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Three tips for buying mascara
Do you want your lashes to be extra long, full, or voluminous? Maybe you want both length and volume? Let us guide you through the different terms:
- A volumising mascara makes lashes look thicker and larger. Sometimes volumising mascaras can be a bit sticky, but there are lots of nice ones to use.
- A lengthening mascara builds on the lashes to make them look extra long. Some contain fibres, which can give the same effect as false lashes.
- A defining mascara covers each lash separately, without clumping them together like volumising mascaras do. It also tends to add length to really enhance the lashes. This type of mascara thus provides both length and separation.
By applying many different layers, you can often decide for yourself how much length and volume you want to achieve.
Of course, no one longs for a mascara that smudges, crumbles and gives them panda eyes after a couple of hours. Reading about mascara tests and seeing what beauty journalists think about products tends to be a good way to avoid incorrect purchases. But the type of mascara is also important.
A waterproof mascara resists rain and sweat. Water is often required to be above 38 degrees in order to release the mascara from the lashes. A waterproof mascara stays in place until you wash it off with a makeup remover. A two-phase cleanser is often required, i.e. a product consisting of both oil and remover that are shaken together before use. A tube mascara sits like small tubes on the lashes. Only water above 38 degrees is able to wash it off.
Black is the best-selling mascara colour. For a softer look, try a brown mascara instead. If you feel like playing with colour, a colourful mascara can be fun. Why not try purple, green or blue?
FAQ
To apply mascara to your eyelashes first, look up, place the wand at the base of your upper lashes, then wiggle it back and forth. Then pull the wand upwards covering the rest of your lashes, make sure you move slowly to avoid clumping. Because your bottom lashes are very delicate, it’s important to be extra careful when applying mascara to them.
A tip is to use the tip of the wand and only apply mascara to the root of your bottom lashes.
The most common colours to pick from are brown and black. Which one you buy, depends on what you want. If you’re looking for more of a statement and drama – black is your colour, or why not try a fun colour like blue or green?
Brown mascara gives a bit more of a natural look, especially for people with light hair and fair skin. If you have blue or green eyes a brown mascara is great because it’s almost on the opposite side of the colour wheel making them pop!
Mascara wands come with all types of brushes that create a different look for your eyelashes. Depending on the result you’re looking for, different mascara brushes will be right for you. The most common ones are:
- Oversized: Adds maximum volumes, making your lashes look fuller.
- Thin: Adds length to your lashes, while keeping a more natural look.
- Curved: Adds both volume and length, its curve allows it to reach the lashes even in the corner of your eye.
- Flat comb: This brush separates your lashes thoroughly, helping you avoid lumps at all costs!
- Rubber brushes: Adds length, and in some cases lasts longer as the mascara doesn’t get as easily caked up in between the bristles.
There are a couple of things you can do to keep your mascara from leaving lumps on your lashes:
- Make sure your eyelashes are completely free of any old makeup.
- Always wiggle your wand back and forward when applying it, this separates your lashes keeping them from clumping together.
- Do not pump your mascara. Ever. Pumping is when you pump your wand in and out of the mascara tube, this pushes air into it, drying it out which creates clumps.
A couple of tips and tricks to avoid looking like a panda at the end of the day are:
- Use primer and foundation on your eyelids before applying your mascara.
- Dabbing oil absorbent paper around your eyes.
- Avoid using eye creams right before putting it on.
- Use a setting spray to make sure your makeup is locked in.
- You can do all, one or a couple of these steps to help keep your mascara in check.
Using eye makeup remover is your best bet to remove waterproof mascara. Apply the solution to a cotton pad or a reusable cloth, then hold the pad or cloth over your eye for a few seconds. Gently wipe it downwards and repeat until all the mascara is gone. It’s always a good idea to choose a makeup remover that is hypo-allergenic, as the area around your eyes is extra sensitive.
Don’t expose it to loads of air. That means closing it when you’re not using it and never pumping it. Store your mascara in a cool place, and if it’s dried up a little, try a drop or two of saline solution (contact lens solution). Another way to bring your mascara back to life is to soak the tube in a cup of hot water for about two minutes.
There are a lot of mascaras out there, so finding the best one for you is all about what kind of lashes you have, and what you want them to look like. We tested mascaras to give you a good idea of what’s out there and a helping hand in finding the magic mascara for you!