Buying guide for Best mascaras
When you ask many people what makeup product they can’t live without, mascara usually tops the list – and with good reason. The right mascara gives you long, lush, and defined lashes that instantly help you look polished, even if you’re not wearing any other makeup.
However, choosing the right mascara is trickier than it seems. You have to find the right formula, brush, and color to get the look you’re after for your lashes.
Types of mascaras
Lengthening
Lengthening mascaras are designed to make your lashes appear longer. They often contain rayon or nylon polymers that coat the lashes to extend them past their natural tips. Lengthening mascara usually has a fairly dense brush to help the polymers fully cling to the lashes.
Volumizing
Volumizing or thickening mascaras are designed to make your lashes appear thicker and denser. They typically contain waxes and silicone polymers that coat the lashes to give them a lusher appearance. Volumizing mascara is often dark in color to give the illusion of added thickness. This type of mascara usually has a curved or hourglass-shaped brush to ensure that each individual lash is coated.
Curling
A curling mascara lifts your lashes to open up your eyes. It usually contains polymers that shrink upon application, which lifts the lashes for a greater curl. Like volumizing mascaras, curling mascaras often have curved applicators to encourage the curled shape.
Fiber
If traditional mascara isn’t doing enough to lengthen and volumize your lashes, fiber mascaras are an ideal alternative. They’re usually a two-step product. One side of the tube features a traditional mascara, which you apply first. The other side of the tube contains fine fibers that stick to the mascara to thicken and lengthen the lashes. To seal the fibers in place, you apply a final coat of the traditional mascara.
Priming
A priming mascara acts as a primer to boost the effect of any mascara you have in your makeup bag. Apply a coat of priming mascara before your regular mascara. The formula is designed to condition the lashes, so they’re better prepared for the mascara to coat them. It can also prevent clumping and smudging and keep your mascara looking fresh all day.
When shortlisting the best lengthening mascaras, we appreciate products with dense application brushes. These brushes help polymers cling to the lashes, coating them and ultimately extending their length.
We look for volumizing mascara in our research. The best mascara for volumizing lashes contains wax and silicone polymers that coat the lashes to give them a lush appearance.
We consider the type of applicator included with each mascara because a mascara applicator helps shape the lashes. For example, a curved applicator encourages a curled shape.
For consumers with sparse lashes, we look for volumizing mascara and fiber mascara. The latter requires a two-step application of fine fibers that stick to the mascara to thicken and lengthen lashes.
Some mascara comes with primer to condition the lashes and prevent smudging. We place high value on this feature, as it also helps mascara stay in place.
We explore mascara brush materials in our research. Mascara brushes tend to be made of nylon bristles or plastic bristles. Plastic often delivers better results because it can help define the lashes.
Different brush shapes create different lash looks. We consider each shape in our research, noting the results created by each. For example, an hourglass shape helps the eyes look wider. A spiral brush is best for short or fine lashes. A pointed tip is desirable if you’re looking to avoid clumps.
We note the brush size included with each mascara. Larger brushes are best for volumizing; smaller brushes are best for lower lashes.
We consider the flexibility of each mascara wand. The more flexible it is, the better it will be at reaching smaller lashes close to the corners of the eyes.
We list the pros and cons of waterproof mascara in our research. While waterproof mascara is great for preventing smudges, it can sometimes dry out your lashes.
What to consider when buying a mascara
Formula
The best way to choose a mascara formula is to consider your lashes and the results you want to achieve.
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Long lashes: If you have long lashes, a curling mascara can emphasize their natural length by lifting the lashes for a more open look. You can also opt for a volumizing mascara if you want your lashes to look denser.
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Short lashes: If your lashes are naturally short, a lengthening mascara can help them appear longer. You may also like a fiber mascara, which boosts length and volume.
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Fine lashes: Volumizing mascara is made specifically for getting the most out of fine or thin lashes because the ingredients coat the lashes to make them appear thicker.
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Sparse lashes: If you don’t have many lashes, choose a fiber mascara to beef up each and every lash. A volumizing mascara also makes the most of every lash.
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Straight lashes: Lashes that are very straight and don’t hold a curl well benefit from a curling mascara, which lifts and curves the lashes.
- Lashes that smudge: If you find that your mascara tends to smudge no matter what formula you use, start with a priming mascara, which will help your mascara stay in place.
Brush material
Mascara brushes are typically made of either nylon bristles or plastic. While they tend to provide similar results, plastic combs usually give the most definition to your lashes. If you find that your mascara tends to clump, switching to a plastic brush can combat the problem.
Nylon bristles evenly distribute mascara across the lash, along both the length and width, which can cause clumping. However, nylon bristles can also give lashes a more fluttery look.
Brush size
Mascara brush size is mainly a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer larger brushes because they allow you to work more quickly, while others prefer the precision of a smaller brush.
Mascaras with large brushes tend to apply more product to lashes, which is good for volumizing. However, larger brushes also pose the risk of smudging during application.
