FAN MAIL FRIDAYS: How to find the right mascara for you

Hello guys! Time again to answer another great beauty query from one of my avid readers, Addie:

Hi Ms. Martha

I really love the way you answer the questions of your fans, so I thought of writing you one. I also figured that you’re the best person to ask since your blog is literally a beauty bible!

Okay. I’ll stop beating around the bush now. Hehe. Here goes my question: How do you know which mascara is the right one for you? They say that a mascara's wand will tell you what particular effect to expect from the mascara, but they all look the same to me! Is this even true? Help! Your answer will be very much appreciated!

Much love,

Addie

Hi Addie!

Thank you for your kind words. And I love your question! I've been meaning to write about the same topic as well, and your question is very timely.

Most people would only rely on what the labels would tell them, but they don’t know that mascara wands give a real preview of what mascaras can actually do. So yes, this fact is true. In this entry, we will decipher the common types of mascara wands, and find out how they can help you find the mascara that suits your needs. Click READ MORE and read the rest of the post.

Nowadays, mascaras have very catchy names, and us, consumers, sometimes end up guessing which one is supposed to lengthen, thicken, or separate lashes. Much worse, we sometimes end up buying the wrong product! So just keep this in mind whenever you’re looking for a mascara to buy:

RULE OF THUMB: What the mascara wand looks like is how your lashes will look like.

CONCERN: Lash Separation

TYPE: Traditional wand with comb bristles

LOOK: Separated and clean- looking lashes

If you have very thick and dense lashes, congratulations. You are truly blessed. LOL!

Anyway, dense lashes have a tendency to get tangled up with each other, making them look unkempt. Comb Bristles will help comb unruly lashes into place. Opt for lengthening formulas because volumizing ones can weigh lashes down. Besides, you don’t need it anymore. You can also get away with clear mascara and a lash brush. Apply clear mascara onto your lashes, and gently comb it using the lash comb to separate entangled strands.

CONCERN: Volume/Fullness

TYPE: Traditional mascara wand with dense bristles

LOOK: Dramatic, thick, and full lashes

If your lashes are sparse, go for mascaras with packed bristles. They deliver heavier coverage and can coat even the tiniest strand, making your lashes look bigger. Most volumizing mascaras have shorter bristles because it lets the wand focus on depositing more mascara onto your lashes.

You may also want to try mascara bases. They usually come in white, and you apply them before the actual mascara for a thicker, more dramatic look.

CONCERN: Length

TYPE: Traditional mascara wand with wider spacing

LOOK: Lean and long lashes

Most lengthening mascaras have wider spacing in between the bristles, and the bristles are longer and not as scattered as compared to the ones on the wand of volumizing mascaras. The long bristles let the wand focus on each prominent lash, making them reach their full potential by giving them a more elongated look.

There are also mascaras with nylon fibers that add more length to your lashes. You can try those if your lashes are seriously short.

MODERN MASCARA WAND: Comb Wand and Curved Wand

Basically, it’s just a newer version of the traditional wand, but the principles are still the same: Comb wand with tighter teeth- Volumizing; Comb wand with widely- spaced teeth- lengthening/Separation. They’re also great to use if you like styling your lashes.

Curved ones are just flattened and bent versions of the traditional mascara wand. But it’s a faster way to apply mascara because the semi- U shape helps catch all your lashes in one stroke.

There you have it! Now you know what particular mascara to get!

Have a great Friday everyone!

**Got a burning question about makeups, skin care products, beauty, dieting, and health tips, relationships, and whatever? Just send them to martha.stabarbara@yahoo.com or shoot 'em up at The Beauty Junkee's FB Fan Page via the MESSAGE button and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. (Please, do not send me Math- related queries. :D)