Mascara is a makeup must-have in every makeup bag, it is considered one of the most important makeup when it comes to eye makeup. It can be worn on its own or with any eye makeup look. The purpose of it, is so it can make your eyelashes appear darker, fuller, thicker and most of all it helps open up your eyes. Many people swear by it and say it’s the only makeup item they would take with them on a desert island. Mascara comes in a large variety of options and is supposed to give people a desired look for their lashes.
So, how does mascara work?
The outcome of your overall mascara look is determined through the formulation, brush type and technique on how you use it. The first thing to consider is to always make sure you understand what your getting out of your mascara.
How do you know what mascara is best for you
It’s important to determine what is your lash type, certain formulations and mascara wands can help compliment your lash type.
The following are differtent lash types for your mascara:
Straight lashes: If your lashes are straight when you look down, it can be seen that your lashes are longer and just straight. If you have this lash type it means that your eyelashes need a more curling mascara which will help lift the lashes and pull them back. This type of a formulation will help open up the eye with mascara.
Short lashes: If your eyelashes are really short where your can hardly see them then look into a lengthening mascara. These types of mascaras add extensions to your lashes making them appear longer than they really are.
Thin lashes: These eyelashes can be seen but only close. To make these lashes really pop it’s best to look at mascaras that provide volume. If your not looking for thicker lashes, then try looking at a mascara that gives more definition so that the lashes do show with a coat of mascara.
There are different purposes for mascara. The formulation of a mascara can determine the outcome of what you may be looking for.
The following are the different formulations of mascara which have different purposes:
Thickening/ volumizing mascaras: Usually have a thicker and more full formulation with dark pigments and with silicones and polymers which gives it it’s density. The formulation is usually thicker for these types of mascaras so that you can have thicker lashes with lots of volume.
Lengthening mascaras: Have plastic polymers witch attach themselves to the tip of the lashes which creates the length on the lashes. Some other formulations have fibres that attach themselves to the tips of the lashes which provides additional length, and a top coat is provided to seal in the fibers of the mascara.
Defining mascaras: Most formulas are thinner and lighter in formulation. The mascara defines each lash.
Curling mascaras: Are supposed to curl and lift your lashes. The formula is supposed to shrink and then life the lashes which most formulations claim they do.
Long Lasting Mascaras
If your looking for a mascara that doesn’t bleed or smudge, it’s best to go for a waterproof formulation. Mascaras that are waterproof have a tendency of lasting all day, and even through happy and sad events that have a lot of tears. It’s also suitable for swimming with out having to worry about smudging and smearing off.
Mascara Wands
When it comes down to mascara wands it can also determine the overall look of your lashes.
The bristles and shape of a mascara wand have an impact on the overall look of the lashes along with the formula. The technique of the mascara application is also very important, that is why it’s wise to know what each mascara wand can do for your lashes.
Thicken And Lengthening Wands
Are usually wands with fat full thick and dense bristles. These types of wands will thicken and lengthen your lashes while applying mascara. It also coats each eyelash.
Definition: Wands with short dense bristles can coat each lash from root to tip which provides each lash with a thin layer of mascara. This gives the lashes more definition.
- Wands that have bristles that are spaced out give the lashes a thin coat of mascara. These types of wands provide separate lashes along with defineing each lash.
- Wands that are shaped like a comb define and separate each lash. A thin coat of mascara separates the lashes and prevents any clumping.
Volumizing: Thickening and lengthening mascara wands that taper from thin to thick usually define, thicken and lengthen the lashes. The tapered tip allows definitions because the bristles are shorter while the rest of the brush provides volume and lengthening because the bristles are thicker and longer.
How To Apply Mascara
When applying mascara you should always consider getting the most of your mascara, by this it means using the various products out there to help.
