How to Buy 1 Mascara: The Ultimate Guide for Gorgeous Lashes

Mascara is one of the most popular and transformative beauty products out there. It has the power to dramatically enhance the look of your eyes, add volume, length, and curl to your lashes, and give you an instant eye-opening effect. But with so many different types of mascara on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Choosing the right mascara can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of formulas, brush types, and effects available.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about buying mascara. From understanding the different types of mascara to learning how to pick the right formula and wand for your lashes, this guide will make sure you purchase the mascara that best suits your needs. So, let’s dive in and find your perfect mascara!

Understanding the Different Types of Mascara

When it comes to buying mascara, understanding the different types available is crucial. Mascara formulas are specifically designed to deliver various effects, whether you want voluminous, lengthened, or curled lashes. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of mascara:

1. Volumizing Mascara

Best for: Thin or sparse lashes.

Volumizing mascara is formulated to add thickness and fullness to your lashes, giving them a bold, dramatic look. It typically contains waxes, fibers, or thickening agents that coat each lash and help create a fuller appearance. This type of mascara is ideal for people with naturally thin or sparse lashes.

• What to Look For: A thicker, rich formula that builds volume with each coat. Volumizing mascaras often come with large, fluffy brushes that distribute the product evenly to create fuller lashes.

2. Lengthening Mascara

Best for: Short lashes.

Lengthening mascara is designed to elongate the lashes, creating a longer, more defined look. These mascaras are often formulated with lightweight formulas and thin, flexible wands that help coat each lash individually. If you have shorter lashes, a lengthening mascara can add the illusion of extra length.

• What to Look For: A lightweight, buildable formula with a precise wand that separates and defines your lashes. Lengthening mascaras tend to have fine, comb-like wands that help create longer lashes without clumping.

3. Curling Mascara

Best for: Straight lashes.

If you have straight lashes that don’t hold a curl, curling mascara is the best option. This type of mascara is designed to lift and curl the lashes while keeping them in place. Curling mascaras often contain ingredients that help hold the curl for a longer period, making them perfect for those who struggle with keeping their lashes curled throughout the day.

• What to Look For: A curved wand or a wand with an “S” shape that can lift and curl your lashes as you apply the mascara. The formula should help hold the curl for a long-lasting effect.

4. Waterproof Mascara

Best for: Long-lasting wear in humid or watery conditions.

Waterproof mascara is a must-have for anyone who needs their mascara to stay in place all day long—whether it’s raining, you’re sweating, or you’re experiencing an emotional moment. Waterproof mascaras are designed to resist water and prevent smudging, making them ideal for outdoor events, swimming, or long workdays.

• What to Look For: Look for mascara labeled “waterproof” to ensure it won’t budge under any conditions. Be aware, however, that waterproof formulas can be more challenging to remove, so you’ll need a good makeup remover to get rid of it at the end of the day.

5. Fiber Mascara

Best for: Extreme length and volume.

Fiber mascaras contain tiny fibers, often made of nylon or silk, that adhere to your natural lashes, creating the illusion of longer and fuller lashes. These fibers can be especially useful if you want a more dramatic, falsies-like effect. If you’re looking for a mascara that delivers both length and volume, fiber mascara is a great option.

• What to Look For: A dual-ended mascara with one end containing mascara and the other end filled with fibers. Be sure to apply the mascara first, followed by the fibers, for the best results.

6. Sensitive or Hypoallergenic Mascara

Best for: Sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers.

Sensitive or hypoallergenic mascara is formulated for individuals with sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers, or those prone to irritation. These mascaras are typically free of harsh chemicals, fragrances, and parabens, making them a safer option for those with sensitivities. They are often tested and approved by ophthalmologists and dermatologists.

• What to Look For: Hypoallergenic mascaras are free from common allergens like fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. Look for labels indicating that the mascara is ophthalmologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes.

Key Ingredients in Mascara and Their Functions

When you buy mascara, it’s important to understand the key ingredients used in the formula. The ingredients not only determine how the mascara performs but also its suitability for your lashes. Here’s a rundown of some common ingredients you’ll find in mascara:

1. Waxes (Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Candelilla Wax)

Waxes are used to provide structure to the mascara and help it adhere to the lashes. These ingredients help build volume and prevent smudging, ensuring that the mascara stays in place for hours. Wax-based formulas are typically used in volumizing mascaras.

• Ideal For: Creating volume and thickness.

2. Polymers

Polymers are used in mascaras to help them form a flexible film around the lashes. They prevent clumping and enhance the lasting power of the mascara. Polymers also help lengthen the lashes by adding an additional layer to each lash, creating the illusion of longer, more defined lashes.

• Ideal For: Lengthening and curling mascaras.

3. Pigments

Pigments are the coloring agents that give mascara its shade. Black is the most common pigment used in mascara, but you can also find brown, blue, and even vibrant colors like purple. The intensity of the pigment determines how dark or dramatic your lashes will look.

• Ideal For: Adding bold, rich color to your lashes.

4. Water

Water is a key ingredient in most liquid mascaras. It acts as a solvent to help dilute the product and create a smooth, spreadable texture. However, waterproof mascaras have less water content to ensure they remain resistant to moisture.

• Ideal For: Most mascara formulas, but particularly for non-waterproof versions.

5. Silicone

Silicone is used in both the mascara formula and the brush to help prevent clumping. Silicone adds smoothness to the formula and ensures that the mascara applies evenly and glides easily through your lashes. It’s especially useful for creating defined, separated lashes.

• Ideal For: Lengthening and separating mascaras.

How to Choose the Right Mascara for Your Lashes

Everyone’s lashes are different, and choosing the right mascara depends on your natural lashes and the effect you want to achieve. Here’s how to pick the best mascara for your lash type:

1. If You Have Short Lashes

For short lashes, you’ll want a lengthening mascara that helps extend your lashes and creates the illusion of added length. Look for a mascara with a fine-tip wand and a lightweight formula that won’t weigh your lashes down.

• What to Choose: Lengthening mascaras with a fine or comb-like wand.

2. If You Have Thin or Sparse Lashes

If you have thin lashes that lack volume, volumizing mascara will help create the fullness you need. Choose a mascara with a thicker formula and a brush that can coat your lashes evenly and build volume as you apply.

• What to Choose: Volumizing mascaras with larger, denser brushes.

3. If You Have Straight Lashes

Straight lashes may need a little extra help to hold a curl. Look for a curling mascara that has a curved wand and a formula that helps lock the curl in place throughout the day.

• What to Choose: Curling mascaras with a curved wand and a long-wearing formula.

4. If You Have Sensitive Eyes

For those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers, hypoallergenic mascara is a must. Choose a mascara that’s free from common allergens and is safe for your eyes.

• What to Choose: Hypoallergenic mascaras that are ophthalmologist-tested and gentle on the eyes.

Tips for Applying Mascara Like a Pro

Now that you’ve chosen the right mascara, it’s time to apply it. Here are some expert tips for getting the best results from your mascara:

1. Wiggle the Wand at the Base

When applying mascara, start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand from side to side. This helps ensure that each lash is coated from root to tip, giving you maximum volume and length.

2. Use Multiple Coats

For more dramatic lashes, apply a second or third coat of mascara. Just make sure to wait a few seconds between coats to prevent clumping. Layering gives your lashes more fullness and definition.