The 29 different types of mascara & how to choose the best one for you!
Mascara was one of the first makeup products I wore. It’s a beauty staple that everyone seems to have in their makeup bag, as it can really help enhance your look and give you that extra boost of confidence when you want it.
The trouble is there are so many different types of mascaras out there, and trying to decide what kind of mascara works best for your needs can feel like a real challenge, so in this blog post, I will explore the different types of mascara on the market today, how to apply mascara, and how you can make an informed decision about which one is right for YOU.
So read on to learn more about how you select the perfect mascara!
What is mascara?
Mascara is an essential part of makeup that can make your eyes look more vibrant and beautiful. It’s a product that has been around for centuries, but it still remains one of the most popular beauty products today.
Mascara is used to lengthen, thicken, and darken the eyelashes. It comes in a variety of colors, formulas, and brushes designed to give you the look you want. So whether you’re looking for a dramatic look or something subtle, mascara can help you achieve it!
Different types of mascara, uses & wands:
Lengthening mascara:
Lengthening mascara is designed to add length to shorter lashes. It does this by forming tiny fibers that attach to the lashes, making them look longer. It is easy to apply, and will help create the illusion of a more dramatic eye look.
Volumizing mascara:
Volumizing mascara is designed to add volume and fullness to lashes. It creates a thickening effect by using waxes, fibers, and polymers to keep the mascara in place. It adds instant volume and helps create an overall fuller look.
Curling mascara:
Curling mascara is designed to lift and curl the lashes. It contains polymers that help hold the curl, while adding volume and length. Curling mascara can make the eyes look more open and awake, giving you an instant eye lift.
Water-resistant mascara:
Water-resistant mascara is designed for those who have active lifestyles. It won’t run, smudge, or fade when exposed to water, making it ideal for activities like crying or sweating. It also lasts longer, so you don’t have to worry about reapplying throughout the day.
Water-proof mascara:
The difference between water-proof and water-resistant mascara is how much water it can take. For example, if you go swimming and you’re submerged in water, water-resistant mascara will run (however, if you are crying, it won’t initially run because it can take SOME water). Whereas water-proof water will not run or smear if submerged in water.
Lengthening and Volumizing mascara (also know as 2-in-1 mascara):
Lengthening and volumizing mascara is designed to do both at once. It combines the lengthening properties of a lengthening mascara with the thickening properties of a volumizing mascara. This type of mascara will give you the best of both worlds, adding length and fullness to your lashes.
Fiber mascara:
Fiber mascara is a newer type of mascara that uses tiny fibers to add length and fullness to the lashes. It’s perfect for those who want a dramatic eye look without having to use false lashes. The fibers in the mascara attach to the natural lashes, giving you an instant lash boost.
Colored Mascara:
Colored mascara adds a hint of color to the lashes, making them look fuller and more dramatic. It comes in various colors, so you can experiment and find the one that suits you best. Colored mascara is perfect for a night out, as it will add an extra pop of color to your face.
Clear Mascara:
Clear mascara is perfect for those who want to add length and definition to their lashes without adding any color. It doesn’t contain pigments, so it will blend in with natural lashes. This is great for an everyday look, as it will add definition without being too noticeable. Clear mascara is also great for taming unruly brow hairs.
Thickening mascara:
Thickening mascara is designed to add fullness and definition to the lashes. It contains waxes and polymers that coat each lash, helping them to look thicker and fuller. This type of mascara will give you a dramatic eye look.
Lash-defining mascara:
Lash defining mascara is designed to separate and define each lash. It has a light formula that will help individual lashes look longer and more defined.
Conditioning mascara:
Conditioning mascara is designed to nourish and condition the lashes. It contains conditioning agents like keratin, which help to strengthen and protect the lashes. This type of mascara, depending on the formula, can helps to add volume, thickness, and length to the lashes.
Smudge-proof mascara:
Smudge-proof mascara is designed to stay put, no matter what. It has a long-lasting formula that won’t run or smudge, making it perfect for those who tend to run their eyes.
Mineral-based mascara:
Mineral-based mascara is made with natural minerals like iron oxides and titanium dioxide, which are known for their conditioning properties. It helps to nourish the lashes and add length and definition.
