How To Choose The Right Mascara (For Captivating Lashes)

What if a single swipe of mascara could transform your lashes from ordinary to extraordinary, adding an alluring charm to your eyes that captivates everyone you meet?

The quest of How to choose the right mascara might seem like an enigma to you however; there’s absolutely no reason for you to be scared because this comprehensive guide to choosing the right mascara has all the questions you can or will have to achieve the most captivating, voluminous, and lengthened lashes you have always desired.

The journey of finding the right mascara for yourself begins by understanding your lash needs and preferences, understanding the type of mascara formulations you require, and the type of brushes you might need to achieve your desired look. Also, by understanding various mascara brands and the price they charge for their mascaras. This well-researched article will help you find all the answers to get yourself acquainted with the process of buying the best mascara with our beauty expert’s insights and best recommendations.

So without any further ado let’s get right into exploring the trick of buying the best mascara for yourself.

JUMP AHEAD TO

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MASCARA

UNDERSTAND YOUR LASH NEEDS & PREFERENCES

Choosing a perfect mascara is definitely not just choosing the most popular brand researching from Pinterest or going after the latest trends that are on Instagram or TikTok instead it’s a lot more than that.

In order to get a perfect mascara that can complement our lashes’ natural features there are a good number of factors that we have to be cautious about. For example, understanding your lash type, identifying the look you desire, and the ingredients that are used in the mascara are some of the crucial factors.

Let’s discuss all these in detail so you can end up taking an informed decision –

DETERMINE YOUR LASH TYPE –

Every eyelashes are unique with its own characteristics. For example – Some of you might have a very captivating and voluminous natural lash but they might lack curl. Again some of you might have comparatively shorter lashes and want to add length.

Before purchasing mascara we need to carefully assess our lash type and understand the requirement so that we can end up with the best mascara as per our need.

CONSIDER YOUR DESIRED LOOK –

Each individual has a unique eye makeup style and over there, mascara has the capability of significantly influencing the overall eye makeup look. Before buying a mascara you need to determine your expected desired look.

For example – are you wanting to have a mascara that can give you a natural and subtle look for your day-to-day wear or are you looking for a mascara for a party look that can give you a dramatic and eye-catching appearance? Some of you might want a lengthening mascara for an extended lash look at the same time some of you might also like volumizing mascara for a fuller lash appearance.

Identifying your desired look will help you find the right mascara that suits you the best.

IDENTIFY ANY SPECIFIC CONCERNS –

Understanding any specific concerns and considering that while buying your mascara is another important factor to end up having the right mascara. For example – You might have sensitive eyes or maybe you might be prone to allergies in those cases you need to buy mascara that has gentle ingredients or hypoallergenic materials; in the same way if you wear contact lenses you need to consider mascara that is safe to wear along with your favorite contact lenses.

Understanding these specific concerns of yours can help you identify the appropriate mascara for yourself so that you can have a comfortable and enjoyable mascara application.

TYPES of MASCARA FORMULATIONS

LENGTHENING MASCARA – Lengthening mascaras are an excellent choice for those of you who have shorter lashes and want to get an elongated lash look. Lengthening mascaras are comprised of special fiber or polymers that can hold onto your lashes resulting in an elongated appearance.
VOLUMIZING MASCARA – For those of you who are looking for a mascara that can plump up your natural lashes making your lashes look fuller and thicker or looking forward to achieving a dramatic eyelash look then volumizing mascara is the right choice for them. Volumizing mascaras contain ingredients that can coat and plump up the lashes effortlessly.
CURLING MASCARA – Curling mascara is specifically made to hold the curl of your lashes. If you have naturally straight and more downward-pointed lashes then curling mascara is the one you need to buy immediately to make your naturally straight lashes have and hold the curl throughout the day.
WATERPROOF MASCARA – Waterproof mascaras are an excellent choice for those who are wanting to have a mascara that can support them in challenging conditions for example – hot weather or in an activity involving water. The formula is made up to be resistant to water, sweat, and tears as a result they can not only stay put for a long period of time but can also help you to prevent smudging.
WATER-RESISTANT MASCARA – Water-resistant mascara also offers durable wear like waterproof mascara but without the stubbornness of the traditional waterproof mascara. They are easy to remove which makes them more convenient for daily wear.
NON-CLUMPING MASCARA – If you’re a person who is concerned about applying mascara without having clumpy lashes then non-clumping mascara is the right one for you. They usually come in with special formula and brushes to prevent your lashes from sticking together giving you a more clean and polished look.
FIBER MASCARA – If the hassle of false eyelashes is not your thing then go for fiber mascaras. They are a game changer. Fiber mascaras usually contain tiny fibers that can cling to your lashes giving your lashes the illusion of extra length and volume and making your overall eye makeup a lot dramatic.
CONDITIONING MASCARA – Conditioning mascaras have ingredients that have nourishing properties for example – vitamins, oils, or proteins that can promote your lash health and protect your lashes from damage. They are an excellent choice for those people who want to enhance their lashes but keep them healthy at the same time.
CLEAR MASCARA – Clear mascaras do not add color but provide a glossy finish which makes them suitable for a natural look. Clear mascara is multi-usaged for example – you can tame your unruly eyebrows or maybe a top coat for your regular mascara so that it shines more than before.

