Choosing the Right Mascara Formulation

Arissa | May 16, 2011 | Make-Up | No Comments

These days there are so many mascara formulations out there it can be difficult to pick out the one that works best for you. The main types include lengthening, thickening, curling,non-smudging and non-clumping. Here I will help you understand what these formulations do and what they do.

Lengthening

The wands that come with lengthening mascara are usually short with densely packed bristles that allow you to get more mascara onto each lash with every swipe. The short brush also makes it easy to touch up tips,this is important as this will help you achieve longer eyelashes. Most lengthening mascaras contain plastic polymers that cling to lashes and extend beyond the tips of your lashes this makes a huge difference in creating length.

Recommended Mascaras:

Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Waterproof Mascara

CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara

Thickening

These mascaras are designed to add volume and thicken your lashes with a thicker formula of waxes and silicon polymers that coat the lashes and bulk them up. Thickening mascaras also contain darker, more intense pigments, which gives the illusion of denseness with just one or two layers.

Recommended Mascaras:

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara

Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Lash Mascara

Curling

Curling mascaras usually contain polymers that cause the mascara to contract once it is applied to the lashes. Once applied the lashes tend to shrink and lift causing a curling effect and “fixing” polymers hold the curves in place. This type of formula tends to work best with shorter lashes.

Recommended Mascaras:

Clinique Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara

Non-smudging

Non-smudging mascaras are waterproof and water resistant mascaras which have a special formula that repel water and sweat, which minimizes smudging and running. The best mascaras are formulated to dissolve easily with oil-based makeup remover so they can come off easily without scrubbing them off. Waterproof mascaras are excellent for those who might be going for a swim or going to the beach as well as teary occasions such as weddings and dramatic movies. If you choose to wear waterproof mascara remember to use it sparingly as they tend to dry out eyelashes.

Recommended Mascaras:

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara

Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara

Non-clumping

This type of mascara keeps your lashes from looking clumpy and gloppy.It contains moisture rich ingredients such as silk extract and glycerin which help the the mascara glide smoothly onto your eyelashes.The applicators tend to have long bristles which helps apply the mascara evenly. However if you want dramatic lashes this won’t be the right mascara for you as these mascaras contain fewer waxes and fibres than regular mascaras, so you wont get much length or volume. However this effect is more natural so it is great for day or casual wear.