Plumping mascara:
Plumping mascara is designed to give your lashes an instant lift. It contains ingredients like collagen and panthenol, which help to add volume and length to the lashes.
Hypoallergenic mascara:
Hypoallergenic mascara is perfect for those with sensitive skin or eyes. It’s formulated with gentle ingredients that won’t irritate the skin or eyes. Hypoallergenic mascara is also great for those who wear contacts or have allergies, as it won’t cause any irritation.
Magnetic Mascara:
Magnetic mascara is a newer type of mascara that has tiny magnetic particles, which help to give the lashes an instant lift. It creates fuller and thicker lashes without having to use false lashes. Magnetic mascara is perfect for those who want a dramatic eye look without the fuss and mess of traditional mascara.
Organic Mascara:
Organic mascara is a great choice for those who want to use natural ingredients on their skin. It has all-natural, organic ingredients like beeswax and plant-based oils, which help to nourish and condition the lashes. Organic mascara is gentle and won’t irritate the skin.
Bottom lash mascara:
Bottom lash mascara is designed specifically for the lower lashes. It has a thin brush and lightweight formula, which makes it perfect for coating even the smallest of lashes. Bottom lash mascara will help the lower lashes look long and defined, without clumping or smudging.
Primer mascara:
Primer mascara is great for those who want to create a long-lasting eye look. It has a light formula that helps to prime the lashes, creating a base for the mascara. Primer mascara will help to keep your eye look in place without smudging or flaking.
Different mascara wands:
Flared out mascara:
Flared-out mascara is designed to give a sultry, fanned-out lash look. It has a unique wand design that helps to separate and fan out the lashes, making them look longer and fuller.
Hour-glass shaped mascara:
Hourglass-shaped mascara is designed to create full, voluminous lashes. It has a unique wand shape that helps to lift and curl the lashes, creating a fuller, more dramatic look.
Tapered/cone mascara:
Tapered mascara is designed to give the lashes length and definition. It has a thin, tapered wand that helps to separate and coat each lash one by one. This type of mascara is perfect for those who want long and defined lashes.
Combing mascara wand:
Combing mascara is designed to evenly coat and separate the lashes. It has a unique wand design with long and short bristles that help to comb through the lashes. Combing mascara is perfect for those who want to create a clump-free look.
Spiral/square mascara wand:
Spiral mascara is designed to give the lashes a dramatic, curled effect. It has a unique wand design with a spiral shape that helps to lift and curl the lashes. Spiral mascara is perfect for those who want long, curled lashes.
Ball mascara wand:
A ball mascara wand is designed to give clump-free lashes. It has a unique wand design with tiny bristles that help to coat each lash individually, giving them a natural and full look.
Curved mascara wand:
A curved mascara wand is designed to give a dramatic curl effect. It has a curved shape that helps to lift and curl the lashes, making them look longer and fuller. Curved mascara is perfect for those who want to create a dramatic, open-eye look.
Skinny mascara wand:
A skinny mascara wand is designed to give defined and separated lashes. It has a thin, tapered wand that helps to separate each lash individually. Skinny mascara is perfect for those who want long and defined lashes.
Fluffy mascara wand:
Fluffy mascara is designed to give a voluminous lash look. It has a unique wand design with soft and fluffy bristles that help to coat and separate the lashes, giving them a full and fluffy look.
No matter what type of mascara you choose, it’s important to take into consideration your needs and preferences. Different mascaras offer different features and benefits!
A list of the different types of mascara & mascara wands
Here is a list of all the different types of mascara. If you would like a detailed definition of each mascara, its use and photos, scroll down below!
Different types of mascara formulas:
- Lengthening mascara
- Volumizing mascara
- Curling mascara
- Water-resistant mascara
- Lengthening and Volumizing mascara (2-in-1 mascara)
- Fiber mascara
- Colored mascara
- Clear mascara
- Thickening mascara
- Lash defining mascara
- Conditioning mascara
- Smudge-proof mascara
- Mineral-based mascara
- Magnetic mascara
- Plumping mascara
- Hypoallergenic mascara
- Organic mascara
- Waterproof mascara
- Bottom lash mascara
- Primer mascara
Different types of mascara wands:
-
- Flared out mascara wand
- Hourglass-shaped mascara wand
- Tapered mascara wand
- Combing mascara wand
- Spiral Square mascara wand
- Ball mascara wand
- Curved mascara wand
- Skinny mascara wand
- fluffy mascara wand
How to apply mascara
Applying mascara can be a tricky task, but it doesn’t have to be. With some practice and the right technique, you can achieve beautiful, luscious lashes that will make your eyes pop. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by curling your lashes. This will give them an extra bit of lift and make them look longer.