Mascara Tools
Colored Mascaras:
Colored mascara are usually mascaras that are usually colored and can help compliment the eye color. If your looking for a way to make your eye color pop, then colored mascara is the way to go. Or even if you want your eyeshadow look pop and look different then why not try colored mascara.
Blue mascara: Helps your eye look whiter. It’s known to compliment hazel and green eyes.
Green mascara: Usually compliments green eyes with a bit of a blue undertone.
Purple mascara: Usually compliments green and brown eyes.
Brown mascara: Doesn’t really make you’re lashes pop but if your looking for a natural look then brown mascara is the way to go.
Essential Mascara Tools
There are a few essential tools that are needed when it comes to applying mascara:
- Eyelash curler: Eye lash curlers usually help curl the lashes. This gives the lashes a lift which makes them appear longer. When using a eyelash curler it’s best to squeeze your eyelashes in between the eyelash curler. The eyelash curler should only be grabbing eyelash hairs not skin. Once the eyelashes are squeezed in the eyelash curler be sure to pump the eyelash curler twice to get in the curl.
- Lash primer: Lash primers are an essential because they help our mascara last longer, they prevent it from smudging, clumping and flaking off. Lash primers can also give our lashes more volume which gives it more thickness. Lash primers also allow your mascara to adhere to the lashes better.
- Lash comb: A lash comb is usually used to comb out any clumps that maybe sitting on the lashes.
- Q- tip and oil-free makeup remover: This usually helps clean up any mess that may occur during application ofthe mascara.
Bottom Lashes
When applying mascara to the bottom lashes it can be a bit difficult. I personally found that when you apply mascara to the bottom lash line, the best way would be by using a comb like wand. These types of wands usually have small bristles which coats each individual lashes, otherwise there are mini mascara wands made specifically for the bottom lashes.
How do you apply mascara for beginners
- Use an eyelash curler: Curl your eyelashes with a eyelash curler. By using an eyelash curler it will help lift the lashes making them appear longer.
- Apply a Lash primer: Apply one coat of lash primer to the top and bottom lash line. This will help your mascara stay longer, It can also prevent smudging. Wait for the primer to be semi- dry so that you can apply your mascara on top.
- Apply one coat of mascara: Once the eyelash primer is semi- dry then apply one coat of mascara to the top lashes. When applying mascara start at the root of the lashes and wiggle the wand up to the tip of the lashes, this will help coat each and every eyelash.
- Apply a second coat of mascara: Once the first coat of mascara is semi- dry then apply the second coat of mascara, by allowing the first coat of mascara to semi-dry it will allow a second coat of mascara to adhere better to the first coat.
- Use a lash comb: Comb out any clumps that may be on the lashes after the mascara application
- Clean up any excess mascara: Clean up any mascara smudges or smears that may have occurred with a Q-tip and an oil-free makeup remover. Always make sure the makeup remover is oil-free so it doesn’t deteriorate the mascara through out the day.
How To Remove Mascara
When removing mascara, it can be a headache depending on the formulation. It’s important to be gentle with the eye area because it is so delicate. When removing waterproof mascara make sure to use a makeup remover that is oil based because it will easily break down the mascara.
The best way to remove mascara from the eyelashes is by applying a few drops of the makeup remover on a cotton pad and holding it down on the eye area for about 40-60 seconds, this deteriorates any eye makeup which makes it easy to remove. It’s best to also wash the eye area with a gentle soap and warm water to get rid of any residue.
Step 1: Apply 4-5 drops of makeup remover on a cotton pad
Step 2: Apply the cotton pad around the eye area for approximately one minute. Make sure the makeup remover has saturated into lashes so that it deteriorates the mascara.
Step 3: Wash the eye area with a gentle cleanser to get rid of any residue
If you don’t have eye makeup remover then a simple DIY trick will do such as using organic coconut oil. Coconut oil will not only break down the mascara it will also condition the skin and the eyelashes. You can either apply the coconut directly on the lashes, by rubbing it into the lashes so that it removes the mascara.