling lashes. Touch it first to make sure it's not too hot. It's a myth that you have to curl lashes before you apply mascara. You can curl lashes after mascara application, just make sure the mascara is dry first.
- Tip #9: Zig-zag the wand. Zig-zagging the wand back and forth during application helps cut down clumps.
- Tip #10: For a dramatic look, apply mascara only to the upper lashes. To make eyes seem wider, apply to the bottom, too. But make sure you give lashes a light touch. Not great at getting those bottom lashes? Try putting a tissue under them before application.
- Tip #11: Use a mascara primer. Primers coat lashes and separate them before you apply mascara. Makeup artists swear by mascara primer. I tried it and like it, but because it's an added step, I usually use primer only on special occasion when I spend more time on my makeup.
- Tip #12: Want that 2nd coat? Just make sure to do it before the first coat dries, otherwise you'll get clumps.
- Tip #13: Do NOT pump wand in and out of the tube. This only introduces air into the tube, which will cause your mascara to dry out sooner than it should.
- Tip #14: Another smudge-proof tip -- bend the wand. A top makeup artist once gave his secret to his steady hand: he always bends his wand at a right angle.
- Tip #15: Wait five seconds before blinking. You don't want to paint your lids, do you?
- Tip #16:Define the line "Pushing" black eye shadow into the line of the eyelashes will create an illusion of thicker lashes.
- Tip #17:For Thicker Eyelashes Holding your mascara in a horizontal position, apply your mascara at the base of the eyelash line and "wiggle" your brush all the way up to the top of the lashes.
- For Longer Eyelashes Hold your brush in a vertical position, apply your mascara pulling the brush up, this will feel odd at first but it defintely works. ***Side note, if you need thicker and longer eyelashes, alternate steps 16 and 17, doing multiple coats. Just remember to take a minute and let the mascara dry inbetween so you don't have one big cakey mess!
TIP TO REMOVE MASCARA
Mascara must be removed very carefully to avoid damaging the delicate skin around the eyes. Try removing the final traces of mascara with a cotton bud dipped in cleanser. When you removing the mascara avoid the colour from going onto the delicate area below the bottom lashes and close your eyes.
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