Mascara is one of the basic make-up cosmetics. Where does this popularity come from? Mascara immediately improves the appearance of eyelashes, and thus gives your look an inimitable expression. How to choose a mascara? What are the types of mascaras and which ingredients it should contain? Which type of brush is the best? Is it worth investing in conditioning, hypoallergenic or organic mascaras? Which mascara is better: liquid, cream or stone?
Types of mascaras
From a technological point of view, there are two types of mascaras: emulsions and waterproof.
The former is made by heating and mixing wax components and emulsifiers, then pigments are added. This type of mascara is good for delicate and sensitive skin around the eyes and thin and brittle lashes. Its next advantage is its light consistency, which does not overload the lashes, and disadvantage – it is non-durable and fragile. Because of it, the make-up removal is easy and quick.
In turn, a waterproof (water-free) mascara is the result of mixing, heating and shaking all of its ingredients until a semi-hard formula is created. Such mascaras consist of waxes, oils and pigments. The applied formula withstands swimming in the sea and pool, intensive training and adverse weather conditions, for example high humidity. A waterproof mascara is a good idea during a touching ceremony, as it is resistant to tears. On the other hand, water-free mascara is very difficult to remove, that’s why the make-up removal is a very long process. What’s more, the formula is very overloading for the lashes, it often results in eyelash loss or a general deterioration of their condition.
Mascara – composition
Contemporary mascaras are nothing like mascaras made in the 20th century. They dramatically differ in both appearance and composition. First mascaras were made of powdered coal, lead sulphate and soot, whereas today they consist of mineral and silicone oils, which facilitate the application of the product. Thanks to the addition of waxes, the mascara sticks to eyelashes and effectively thickens them. Polymers, on the other hand, make the lashes elastic, and pigments five them a colour. Unfortunately, many mascaras contain petroleum derivatives, fatty alcohols and glycols that can irritate and sensitize sensitive eye areas.
Conditioning mascara
Another group of mascara ingredients involves substances with care properties, such as collagen, keratin and silk proteins. They lengthen and add volume to the eyelashes. Some mascaras contain vitamin B and ceramides with a strengthening effect – perfect combination for thin and brittle lashes.
Hypoallergenic mascara
Also, there are mascaras designed for allergy sufferers. Such cosmetics contain hypoallergenic substances, including wax (for example beeswax), water, iron oxide and pigment in the form of clay. They also contain ingredients that soothe irritations, such as panthenol and aloe. This is a great choice for contact lens wearers and for those with sensitive eyes. Unfortunately, the use of safe and odourless ingredients that reduce the risk of allergic reactions has some drawbacks. What drawbacks? First of all, its effects are not spectacular, and second of all, the hypoallergenic mascara flakes just a few hours after application.
Organic mascara
Organic mascara is a mascara which is based on ingredients from organic farming and from organic crops. Those include glycerine, cornflour, clary sage extract, shea butter and oils, for example, from macadamia seeds or avocado. The organic mascara not only embellishes the eyelash lines, but also improves the condition of eyelashes.
The shape of brush
In fact, i’s not only composition that matters. The shape of the brush gives mascara certain properties, for example lengthening, curling or thickening. To add volume choose wands with thick and straight bristles. To optically elongate the lashes use slim and simple silicone spirals. Curved brush curls the hair whereas small and rounded one will impressively emphasize their lower parts.
Mascara – colour
When choosing mascara, women also take into account the colour of the formula. Natural shades, such as black and brown, are the most popular, but there are also less standard colours.
In general, the colour of mascara should match the iris and the hair colour. And so – hazel eyes look well in blue, which emphasizes the colour of the eye. In the case of green and hazel eyes it’s best to choose purple, in blue – sapphire and turquoise mascaras. Women with blond or red hair should use brown formulas, and brunettes look best with black mascaras.
Liquid, cream or stone mascara?
The mascara can be in the form of a liquid, cream or stone. Liquid ones are the most popular – it is a standard one of the size of a pen. The mascara in the form of a cream is heavy and wraps the hair with a thick layer along its entire length – it’s a good solution for thin eyelashes. The mascara in stone may be a supplement or can be used alone.
