Mascara Guide

by Cindy Naranjo, posted on 2008-10-24 18:30:22

By Cindy Naranjo

Many of you probably reach for that old mascara staple that everyone seems to rave about: Maybelline Great Last Mascara. You know, the classic one in the pink and green tube? Honestly…I'm just not a fan. There. I said it. I am probably the only person in the world who would ever admit that out loud, but the truth must come out! Due to stress and a medical condition, I lost the majority of my eyelashes (and part of my eyebrows) a few years ago. I was desperate to find a way to mask my missing lashes. My quest for the perfect mascara led me from drugstores, to make-up counters, to make-up specialty stores and back again. My lashes (almost all of them, anyway) grew back eventually even though they ended up super-tiny and baby-fine. Because of this, the mascara quest continues.

Seriously, with so many mascaras to choose from, where are you even begin? Better yet, what on earth is the difference between all those different types? Curling, thickening, lengthening, extending, oy! Shouldn't they all do the same thing? Apparently…no. Bueno, y que es que?

Mascara Guide:

Lengthening:

Contains plastic polymers that cling to the lashes. The combination of densely packed mascara bristles and plastic polymers in the formula are what add length to the lashes.

Thickening:

Contains a thicker formula of silicone polymers and waxes than other mascaras, bulking up the lashes as it coats them.

Curling:

Surprisingly, the polymers in these types of mascaras make lashes contract and lift up. Somehow, the curling formula works really well on short eyelashes.

Waterproof:

The formula repels water and minimizes running and smudging. Water-resistant mascara is a lot easier to remove than water-proof. Studies have concluded that wearing water-proof mascara daily can significantly damage your lashes. I hope that helps in your own mascara-quest!

By the way, I currently do have some favorite mascara if y'all are interested:

DiorShow Mascara by Christian Dior:

Makes it look like you have a ton of sultry, feathery lashes thanks to the way the color grabs hold of your pestanas.

L'Oreal Volume Shocking Mascara:

Has a 2-step system to get you seriously luxurious lashes. One side of the tube is a whitish primer that "prepares" your lashes for the mascara in the other side of the tube. The mascara "brush" resembles a tiny comb. It spreads out and thickens your lashes to the point where someone once asked me if they were fake. Nice, huh? A word of warning, though, the mini-comb might take some getting used to. It did for me, anyway.

Maybelline Lash Discovery Mascara:

Has an itty-bitty brush (bristle-wise) that really does manage to reach every eyelash you have. I love that it gives a wide-eyed look while still making your lashes look natural. The waterproof version won't budge, so if you're going to be having a chick-flick marathon any time soon, this is your best bet!

Max Factor Lash Perfection Mascara in Deep Blue:

Offers you an alternative to black for when you're feeling a lil' adventurous. The color blends with your lashes really well so you don't end up looking like you belong in a Warrant video.

What about you? Any faves you would like to recommend?

Comments from members 1 comment
I am partial to volumizing mascaras, because Las Diosas gave me long enough lashes. My current mascara is Cover Girl Lash Blast; and I am right now trying out Maybelline XXL with its primer.
- Bella