Let’s take a quick look at the types of mascaras and who are the best candidates for them –

MASCARA TYPE	DESCRIPTION	SUITABLE FOR	WHERE TO BUY
LENGTHENING MASCARA	Elongates lashes with special fibers or polymers.	Shorter lashes
VOLUMIZING MASCARA	Adds volume and thickness for a dramatic look.	Dramatic eyelash look
CURLING MASCARA	Holds the curl of lashes, ideal for straight lashes.	Straight or downward-pointed lashes
WATERPROOF MASCARA	Resistant to water, sweat, and tears.	Hot weather or water activities
WATER-RESISTANT MASCARA	Durable wear like waterproof mascara, easy to remove.	Daily wear
NON-CLUMPING MASCARA	Prevents clumps, giving a clean and polished look.	Clump-free application
FIBER MASCARA	Adds extra length and volume for a dramatic effect.	Dramatic eye makeup
CONDITIONING MASCARA	Nourishes and protects lashes, promoting lash health.	Lash enhancement and health
CLEAR MASCARA	Provides a glossy finish without adding color.	Natural look and top coat

Quick Glipmse of Types of Mascara

TYPES of MASCARA BRUSH/SPOOLIE

When it comes to choosing the right mascara, the brush/spoolie or the applicator also plays a crucial role in the final application. You might like a mascara for its characteristics however, you might not like the applicator that comes with it or it might not be comfortable in your hand for the application.

Let’s take a quick look at the various types of mascara brushes or spoolies that are available in the market and how to choose the right one for yourself –

Learn About the types of Mascara Brush/Wand

CURVED BRUSH/SPOOLIE – A curved mascara brush or spoolie usually comes with curling mascaras. The gentle curve at the wand end really helps to create an eye-opening or wide-eye effect and helps your lashes look more defined and voluminous.
HOURGLASS BRUSH/SPOOLIE – Hourglass brush usually comes in two ends. The wider middle end of the brush is effective in providing volume to your eyelashes whereas the tapered end of the wand helps you apply your favorite mascara precisely and reach even in the tiniest corner of your eyelashes. This type of mascara brush works well with various types of eyelashes.
MICRO BRUSH/SPOOLIE – Microbrushes are great for applying mascaras in the lower lashes or for detailed application. These types of brushes allow you to work with greater control and precision making them a great option if you want to avoid clumping.
POINTED TIP BRUSH/SPOOLIE – Pointed tips mascara brushes also is great for precision application and separating and defining each lash. The main purpose these brushes serve is to reach and coat the hard-to-reach corner of your eyelashes.
CLASSIC BRUSH/SPOOLIE – Classic mascara brush is pretty versatile and is the most widely used mascara brush. They are made up of regular fiber bristles and are great for various types of mascara formulations. Everyone should have classic brushes as whether you want a natural or a dramatic look classic brushes can help with all.
PLASTIC BRISTLE BRUSH – Plastic bristled brushes are another widely used brush and are suitable for separating and defining the eyelashes which are extremely helpful in preventing clumpings and achieving a fluttery appearance.
SKINNY LONG BRUSH – Skinny long brushes are an excellent option if you want a one-stop solution. It can reach all of your eyelashes even the tiniest ones creating a lengthening and defined appearance.
BALL TIP MASCARA BRUSH/SPOOLIE – Ball tip mascara brushes have rounded ball-shaped tip and is great if you want to add volume and fullness to your lashes. The ball shape helps to get more product in the brush’s tip which eventually helps in getting a bolder and more dramatic look overall.
THICK OVERSIZED BRUSH/SPOOLIE – These types of brushes are often found in volumizing mascaras. They are great to gunk up with more products at the tip of the wand to provide a fuller and more intense lash appearance.

