Mascara Basics

Mascara is an amazing invention and is considered fundamental to any kind of makeup application. Many makeup artists say that if you're not wearing any other makeup but still want to wear something, wear mascara. On the other hand, many women get carried away and wear way too much mascara.

Unfortunately, applying too much mascara increases the chances that the mascara will flake, chip or smear, and that the lashes will appear hard and spiked. Also, the eyelashes can take only so much weight, and excess weight can break them.

Types of Mascara

Mascara comes in two basic types: waterproof and water-soluble. Mascaras should not smudge, flake or clump. Price does not tell you anything about how a mascara will perform. Drugstore mascaras can be as good as any on the market.

Water-soluble mascaras: The problem with some water-soluble mascaras is that they don't come off easily with water, even though they should. Luckily, there are great water-soluble mascaras that build long, thick lashes without clumping or flaking and that come off with a water-soluble cleanser.

Waterproof mascaras: These can be problematic, because in order to remove this type of mascara you must pull and wipe around the eye area. This sags the skin and causes lashes to fall out. Waterproof mascara is fine for occasional use, but wearing it every day can cause more headaches in the long run. Another drawback is that most waterproof mascaras can break down and smear due to oil from your skin or emollients in your moisturizer or foundation. Do not make the mistake of thinking that waterproof means smear-proof.

Mascara Tips

• Do not wear colored mascara such as blue, purple or green if you're going for a professional daytime look.
• Do not wear mascara that smears; there are lots of brands that don't.
• Do not use waterproof mascaras on a daily basis; they are too difficult to remove and too hard on your lashes.
• Do not forget to apply mascara evenly to lower lashes.
• Do not over-apply mascara; your lashes will look clumpy.

Source: Discovery Healthy