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After finding the right foundation shade, choosing mascara is
probably the next most challenging beauty task. Sure, there are less color
options, but quality of the product is what will make the difference in the way
you look.
Volume building, lengthening, clump-free, hypoallergenic… Will your
eyelashes look longer, become curlier or fuller? Will the mascara go on smoothly
without clumps and stay on without flaking for many hours to come?
In other words, will it live up to the promise, or all these words are nothing
more than money-making tricks? In most cases, you will know the answer only
after you trade your hard earned money for the little pretty tube.
- Lengthening Mascaras -
These usually do make your eyelashes a tiny bit longer. This is achieved by
the addition of ingredients that build up on the tip of the lashes. Actually,
any mascara will visually lengthen the eyelashes.
In most people (at least those who feel they need mascara), the tips of
eyelashes are lighter and sometimes invisible. When you apply mascara, you show
off the real length of your eyelashes. What a nice surprise! If that is still
not enough, a lengthening mascara will help.
- Volume Building Mascara - If you desire fuller lashes, this is the kind of mascara you need. The effect
is provided by the higher concentration of waxes in the formula. They
encapsulate each lash, making it more prominent.
- Waterproof Mascara - As the name suggests, waterproof mascara stays intact even in contact with
water. Synthetic polymers, included in the formula, instantly freeze around each
lash, creating a water resistant barrier.
There is a downside, though. Waterproof mascaras usually make eyelashes pretty
stiff. In addition, waterproof mascara will rarely perform for more than 3
months, becoming flaky afterwards. Choosing a mascara that is truly water
resistant can also be tricky, and the price is not always the true indicator of
quality.
- Hypoallergenic Mascaras - Hypoallergenic mascaras are formulated to reduce the odds of triggering an
allergic reaction. Fragrances are known to be the most aggressive allergy
causing components in cosmetics, so they are excluded from hypoallergenic
formulas.
In some people, ingredients other than fragrances may create problems. Testing
is always a good idea to avoid puffy, itchy and watery eyes. Apply a small
amount of mascara to the back of your ear. If the area does not get inflamed or
itchy after a few hours, the product is safe for the eyes.
- Colorless Mascaras - Colorless mascaras are designed for weak or damaged eyelashes, but healthy
lashes will certainly benefit as well. Sometimes these mascaras are made with
vitamins, vitamin B in particular, and plant extracts. They are used as a base
coat under color mascara to add length, thickness and volume. In addition, they
are great to shape your eyebrows.
Do you need all the different kinds of mascaras? Of course, not. These days,
manufacturers try to combine several features in one tube. However, it is
difficult to be perfect all around.
A mascara may perform better adding length, but not so good at building volume,
or vice versa. It may resist water well, but won’t curl as expected. And who
needs the perfect curl if it can’t provide the water resistance you need?
Try and error method is probably the only sure way to find a mascara that is
right for you and for your eyes, but it may become expensive. Don’t despair.
Look at it from another angle: with the ever-changing variety of products,
search for the perfect mascara will never be boring.
Article courtesy of
Natalie Katsman..
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