You should always consider your eyelash type and the specific lash look you want to achieve to get the perfect mascara brush/spoolie as per your need which is extremely important to enhance your overall eyelash look.

TYPES OF MASCARA COLORS

There are various types of mascara colors are available these days. For example- Black, Brown, multicolored, etc. In this section, we are going to be talking about these colors however, to get the most stunning eye enhancement you should know precisely “What color Mascara is Best For You According to your Eye color“, hair color, skin color, and based on many other factors.

BLACK MASCARA – Black mascara is probably the most common and classic choice out of many different colors. Black colors suit most of the eye-colored people however, Blue-eyed and Hazel eyed people, you guys can get the best out of the black mascaras. Black mascaras are capable of giving depth and intensity to your eyelashes which makes them look a lot more defined and dramatic.
BROWN MASCARA – For those of you who have fair-colored hair and looking for a more natural and subtle appearance without making it overly dramatic or intense, brown mascara is the best bet for you guys. In addition to that if your eye color is either Brown or Green or Hazel trust me Brown colored mascara can do magic for you.
COLORED MASCARA – For those of you who are fun-loving and adventurous and are not scared of experimenting with various colors to make your eyes pop there are various colors for you guys to choose from. For example – Blue, purple, green, etc. Colored mascaras are a great way to express individuality and create unique eye looks that people aww to.

Always remember a color can suit your friend well but might not suit you well. So, know your eye color, hair color, skin tone, and many other factors that affect you to end up having the best mascara color for yourself. To know more about these you can check our article “What Color Mascara Should You Wear For Stunning Eye Enhancement“.

And, finally, before you buy the right mascara for yourself without breaking the bank, be considerate and careful about all the factors we have discussed here.

INGREDIENTS to LOOK FOR (and AVOID)

Modern days mascaras are made up of various ingredients. Mostly good ingredients that promote lash health and nourishment. however; there might be various brands throughout the world that might not be cautious about the ingredients that are used in the production of their mascaras. In this section, we are going to be talking about the cautiousness we have to show while buying mascara and how to check the ingredients from the label.

INGREDIENTS to LOOK FOR – While buying mascara always look for these below ingredients. The listed ingredients below can strengthen, nourish, and improve the overall appearance of our eyelashes.

PANTHENOL – Panthenol is an ingredient in mascara that not only strengthens the lashes but also moisturizes to promote flexibility and overall health of the lashes. Panthenol is also known as PRO-VITAMIN B5.
BIOTIN – Biotin is a type of VITAMIN B that helps the lashes prevent breakage and also promotes lash growth.
ARGININE – Arginines are another great ingredient in mascara production. They are basically amino acids that help the lashes to grow and improve the overall appearance of brittle and thin eyelashes.
VITAMIN E – Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that are useful in protecting lashes from damage by free radicals and also help maintain overall eyelash health.
CASTOR OIL – Castor oil is another popular ingredient in mascara that conditions and moisturizes the lash health eventually making them appear thicker and healthier.

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID – The below list consists of the ingredients that you need to be careful with when buying mascara to avoid potential harm or damage to your eyelashes.

PARABENS – Parabens are basically harmful preservatives that potentially disrupt hormone and causes an allergic reaction.
FORMALDEHYDE – They are also harmful to our lashes and can cause allergic reactions.
COAL TAR – Coal tars are basically pigments and are found in some mascaras. They are harmful as well and cause potential skin irritation and sensitivity.
PHTHALATES – These are harmful ingredients that disrupt hormonal regulations and are linked to numerous health concerns.
ALUMINUM POWDER – Aluminum powders are another harmful ingredient and act as pigments that can cause various allergic reactions.

