While we obsess over finding the perfect lipstick and foundation shades, we often neglect an important step in eye makeup – mascara. It’s easy to ignore mascaras and think of them as an optional step but mascaras can make or break your entire look! Finding the right mascara can elevate your eye makeup game; and picking the wrong one can ruin your entire look. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of mascara to help you pick one that suits you the best.

 

What are the different types of mascara?

Mascaras may seem pretty straightforward, and while they are, plenty of thought is put into designing their wands, bristles, and pigments. Some are designed to make your lashes look longer, while others make them look curled or fuller. While the difference may be subtle, it is quite visible. Here are the most commonly found types of mascaras that do different things for your eye makeup

 

• Lengthening mascara

 

• Volumising mascara

 

• Curling mascara

 

• Lifting Mascara

 

• Tubing Mascara

 

• Waterproof mascara

 

• Washable Mascara

 

Let’s figure out these mascara types, uses and understand which is the best type of mascara for you.

Types of mascara and their uses

Lengthening Mascara

If you have short or stubby lashes, this one's for you. Lengthening mascaras make your lashes look longer and more prominent. Such types of mascaras use fine, closely spaced bristles that can coat your lashes throughout, from root to tips, to add length. These fine bristles also keep your lashes from clumping together. The mascara pigment also tends to be lightweight and intense, and does not weigh down your lashes. They are ideal for elegant looks where you want your lashes to stand out without too much drama.

Volumising Mascara

If your lashes are naturally thin or sparse, a volumising mascara is your best friend. This type of mascara is designed for a thickening effect. It gives you denser lashes, as if you were wearing falsies. Volumising mascara has layered bristles that make your lashes look full and dramatic, while the pigment is intense and makes your eyes pop. Look for mascaras that are both volumising and lengthening to get the perfect, eye-catching makeup look.

Curling Mascara

Sometimes you notice how people’s lashes are ever so slightly tilted upwards. While eyelash curlers are one way to do it, a more natural, gentler approach is curling mascaras. A curling mascara uses a bent, C-shaped wand that slightly moves your lashes upwards, contouring your natural lash line. They also use voluminous pigments with hold, which can keep your lashes curled and fluttering all day long. These types of mascaras are ideal for opening up your eyes, making them look larger and brighter. It’s the best type of mascara for those who want to draw attention to their eyes, making them look bigger and more awake.

Lifting Mascara

If you’re looking for mascaras that can do it all, look for lifting mascaras. They lengthen, volumise and lift your lashes upwards from the root. These types of mascaras mimic a lash lift, a cosmetic procedure where your lashes are treated to always point upwards. Lifting mascaras have a double curved lifting brush and a smudge-free, holding pigment that keeps your lash look intact all day. Try it if you have droopy lashes and want a straight, lifted, long lash look.

Tubing Mascara

Tubing mascara coats your lashes differently. Instead of coating your lashes, this mascara pigment can wrap each lash separately in ‘tubes’, making them smudge-proof, waterproof, and free from clumping. This mascara simply slides off in warm water and does not need any harsh removers.

Waterproof Mascara

The only thing worse than clumpy mascara is mascara that runs down your face. This is where waterproof types of mascaras come in. They can be lengthening, volumising, or both, but they are largely created with intense, rich, and waterproof pigments. It means that your lash makeup is safe from sweat, rain, a quick face wash, or tears. Once applied, a waterproof mascara does the job all day unless you remove it with an oil-based cleanser. It’s perfect for busy days, your office makeup, and for anyone who wants lashes that last without troubling their eyes.

Washable Mascara

A washable mascara comes off with water and a gentle cleanser. It gives you beautiful lashes and excellent lengthening, however, it comes off very easily. If you are looking to create an eye makeup look for indoor parties, or just for a couple of hours, this is the best type of mascara for you.

What type of mascara should I use?

Now that you know about the different types of mascaras, it’s time to take a look at your lashes. Understand their density, length, curve, and the shape of your eyes. Once you know it, it’s time to pick the best type of mascara for you.

 

• For short lashes: Lengthening mascara

 

• For thin or sparse lashes: Volumising mascaras

 

• For straight lashes/small eyes: Curling mascaras

 

• For droopy, lifeless lashes: Lifting mascaras

 

• For long days/humid weather/special events: Waterproof mascaras

 

• For sensitive eyes: Washable or tubing mascaras

 

Once you learn how to apply mascaras that complement your lashes and eye shape, makeup is a breeze!

 

 

While choosing the right product is crucial, learning how to apply it is just as important. Glimpse through a few tips to avoid clumpy mascara and spidery lashes.

Now that you know all that there is to know about different types of mascaras, choose the best one for you from the vast collection by Maybelline India. If you’re still skeptical about your makeup look, try the Virtual Try-On tool by Maybelline and test out all the types of mascaras online. Tightline your makeup with some eyeliner, cover the lower lash line with kajal, try different eyeshadow looks, and set it all away with a setting spray.

Don’t forget your lip makeup and face makeup, and try the Foundation Finder tool for tone-matched looks. Stay tuned for more eye makeup tips by Maybelline.