Mascara is one of those makeup bag instant-miracles. Add in some curl with your favorite eyelash curler (the Shu Uemura is extrememly popular, if you’re looking for one, but I also find regular drugstore curlers like those from Revlon, to be pretty effective too), and it is one thing that can instantly make you look more awake, and ready to take on the day. This is great especially if you’re in a hurry to get out the door, and just need something to make you look a little more polished and put together—even if the people you meet during the day can’t quite put their finger on what it is that does the trick.
Now, I’m a girl who believes that for makeup, in many cases, high-end brands do tend to produce higher quality makeup on a more consistent basis than do drugstore brands. I’m willing to invest more money in something like foundation, as it is the basis of the rest of my makeup.
However, this is absolutely NOT the case for mascara. In fact, I make it a point to never ever buy high-end mascara. It’s not worth it for two main reasons. First, most drugstore brands make very good mascara—comparable, and in some cases better than what high-end brands can produce. Mascara serves a very simple function when you get down to it, and there are only so many ways you can tweak the formula. Secondly, mascara expires very quickly. For safe use on your eyes—a very sensitive part of your body—they should be thrown out and replaced every three months as a rule. (Side note: don’t share your mascara with other people either!) It’s not worth it to buy something very expensive that you’ll have to replace so frequently.
Now, there are three main aspects to consider when trying to choose a mascara that will be right for you. You can’t exactly try on mascara in the store, but you can do a little research before you go to the store, and find out these details: what the brush is like, how dry the formula is, and whether or not it’s waterproof. You can find reviews of most beauty products online, at sites like makeupalley.com.
First things first, the brush is pretty important—this is the key difference between mascaras that promise volume and those that promise length. I’ve found that the traditional brushes—the thick, bristly ones—tend to be able to build up the most volume, as they also pick up the most product and coat the lashes most heavily. The thinner, silicone brushes that look like they have little fingers are better for length and separation, if you are a girl who hates the clumpier lash look.
The consistency of the formula is also important. Girls with hard-to-curl lashes take note: you’ll want to go for drier formulas that are waterproof. This is important because after you curl your lashes, and apply your mascara, they’ll dry and hold your curl better, and they won’t weigh your lashes down as much as wetter, non-waterproof formulas will. To remove the waterproof mascara at the end of the day DON’T scrub at your lashes (you don’t want to lose any!). Simply get an oil-based makeup remover to break down and gently take away the product.
That’s about it! You’ll know when you find the perfect formula for you.
Good luck finding your mascara match made in heaven!
By: Michelle C, Harvard
Emily P has 76 post(s) on RTR On Campus