Smaller wands are ideal for the lower lashes, but they also work well if you want to make sure that you coat each and every lash, even those near your tear ducts. They can build up volume, too, though it usually takes a couple of coats to get the job done.
Brush shape
The shape of your mascara brush determines the look of your lashes.
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Thick: A thick, dense brush is the most traditional option for a mascara applicator. It works well for most types of lashes, but it is particularly effective for adding volume to sparse lashes.
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Skinny: A very thin mascara brush is ideal if you want to make sure that you coat each and every lash. It provides excellent definition and works well for your lower lashes. A skinny brush often works well for straight lashes, too.
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Curved: A curved mascara brush lifts and curls your lashes. It also works well if you want to add volume to your lashes.
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Hourglass: If you really want to open up your eyes, choose a mascara brush with an hourglass shape. It targets the lashes at the outer and inner corners to make your eyes look instantly wider.
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Spiral: A spiral mascara brush is ideal if you have short or fine lashes because it allows you to lengthen and volumize at the same time.
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S-shape: An S-shape mascara brush offers two curves, but it is usually on the small side. It works well to lengthen and volumize short lashes.
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Pointed: A pointed tip works well if you want to layer your mascara without creating clumps. You can wiggle the pointed end between lashes for precise definition.
- Round tip: Some mascara brushes have a round, ball-like tip. It comes in handy if you want to target your mascara in specific areas.
Wand flexibility
Some mascara wands are flexible, so they give when you press on them. This helps you reach smaller lashes at the inner corners of the eyes, though some people find flexible wands a little tricky to get used to.
Waterproof
If you have allergies, tend to sweat, or have watery eyes, a waterproof mascara can prevent smudging and running. That’s because the formula contains synthetic ingredients that repel water and other moisture. However, waterproof mascara can dry out your lashes if used too often, so it’s best saved for special occasions.
Color
These days, mascara comes in a variety of colors. Choosing a shade is really just a matter of personal preference.
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Black: Black mascara is the classic option and works with virtually any eye or hair color. There’s a range of black shades, from the blackest black for dramatic looks to soft black for more natural lashes.
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Brown: If you have fair skin or light hair, black mascara can sometimes look harsh. A brown mascara is an ideal alternative because it darkens the lashes without looking severe.
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Blue/navy: Blue or navy mascara makes the whites of your eyes appear brighter, so it’s an ideal option if you want a bright-eyed look. It also emphasizes blue eyes.
- Other colors: Violet mascara emphasizes brown, green, and hazel eyes. You can also find mascara in shades like yellow, pink, turquoise, and gold if you want to have a little fun with your look.
Did you know?
If you wear false eyelashes, apply mascara to your natural lashes before adding your falsies. This keeps the false lashes clean, so they’re easier to reuse.
STAFF
BestReviews
How much does mascara cost?
Mascaras range in price based on the quality of the ingredients, but you can typically expect to pay between $2 and $45.
Inexpensive
For mascara made with lower-quality ingredients that may smudge or flake, you’ll usually pay $2 to $14.
Mid-range
For mascara made with average-quality ingredients that aren’t as likely to smudge or flake, you’ll usually pay $14 to $25.
Premium
For mascara made with high-quality ingredients that aren’t likely to smudge or flake, you’ll usually pay $25 to $40.
Tips
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Mascara has a shelf life of three to six months. If your tube is older than that, throw it away because it’s probably dried out.
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If you use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes, do it before you apply mascara. You can pull out lashes if you curl them with mascara on them.
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Don’t pump the wand in and out of your mascara tube. This introduces air into the tube, which can dry out your mascara.
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Layering mascaras allows you to customize the look of your lashes. For example, you might start with a volumizing formula to thicken, then finish with a lengthening option to make your lashes appear longer and more defined.
FAQ
Q. Is mascara bad for your lashes?
A. Mascara is usually fine for your lashes. Some formulas even contain conditioning ingredients that moisturize your lashes to keep them healthy. If you’re concerned about chemicals like parabens in your mascara, opt for an all-natural formula. It’s also best to limit your use of waterproof mascara, which can dry out your lashes and cause breakage.
Q. What’s the best kind of mascara for makeup novices?
A. If you’re a beginner and not sure what kind of look you want for your lashes, it’s best to start with a lengthening mascara, which isn’t as likely to clump. Choose an option with a smaller brush, too, so you’ll have more precision and won’t have to worry about smudges when applying it.
Q. What’s the best way to remove waterproof mascara?
A. Waterproof mascara can be very difficult to take off. In fact, some people find that they wind up losing lashes in the process. For the easiest removal, use an eye makeup remover designed specifically for waterproof products. Soak a cotton pad with the remover, and then hold it over your lashes for at least 30 seconds. In the last few seconds, gently massage the pad against your lashes to remove any stubborn residue. Use a clean pad to wipe off the eye makeup remover, and wash your face as you normally would.