2. Take the mascara wand and gently coat your lashes, starting from the roots and working in a downward motion.
3. Apply multiple coats for an even more dramatic look.
4. To define and separate your lashes more, use the wand to lightly run through them from roots to tips in a zigzag motion.
5. To avoid clumps and make sure you get an even coat, use an eyelash comb to remove excess product.
Bonus: If you mess up and accidentally apply mascara to your face, such as your cheek (which happens to me sometimes, and I’m a professional makeup artist!). Don’t immediately wipe it off, as wet mascara will smear! Instead, wait for the mascara to be completely dry, then take a wet Q-tip and remove the mascara mark!
Mascara do’s, and dont’s
Do:
- Throw your mascara out after six months. Mascara can collect bacteria over time, which can cause infections or irritation if used after expiration.
- Apply mascara to both your upper and lower lashes, starting at the base of your eyelashes and wiggling up toward the tips.
- If your mascara is starting to dry out, apply a few drops of eye drops to the bottom to help.
- If your mascara is clumping, use an eyelash comb to help evenly distribute mascara and remove any clumps. This also helps to keep your lashes looking natural.
- When you’re done applying mascara, use a cotton swab to pick up any excess product around your eyes. This will help prevent smudges.
- Do let your mascara dry for about a minute before you apply other makeup, such as under eye concealer to help prevent smudging.
- Do apply mascara before applying false lashes to help your lashes blend in better with the false lashes.
Don’t:
- Don’t pump the wand excessively, as this causes air to get stuck in your mascara and dry it out. Instead, twist the wand in and out of the tube to help coat each lash with the product properly. D
- Don’t “Paint” your lashes, as this can cause clumps or make it difficult for you to apply mascara evenly
- Don’t forget to curl your lashes before applying mascara, as this helps the product adhere better and gives you longer, more defined-looking lashes.
- Don’t forget to remove your mascara every night before going to bed. Sleeping with mascara on can cause irritation or lash loss.
- Don’t share mascara with other people. Not only is this unhygienic, and it could easily spread an eye infection.
Which type of mascara should I use?
When choosing the right mascara for your needs, it is important to consider several factors:
What effect do you want?
First, you should consider the desired effect. Do you want a dramatic and long-lasting look or do you prefer something more natural for everyday wear? Different types of mascara are designed to create different effects. For example, volumizing mascaras are designed to add volume and length to the lashes, while lengthening mascaras can help create a more dramatic look.
What texture do you want?
You should also consider the texture of the mascara you want to use. Different textures will create different effects on your lashes. For example, thick and creamy mascaras are good for creating a voluminous look, while water-resistant mascaras are better for a long-lasting look.
What type of brush or want do you want to use?
The type of brush is also important when choosing the right mascara. Different brushes and wands can create different looks on the lashes, so it is important to consider what type of look you want. There are many types of brushes, such as comb-like wands, curved wands, or tapered wands. Each can create a different effect on your lashes.
Which ingredients should I look for?
You should consider the ingredients used in the mascara. Pay attention to what type of ingredients are used, as some mascaras may contain irritants or other ingredients that can be harmful to your eyes. Look for mascaras that are labeled as hypoallergenic and made with natural ingredients.
What activities will I be doing?
If you are going to the beach or attending an event where you might cry (like a wedding!), then you’ll most likely want a mascara that is water-proof or water-resistant. Water-proof and water-resistant mascaras will help ensure that your lashes stay put despite water and humidity.
Considering these factors will help you find the perfect mascara for your needs!
Conclusion
Mascara is a popular makeup product, and as you can see, there of a ton of different types which means there’s a mascara for everyone, so try out different types of mascara that feature a wand tailored to your desired look. So what is your favorite mascara? Let me know down below!
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