EXPERT TIPS on READING PRODUCT LABELS for MASCARA SELECTION –

Now, you know about the good and the bad of mascara ingredients but aren’t you curious about how to know if the ingredients that are used are as per your preferences?

Let’s talk about that in this section, so you can make an informed decision –

CHECK for HYPOALLERGENIC FORMULAS – If you wear contact lenses or have sensitive eyes while buying you should look for mascaras that are labeled as hypoallergenic to reduce the potential risk of irritation.
CHECK for FRAGRANCE-FREE OPTIONS – Fragrances in mascaras are often pretty annoying for some individuals, if you’re someone like that opt for a fragrance-free option. You can often find this information on the product’s label.
LOOK for OPHTHALMOLOGIST-TESTED MASCARAS – Mascaras that are tested by ophthalmologists are less likely to cause various eye irritations and can have adverse reactions. You might not find this information on the label but a 5-minute research on the internet is good enough to have a list of opthalmologist-tested mascara.
RESEARCH VEGAN and CRUELTY-FREE BRANDS – With the ongoing surge of sustainable mascaras there are a good number of people who prefer to have a vegan and cruelty-free option. If you’re someone like that look for a “VEGAN” and/or “CRUELTY-FREE” label on the packaging.

RESEARCHING MASCARA BRANDS and PRODUCTS

Researching a mascara brand is another crucial factor that you have to consider before buying a mascara. Along with various popular cosmetics brands, numerous less popular brands also produce not only mascara but various cosmetic products that are neither effective nor harmless. Besides, there are numerous other reasons for you as well to research a cosmetics brand before buying.

Let’s talk about those in detail –

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCHING MASCARA BRANDS

AVOIDING WASTING MONEY on INEFFECTIVE PRODUCTS –

Modern mascaras are made up of various high-tech ingredients that are mostly good for our lashes and a good popular brand always ensures that. However, there are less popular brands all throughout the world that are neither conscious nor care about the users health rather than the business.

Researching mascara brands beforehand in this regard will allow you to save your hard-earned money and also will help you make an informed decision about mascara that is capable of giving you that desired stunning look effectively.

ENSURING COMPATIBILITY with LASH TYPES and CONCERNS –

Modern mascaras can cater to your various needs and concerns for example – lengthening, curling, volumizing, or suitable for sensitive skin. Along with the continuous research of ensuring a quality product popular brands also ensure you end up buying the right one that can cater to your specific needs and concerns by clearly depicting it in the packaging of the product.

ENSURING QUALITY and SAFETY –

Before pushing a product into the market popular and renowned brands test it by various opthalmologists so that they can ensure a safe product for its end users that can cater to the user’s different purposes.

ENSURING CERTIFIED PRODUCTS from REGULATORY BODIES –

Various regulatory bodies work in different countries to ensure safe-to-use products for their country’s end users. The perks of buying cosmetics products that are by a renowned and popular brand are that, before coming into the market the product not only goes through the test of their own opthalmologist but also through tests conducted by the various regulatory bodies as well.

