Monday 30 May 2016

My Guide To Mascaras

Oh hello there MONDAY! I'm sure you are all having a lovely day, with it being a bank holiday. Unless you do have to go to work, and that sucks. But today, whilst you are reading this I am currently with my boyfriend, in a city near/ish where we live, Cardiff.

In the drugstore and on premium counters there is just so much choice when it comes to makeup, it can all seem very stressful, because you want to choose the correct and most beneficial product to you. I know from my experiences I just don't know where to start.

Mascara is one of the most popular makeup items, I would say. Most people, of any age want lovely full, lifted and defined lashes. Wether it's a partner, or just a friend, eyes are where most conversations start, so you want your eyes to look as beautiful as you can.


You need to ask yourself two questions when picking a mascara, and then I will help you with the rest... "what do you want from your mascara?" (eg; length, volume, definition, lift/curl). Your answer is probably "well I want a bit of everything" Oh, you greedy thang! Some mascaras do claim to say that they do all of the above, when really they don't. I haven't ever tried a mascara where I get everything out of it. But thats okay, because most of the time you don't want everything, because it really is impossible, and they do kind of counteract each other.
The other question you need to ask yourself, is "which kind of brush do you prefer, plastic or bristles?" I prefer to go for a bristled brush, because I find it much softer on the lashes.

Length - A lengthening mascara will give you the most natural lashes, they will just be extended to look longer. These mostly come in plastic brushes, they are very thin and have very small bristles to really get close to the lash and extend them. L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara, is great for lengthening the lashes, it has lengthening fibres in to build the intensity.

Volume - This is probably the most common form of mascara, that most people want to achieve (I love having a lot of volume). However, some people are scared of having volume because they think  there lashes will just become clumpy and stuck together. This really isn't the case, having clumpy lashes is just from the amount of layers that you apply, or your mascara wand might just need some product removed from the brush. Mascaras that give volume, are brushes which are quite big, the biggest wand will give you volume, they come in plastic and bristled wants. Maxfactor Masterpiece Transform Mascara is great for volume, it builds on the lashes to give amazing big lashes.

Definition - This is very similar to length, the brush tends to look the same, however it will state on the mascara if its for definition. Most mascaras that give definition do give some length as well, it gives a very natural lash. But having definition is lovely, it really separates each lash and gives you the illusion of having lots of lashes which are very neat and tidy. Plastic brushes with lots of bristles, are best for definition. Estee Lauder Sumptuous Knockout Defining Lift & Fan Mascara, gives lovely defined lashes with a lovely lift.

Lift/curl - This is pretty much the same, the brushes for lifting and curling are probably the most recognisable brushes. They have a curve on them, which when placed to the lash (curved side facing you) really lifts the lashes, and therefore curls them. If you have quite straight lashes, this might be the mascara type for you. Again, they come in both bristled and plastic wands. No7 Dramatic Lift Mascara, this is my everyday mascara. It lifts the lashes and gives you a wide awake effect.

Most mascaras come in the shade 'black' and thats all, however you can get 'brown/black' mascaras which are just a little bit more subtle and softer, and is a nice alternative to black. If you don't wear a lot of makeup, 'brown/black' mascaras are good for you.


I touched on it earlier, (lift/curl) but if you have very straight lashes, or you just find after a few coats of mascara, your lashes are becoming straight and droopy. Eyelash curlers are needed, they really help. It's not as scary as you think either.

- Curl your lashes before you apply your mascara
- Start at the root of your lashes
- Apply pressure to your lashes, in short motions for around 5 seconds
- Make sure all along your lashes are curled
- Repeat if you need more curling (don't go overboard)


I am spoiling you now, but heres a few extra tips which can help you achieve the best application for your mascara. They might seem obvious, but I thought I would include them anyway:

- Don't pump your mascara wand to get extra product. This will get air into the mascara, which makes it dry up quicker, also will create bacteria in the mascara!
- Start at the root of your lashes, and 'wiggle' up to create your desired effect.
- Most people apply two coats, in between coats, allow 30 seconds. So it's not so wet.
- Tilt your head back when applying mascara to the top lashes and forwards when applying to bottom lashes. This will help minimise mistakes.
- If you do make any mistakes then just remove straight away with a dry cotton bud (wet will remove makeup).
- Using a smaller mascara for bottom lashes, will help you make less mistakes Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara. 
- If you are finding you are having a 'bad mascara day' then apply some mascara just to the tips of the lashes, this will help to separate lashes if they are getting all clumpy.


I hope this was helpful, just look on the packaging for what the mascara does, have a look at the brush and you will soon know what you want from your mascara. Ask for advice in store too, store assistants are happy to help, and thats what they are there for!

Rimmel Volume Colourist 
L'Oreal False Lash Architech (waterproof) 
No7 Dramatic Lift
MaxFactor MasterPiece Transform 
Urban Decay Perversion 
Lancome Hypnose Drama 





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