Enhancing your eye (Mascara application).
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASCARA AND APPLICATION TECHNIQUES
The different types of mascara and application techniques to achieving volume and definition:
1. Types of Mascara
Mascara is designed to enhance the appearance of eyelashes, making them look longer, thicker, and more defined. Different formulas and wands serve specific purposes:
a. Lengthening Mascara:
– Purpose:Lengthening mascaras are formulated to extend the length of your lashes. They often contain fibers or polymers that cling to the tips of your lashes, making them appear longer.
– Best For:People with short lashes who want a more elongated look.
b. Volumizing Mascara:
– Purpose: Volumizing mascaras are designed to make your lashes look fuller and thicker. They often have a thicker formula and a denser brush that coats each lash with more product.
– Best For: Those with thin or sparse lashes who want a dramatic, fuller look.
c. Curling Mascara:
– Purpose:Curling mascaras help to lift and curl the lashes, often containing ingredients that help hold the curl in place after using an eyelash curler.
– Best For:People with straight lashes who want a lifted, curled effect.
d. Defining/Separating Mascara:
– Purpose:These mascaras focus on separating each lash, avoiding clumps and giving a more natural, defined look. The brush is often designed with fine bristles that comb through the lashes.
– Best For:Those who want a clean, defined look without clumping.
e. Waterproof Mascara:
– Purpose:Waterproof mascara is formulated to resist moisture, making it ideal for long wear or humid conditions. It’s harder to remove but offers long-lasting hold.
– Best For:Situations where your makeup might get wet (e.g., swimming, weddings, or humid climates).
f. Tubing Mascara:
– Purpose:Tubing mascaras use polymers that wrap around each lash to create tiny tubes. These tubes don’t smudge and are removed easily with warm water.
– Best For:Those who want a long-wearing, smudge-proof formula that’s easy to remove.
2. Application Techniques for Volume and Definition
Achieving both volume and definition with mascara requires proper technique. Here’s how you can enhance your lashes effectively:
a. Prepping Your Lashes:
– Curl Your Lashes:Use an eyelash curler before applying mascara. Start at the base of your lashes, gently squeeze, and hold for a few seconds. This lifts your lashes and helps create a more open-eyed look.
– Apply a Primer:Consider using an eyelash primer, which adds a base coat that can enhance the effects of your mascara. It also helps to separate and condition lashes, making the mascara application smoother.
b. Application Techniques for Volume:
– Wiggle at the Base: Start by placing the mascara wand at the base of your lashes. Wiggle the wand back and forth as you move it upward toward the tips. This deposits more product at the base, creating a fuller look.
– Layering:Apply multiple coats of mascara for added volume. After the first coat, wait a few seconds (but not too long) before applying the next coat. This layering builds thickness without clumping.
– Use the Tip of the Wand: For extra volume, use the tip of the mascara wand to apply additional product to the outer corners of your lashes. This makes the eyes appear larger and more dramatic.
c. Application Techniques for Definition:
– Use a Clean, Dry Wand:After applying mascara, use a clean spoolie brush or a dry mascara wand to comb through your lashes. This step helps remove any clumps and ensures each lash is separated.
– Focus on the Tips: For added length and definition, lightly apply mascara just to the tips of your lashes after the initial coat has dried. This enhances the length without adding bulk at the base.
– Lower Lashes:For lower lashes, hold the wand vertically and lightly sweep across the lashes. This method helps to define without creating a heavy, clumpy look.
d. Additional Tips:
– Avoid Pumping the Wand:Don’t pump the mascara wand in and out of the tube. This introduces air, which can dry out the mascara and cause it to clump.
– Use a Zigzag Motion: A zigzag motion helps to coat each lash evenly and reduces clumping by separating the lashes as you apply the product.
– Clean Up Smudges: Use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up any mascara smudges on your eyelid or under-eye area. This ensures a clean, polished look.
3. Tips for Enhancing Volume and Definition
– Layering with Different Formulas:Sometimes, combining different mascaras can yield the best results. For instance, you can first apply a lengthening mascara to add length and then go over it with a volumizing mascara for thickness.
– Apply Mascara to Both Sides of Your Lashes:For maximum impact, apply mascara to the top and bottom of your upper lashes. Start by coating the back of your lashes first, then sweep the wand upwards from the underside to lift and curl.
– Consider Using a Lash Comb:If your lashes tend to clump together, a metal lash comb can help separate them after applying mascara, giving a more defined and natural look.
TIP
Choosing the right mascara and applying it with the right technique can make a huge difference in your makeup routine. For volume, focus on building up the product at the base of your lashes with multiple coats, and for definition, ensure each lash is separated and free of clumps. With practice, you can achieve the perfect balance of volume and definition for any look.