RECOMMENDED “EXPERT’s PICK” MASCARA BRANDS

E.L.F Cosmetics – E.L.F Cosmetics is a popular cosmetics brand from the USA. They offer a range of products including volumizing mascara and lengthening mascara which makes this brand a popular choice to cater to different lash needs.
Sephora – Sephora is a French makeup brand with a variety of cosmetics products. Their offered mascaras can cater to different lash needs, types, and preferences.
Smashbox – Smashbox is an American brand. They are renowned for their effortless application of mascara and also for the stunning results that they usually provide. They also offer unique brushes along with their mascaras to achieve specific eyelash looks.
Tarte Cosmetics – Tarte Cosmetics’ country of origin is the USA. This brand is popular for the gentle skin-nourishing ingredients in their mascara formulations. They have a range of formulations to cater to your different lash needs and preferences. Check our article “11 Best Tarte Mascaras of All Time: For Unforgettable Lashes” to learn more in detail about which Tarte mascara to buy and how to transform your lashes with it for various occasions.
CoverGirl- CoverGirl is also an American brand. And the biggest advantage of their brand is their mascaras are affordable but high in quality. They have a variety of mascaras for example – lengthening mascaras, volumizing mascaras, and curling mascaras. Their products can also cater to various lash types.
L’Oreal – L’real is a brand in France and is extremely popular for its reliability in long-lasting wear. They have a variety of mascaras to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Maybelline New York – As in the name it’s an American brand. And is well known for its wide selection of mascaras that can cater to different lash looks. Their formulas are not only classic but innovative at the same time and can easily suit your needs and preferences.
MAC Cosmetics – MAC is a Canadian brand and is popular for its statement-making and bold effects. Their formulas are pretty innovative and are capable of providing both a dramatic and natural look.
Chanel – Chanel is a brand that is mostly recognized for elegance and sophistication. It’s a French brand. Their mascaras are known to give a refined, classic, and sleek look to enhance natural beauty.
Lancome – Lancome is another French brand. And is known for its luxurious formulations and performances. Lancome mascaras can give you a bold and dramatic look and are exceptional for special occasions.

Along with these brands, numerous other brands are also manufacturing various makeups along with mascaras. If you like mascara while researching on Amazon or other e-commerce platforms. Go ahead with the brand but be sure to check the reviews and effectiveness written by its various users.

CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET

So, you have considered the type of mascara you want, and the type of brushes you need Also understand your lash needs and preferences and are also fixed with the brands, the next important thing that matters now is the price. There are various price ranges in the mascara market.

Let’s talk about the various price ranges you can buy your mascara from –

VARIOUS PRICE RANGES IN THE MASCARA MARKET

DRUGSTORE MASCARAS – Drugstore mascaras are pretty budget-friendly and are entry-level mascaras in the price category. Drugstore mascara prices are often in the range of $5 to $15. Drugstore mascara also has a wide range of formulas and brush types making it accessible for every type of customer.
MID-RANGE MASCARAS – The price of mid-range mascaras usually falls within the range of $15 to $30. They often come from reputable brands and usually balance quality and affordability.
HIGH-END MASCARAS – High-end mascaras come from various luxury brands and often consist of various innovative ingredients and formulations. The price range of high-end mascaras ranges from $30 to $50.

COST EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVES to HIGH-END MASCARAS

DRUGSTORE DUPES – Numerous drugstore mascaras offer a comparable application result to high-end mascaras within a fraction of the price. Always look for drugstore options with similar formulations that can help you achieve the desired lash-enhancing results.
AFFORDABLE INDIE BRANDS – Look for various Indie beauty brands that produce mascara as well. These brands often don’t have similar marketing budgets as the big brands however, they are capable of producing excellent makeup products.
DIY MASCARA – If you’re on a very tight budget and are not capable of buying a good brand of mascara you can try out making on your own as well. Making your own mascara is pretty straightforward and also comes with benefits like knowing your ingredients. We have a step-by-step article on How to make your own Mascara at home, You can check the article and make your own one from various methods we have tried over there.

EXPERT TIPS for FINDING QUALITY MASCARAS with DIFFERENT BUDGETS

LOOK FOR TRAVEL or MINI SIZES – Even if you like mid-range or high-end mascara but want it within a small budget worry not because many brands offer mini sizes or travel-friendly sizes. Opt for those if they have any.
UTILIZE COUPONS and DISCOUNTS – Often times not only the manufacturers but also various retailers both in physical outlet and online offers sales or discount to attract customers. Keep your eyes open for such an opportunity and don’t miss out on getting a product on a friendly budget.
SIGN UP FOR REWARD PROGRAMS – Various cosmetics brands, online retailers even some super shops offer reward programs or loyalty programs. Try to join these to earn points and get discounts on future purchases.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GIFT SETS – During various holidays and on special occasions beauty brands sell gift sets a very discounted prices. And these gift sets often include multiple products within your budget range.
RESEARCH FROM OUR BLOGS – If you don’t think neither of these options are catering to your need you can also check out our mascara shop’s posts where we have posted a variety of mascara products within a variety of price range along with their reviews.

