How To Choose The Right Type Of Mascara For You

Sometimes it's a nightmare at the beauty counter ... there are so many products to choose from that even choosing a mascara can become a big decision. There are so many different types, with different formulations and different style brushes that it can be difficult to know where to start! So we've decided to list the five main types below, with hints and tips about when to use them and help with what types will suit you best.

Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara is perfect when you are going to be in a situation where non-smudging is essential - think weddings. Seriously, these are great to wear if you are partaking in sporting activities, going to the beach or you will be out and about in the good old rainy weather. Waterproof mascara contains special synthetic formulas which help repel moisture. The only pitfall with waterproof mascara is removing it - you need to be careful and use a specially designed eye-make up remover or you can end up breaking your lashes. If you want to be extra kind to your lashes after using an eye-make up remover coat your lashes with Vaseline using an old clean mascara wand - but remember to clean this often.

Lengthening Mascara

A lengthening mascara can be used if you consider you have short eyelashes or you want to create a more dramatic look. The ingredients are the typical mascara ingredients which include water, wax thickeners, film-formers, and preservative with the addition of short synthetic fibres which act like tiny fake lashes and which are normally made of nylon or rayon. These fibres create extensions to your natural lashes and are much more effective than trying to apply fake lashes at home unless you have a very steady hand.

Thickening Mascara

If you think that your eyelashes are rather sparse, then try a thickening mascara. Thickening mascaras contain a higher percentage of waxes and silicone polymers to coat your lashes and will make them appear thicker.

Curling Mascara

A curling mascara is not much different in formula to a standard mascara apart from it should have greater hold to keep lashes curled. The curling effect comes from the brush or applicator which has a curved head rather than a straight one which allows the brush to cover the whole lid at once and sweep the colour upward with a curling effect. The jury is out on how effective curling mascaras actually are and how well they work will depend on how strong your own lashes are. It is sometimes more successful to apply eyelash curlers to fix the curl.

Coloured Mascara

Coloured mascaras mean holidays and party time, they can look fantastic in shades of plums, blues and navy, especially when applied alongside sparkling eye shadow. Personally, we think they are a bit startling for day wear, when browns and blacks are preferable.

What do you think? What is your favourite or latest mascara - let us know.