Makeup Monday: Makeup 101: Mascara-Which One Is Right for You

Mascara darkens, thickens and lengthens your lashes and opens up the eyes whether worn with or without eyeshadow and eyeliner, but with so many mascaras on the market, how do you know what is right for you? Here is a quick guide to help you pick the formula that will make your lashes fantastic…

Lengthening Mascara

Lengthening mascara are for those who have lots of lashes but want to make them longer and flirtier. This type of mascara often has synthetic fibers to add “extensions” to your lashes, but they can be irritating to contact lens wearers. However, lengthening formulas are non-clumping and perfect for an everyday look.  Look for lengthening mascaras with long, thin brushes so that every lash is coated.  When applying, concentrate on the tips of the lashes for the most eye-opening look. (My all-time fave is Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara $4.99)

Volumizing Mascara

For those who like a little more drama, volumizing mascara is a must!  This formula helps thicken your lashes for a more luxurious look; however, you need a little more skill in application.  Because of the thickeners, volumizing mascara tends to clump.  So, you may need to use a lash comb to keep the clumps away. Lash combs can be purchased where mascaras are sold.  Look for volumizing mascaras with thick brushes because you want to distribute as much product on your lashes within reason.  When applying, start at the bottom and wiggle your way up. By concentrating the mascara near the roots, you give your lashes a lush look and let the volumizer do its magic. (Another fave of mine is Essence Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara $4.99)

Curling Mascara

For those lashes that need a lift, a curling mascara is a good bet.  This formula uses ingredients that create little tubes, acting as a support system for lashes that tend to fall flat. Now, the name of this formula is a little deceiving.  Curling mascara doesn’t really curl all that much, but when paired with an eyelash curler, it helps hold the curl all day long.  Curling mascara is also great for layering.  For those with fine lashes, volumizing formulas may weigh down lashes, but by adding a base of curling mascara first, you can create drama without wilting. Just be careful to apply both mascaras with a light hand. (Currently in my makeup bag and loving is Essence Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara $4.99)

Tubing Mascara

Tubing mascaras contain polymers that wrap around each lash, whereas your standard mascara brushes pigment directly onto your lashes. The perks of using a tubing mascara (and the reasons for their popularity) include the natural-looking, ultra-long look they give to your lashes and the fact that they are (for the most part) smudge-proof, long-lasting, and easy to remove. In addition, because tubing formulas form tubes around the lashes, they create an even, separated look and are excellent at holding a curl. (A good tubing mascara and one I really like is Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes Tubing Mascara $4.99)

Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara is a mixed blessing. It prevents you from having black tears running down your face; however, it is also very drying and difficult to remove. While waterproof mascara is great for events, or allergy season, everyday use may be hard on the lashes. Of course, if you absolutely need a raincoat, applying a layer of waterproof mascara over your everyday mascara on your bottom lashes may be a good compromise. (I am not a fan of waterproof mascaras, but when I need one, I really like Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara $4.99)

Lash  Primer

Lash primers are applied before mascara and acts as a base coat for your lashes. The purpose of a lash primer is to separate the lashes and create a smooth surface for even mascara application and some lash primers are formulated as a treatment and a primer and usually contain ingredients such as keratin, biotin, or vitamin E. (When it comes to lash primers, and I have tried a few from the drugstore and high-end, and the one I really love and buy on repeat is Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer $4.99)

Remember, any mascara has a short shelf life. Replace your mascaras every three to four months to keep your eyes healthy. Look at the replacement as a great excuse to experiment with new brushes, formulas, and colors. Also, invest in a good eyelash curler (I love this $18 eyelash curler from Tweezerman). Good mascara becomes great when paired with perfectly curled lashes.

I hope you found this week’s installment of Makeup 101: Mascara – Which One is Right For You helpful and informative. Next week’s installment of Makeup 101 will be on lipsticks and until Wednesday, be happy, healthy, and beautiful!

*This blog post is not sponsored. All of the links above are affiliate links and I make a small commission that is used to support my blog. You are under no obligation to use any of these links, but if you do, thank you very much and I appreciate your support of Glam Budget Beauty!