ADVANCED TIPS for FLAWLESS MASCARA APPLICATION and EFFORTLESS REMOVAL

So, you have bought your favorite mascara but are unable to get that mesmerizing look you have always desired. The below-advanced tips and suggestions will help you become a pro with your mascara magic –

PREPP with an EYELASH or MASCARA PRIMER – Eyelash primer and mascara primer are the same and serve the exact same purpose of giving you long-lasting and voluminous lashes. Before applying mascara gently coat your lashes with primer to get a smooth base for the application and amplify the effect. Learn, the step-by-step application to How to use an eyelash or mascara primer.
THE POWER of CURLING – Though a good number of people consider this step to be an optional one. However; we found this step to be really effective in getting a smoother and flawless mascara application. Before applying mascara gently position your favorite lash curler close to your lash line, then curl and hold it for a few seconds before releasing. Be very careful while curling lashes as not knowing the right way to curl can damage the lashes. So, learn the right way to curl your eyelashes first and then jump into the real process.
LAYERING TECHNIQUES – If you want to get a customized lash look then while applying mascara the right way you can actually layer your lashes with different types of mascara. For example – you can start with a lengthening mascara for long defined lashes and then gradually layer with a volumizing mascara to add volume to your lashes.
THE WIGGLE and ROLL – To achieve a clump-free application or to get an answer to how to unclamp mascara, you can opt for the wiggle and roll technique. The technique is very simple just wiggle the mascara wand at the very base of your eyelashes to get an even distribution of mascara and then roll your wand upwards to coat each of your eyelashes from root to the tip. This wiggle and roll method is really effective in separating and elongating your eyelashes for a fluttery look.
THE BOTTOM LASH HACK – Applying mascara to the lower lashes can be tricky at times. And it’s a nightmare for those who want a smudge-free look. To avoid this problem, you can hold a business card or any of your expired bank cards or a small piece of paper under your lower lashes while applying mascara. This will allow you to prevent mascara from transferring to your skin. If you need further assistance you can check our article on how to apply mascara to bottom lashes this will guide you through the process.
EYELASH CONDITIONING – When we talk about a smooth flawless mascara application, we often forget to talk about our lash health to get that captivating look. Our lashes also need some caring and nourishment to be healthy. So, always incorporate the use of lash serum into your beauty routine to give them the proper nutrition and conditioning.
GENTLE REMOVAL – While removing your mascara you must ensure you be gentle with the process. Try to use micellar water or an oil-based cleanser in the removal process to gently remove your stubborn mascara. If you want to know more in detail about the ingredients you can use in the removal process and the steps you need to follow you can check our article How to remove mascara without damage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

HOW CAN I FIND A MASCARA THAT DOESN’T CLUMP or SMUDGE?

ANSWER: Having a clump-free and smudge-free look is not only dependent on products but also on knowing “How to Apply Mascara the Right Way” and also “How to Keep Mascara from Smudging“.

To get a clump-free and smudge-free product, look for non-clumping mascara, smudge-proof mascara, or get yourself the best waterproof mascara or maybe a water-resistant mascara.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WATERPROOF and WATER-RESISTANT MASCARA?

ANSWER: Waterproof mascaras are more durable in withstanding water, tear, and sweat. Let’s look at the other differences between waterproof and water-resistant mascara.

WHAT MASCARAs ARE SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE EYES or CONTACT LENS WEARER?

ANSWER: Nowadays there are specifically designed mascaras that are suitable for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. While buying, look for hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested labeled mascara.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Finally, as we draw our journey on “How to Choose the Right Mascara” to a close, we are leaving here you with the ultimate secret to unlocking the power of captivating lashes that can leave you and everyone else with a long-lasting impression.

Always, remember the process of selecting the right mascara for yourself actually starts with understanding your lash needs and your preferences. If you can identify your need and be confident with that you’re basically halfway done to choosing the right mascara for yourself.

We hope you have learned many new factors that you need to consider in the process of buying your favorite mascara. Share this article with your friends and family as well so they can also learn the tricks. Be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get such amazing expert tips right into your inbox.

And finally, always remember –

Beauty can be in the eye of the beholder but it sure is in the lashes that can frame the soul.

So, choose the right mascara and flaunt those beautiful lashes of yours like you have never before.