Everything You Need to Know About Mascara
It’s hard to know where to start when looking for the right mascara. Just run around the pharmacy and you will see more types of mascara than you could possibly apply in an entire year, so how do you know which one is right for you? I’m here to help, but first, let’s start with the basics.
Let’s start with a quick and dirty definition of mascara. It consists of black pigments bonded with a polymer and thickened with various waxes or oils. The mascara is used to lengthen, thicken, darken and enhance your natural lashes, bringing more attention to your eyes. But there are several different types.
Washable and waterproof
While these two categories might seem to speak for themselves, there is more to them than just how well they handle thunderstorms.
First, washable mascaras are made with a higher water content so they are easier to remove. Detergents tend to be more elastic on your eyelashes, which means they’re better for the health of your eyelashes (if you think eyelash health isn’t real, then you’ve never had a problem as uncomfortable as losing eyelashes).
Alternative waterproof mascara tends to dry out and tie the lashes together, which can sometimes cause the roots to stretch and fall out. Washable formulas are more responsive and allow lashes to move freely and independently when touched or in contact with the lenses of your glasses or another person’s face. Finally, rinse off mascara can be removed using only water, although any makeup remover is recommended.
The downside of laundry detergents is that they don’t dry out completely, so they can leave dark marks on the lower eyelid and smear around the eyes. It’s not the end of the world, but for this reason I avoid washable items.
Waterproof mascaras have less water and some do not contain at all, which allows them to hold out even in sweat, rain, tears or any moisture. But they are not bulletproof. I only wear waterproof clothing and from time to time I still notice small black markings around the lower eyelid. But any marks from waterproof mascara are much lighter and less noticeable compared to smudges from detergents and often look like a shadow rather than a smudge.
However, since waterproof mascara is made to last, it’s important to use a makeup remover, specialty eye makeup remover, or an oily cleanser to gently remove the product from your lashes and prevent them from falling out. Otherwise, you will be pulling too hard on the lashes while trying to remove them.
Each mascara promises something different: lengthen, add volume, split, curl – whatever you can think of, and the different mascaras have unique formulas for matching effects. Some mascaras are very thick, clinging to each lash, causing them to cling to each other, giving the illusion of more lashes and a thicker lash line. Some are very thin, wrapping around each lash and lengthening the tip, making each lash look longer.
Brushes are just as important as the mascara itself. There is a brush for each type of mascara to optimize its performance. Here are a few things to look out for when looking for the right mascara brush combination.
Different types of brushes
When you think of a mascara stick, you probably imagine the stubble on the end. This is the classic way to apply mascara and is still found in products today. Bristles come in different lengths, shapes and sizes for different effects. In my experience, bristles are best for giving you length, bifurcation effect and proportion throughout the length and volume.
But there is also a newer type made from rubber instead of traditional bristles.
Brushes with small rubber teeth are becoming more common. I prefer rubberized brushes because I feel they can be adapted to specific mascara formulas for the perfect end result. In my experience, rubber brushes last longer because the product does not build up between the teeth after a couple of weeks of use. It’s like a new stick every time.
As a rule of thumb, the longer the bristles, the longer the eyelashes. An oval, pointed brush is great for applying the product all over the surface and gripping the little lashes of children in the inner corner. The hourglass-shaped bristly brush will always give you insane volume. Small, short-toothed brushes are best for volume, but not so much for length.
Correct removal of mascara
If you want to leave your lashes in a few years, you need to take a few extra seconds before removing the mascara. Roughly removing mascara and not using an eyelash remover can easily rip out lashes and damage the root, which can make regrowth difficult or stop completely.
Many people will tell you that they have a better way to remove mascara and that any other method other than theirs is wrong. The main thing to keep in mind when removing mascara is to break it apart on the lashes so that no pressure is required to remove it.
I remove my makeup by first wiping everything except the lashes with a makeup remover tissue. I then gently apply an oily cleanser to my lashes to break up the mascara and wipe it down with a makeup tissue. Then I wash my face with warm water and a good cleanser. Light!
If you don’t have an oily cleanser at your disposal, then a damp make-up wipe is sufficient. Just hold it close to your lashes for a few seconds so that they have time to absorb the remover before you wipe them off. The key is to work with ease, no matter what you use.
A few more mascara options
You will notice that mascara comes in a variety of shades. Brown is good for eyelash extensions, but without the drama. Blue is great for highlighting different colored eyes. But have you ever noticed that there are always several different shades of black? That’s the problem.
You will often see black and then the blackest black . So what’s the difference? Blackest Black, or Obsidian Black, or whatever they call it, is a “real” black made from only black pigments. Black, as with any natural black hair, usually has a little brown in it to soften the shade. Usually it is not even noticeable; it just works to be a little easier on the eyes (no pun intended) as full black is sometimes not suitable for fair skin or soft daytime looks.
And then there are the coils! The spool is a spare disposable mascara brush. My mascara started looking its best when I started using coils. Apply the mascara as usual, then sweep the roll over your lashes. This will improve the quality of the product and your lashes by removing excess mascara that may clump or smudge during wear. Even though it only removes a little of the product, it doesn’t shrink or weaken your lashes – in fact, quite the opposite. This will align the product and make it look perfect. You can buy them from any beauty store or hundreds on Amazon.
But here’s the most important rule of thumb about mascara: never keep mascara for more than three months. Unfortunately, mascara tubes are a breeding ground for germs. You put this comb right on your eyes over and over again and you really don’t want to risk an expired product or be exposed to bacteria. Mascara has the shortest shelf life of any beauty product, so if you don’t use the Diorshow tube every day or are using it sooner than three months later, consider looking for a cheap pharmacy alternative that you can throw in the trash. when it expired. It is much better than the alternative eye infection.
What’s your favorite mascara? What advice can’t you live without? Let’s talk in the comments!