Mascara is the one, magical product that can make an appearance on both a no-makeup day and a night out. The best mascara adds volume and length to individual lashes, creating a plump but natural look. Mascara is the one beauty product that can actually transform your face. A few swipes of the stuff and it makes rather small eyes pop. The key is in finding the perfect mascara for you and applying it correctly. Here are some mascara tips and tricks.
Pick the Best Mascara for You
When picking a mascara, you should consider the formula you want (lengthening, thickening, waterproof, or non-clumping). Learn more about your options in How to Pick the Right Mascara Formula.
You should also consider price. You can get a good basic drugstore mascara or spend more money on a luxurious mascara. I find the fancier mascaras go on with less clumping and last longer, but it’s likely no one would be able to tell if you were wearing a drugstore brand or a department store brand.
Lancome mascaras and waterproof mascara are suitable in summer time or when skiing. Check out my list of the best mascaras on the market for your perfect fit.
Most drugstores and department stores have excellent return policies, so if you try a mascara and hate it you can return it. Never try mascara on at a department store, there’s too much risk for infection.
Instead, check out the store’s return policy and take a few home to try. Also, don’t get suckered into a full-makeover at the cosmetics counter.
Best Overall – Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling Mascara
Arguably the perfect mascara, its exquisite brush creates a full fan of lashes buildable to any intensity.
Best For Lengthening – Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes
Long and delicate lashes for a natural and perfectly pretty, everyday look.
Best For Volumizing – Benefit Cosmetics They are Real
It’s a Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara. You only have to insist they’re real when they look false. This push-up bra of a mascara gives incredibly plump and perky lashes.
Best Drugstore Pick – Maybelline Volum’ Express: The Colossal Big Shot
Smooth, buildable volume that goes on quick thanks to a super-fluffy, fiber brush.
Runner-Up Drugstore Pick – Maybelline Lash Sensational
The intricately sculpted rubber brush creates incredibly precise volume on individual lashes, easy to control, easy to layer.
Runner-Up Drugstore Pick – L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara
A high-quality mascara that creates long, lush lashes almost as sophisticated as our department store picks.
Stephanie