How To Find The Right Mascara

Posted: Monday 12 September 2011 09:00am

Mascara is a favourite beauty product amongst most women. But with all the options available it’s hard to find the best one for you, or to know where to start. Follow our ultimate guide for finding the right mascara.

What kind of lashes do you have?

The best place to start when deciding on a mascara is to consider what kind of lashes you already have:

Short lashes: While you may think there’s nothing you can do with short lashes, you’ll be amazed at what a lengthening mascara can do for you.

Sparse or thin lashes: Obviously thickness is your top priority. You want to create the look of a full set of lashes so single false lashes as well as the right mascara will help you fill in any gaps.

Long lashes: If you’ve already got the length then that’s a great place to start. But often long lashes have no curve to them. A curling mascara (and an eyelash curler) is a good option for you. Thickness may also be something you desire.

The right formula for your needs

Now that you know the kind of lashes you have to work with, you also need to consider what you want from your lashes. Do you want them to be thick? Curled? Long? Here’s the mascara formulas available for you to choose from:

Volumising Mascara – For thick, voluminous lashes, a good mascara wand will really make a difference. Try: Maybelline New York Colossal Volum’Express Mascara, $19.25

Lengthening Mascara – Apply two coats of your lengthening mascara for the best results. The first coat should only be applied at the roots. Let it dry before covering the entire length of the lashes with a second coat. Give Natio Super Long Lash Mascara, $16.95, a go.

Waterproof Mascara – A water-resistant formula is great for rainy or hot humid days, or for those who struggle with mascara flaking. We love Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara, $48.

Mascara For Sensitive Eyes – If you have sensitive eyes than a regular mascara can really irritate. ELES Sensitive Mascara, $34.75, has a hypoallergenic formula that also lengthens and separates lashes.

The best brush for the job

Your mascara’s wand brush is also important in delivering the best results. A lot of the time it’s personal preference, but here are some other pointers:

- A comb brush is great for separating lashes.
- A straight brush is good for getting to those hard-to-reach corner lashes.
- A curved brush allows you to coat all your lashes at once.
- Long bristles help achieve longer lashes.
- Bristles that sit close together will help create a thick lash look.

Skip the waterproof on a daily basis

There’s a time and a place for waterproof formulas, but you needn’t add it to your everyday beauty routine. Only when tears, rain and swimming are on the cards should you seek out a waterproof mascara. They can be difficult to remove so save your eyes from rough rubbing whenever you can. To remove waterproof mascara, try L’Oreal Paris Gentle Eye Make-up Remover Waterproof for Eyes, $12.95.

Experiment with a coloured mascara

Most women prefer a black mascara however there are numerous other options available. A brown shade is great for blondes and redheads as it highlights the lashes, but has a very natural appearance. It’s also great for a daytime or subtle makeup look. Then there are the more dramatic colours:

Blue mascara: A tint of blue on your lashes can really highlight your eye colour and have an overall brightening effect.

Purple mascara: When paired with a bronze eye shadow, a purple mascara makes your eye pop. It also works well with any eye colour.

Green mascara: More for the brave and daring, a green mascara will certainly get your noticed. It’s great for bringing out brown eyes.

Product recommendation: Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara, $65, comes in Black Ice, Espresso, Dark Blonde, Ripe Plum, Dark Auburn, and Slate Grey.

by Chelsea Tromans

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