HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT MASCARA - FOR YOU

Mascara - icing on the proverbial makeup cake.  It can make a look flawless or break a look with the dreaded spider eyes.  But with so many choices out there which one do you choose?  Here are some tips on selecting the perfect mascara for you.

REGULAR VS. WATERPROOF FORMULAS:

Most brands will give you a regular and a waterproof option of a similar formula and depending on where you're going you might opt for one over the other.  If you're going to an event where you plan to get wet or you might turn on the water works, a waterproof formula would be just the ticket to ensure continued beautiful lashes.  But why do brands offer a regular versus a waterproof option?  Sometimes waterproof formulas can flake over time and they're typically much harder to remove than the regular formulas.  Just remember, all that additional tugging on your lids while you try to wash it away can lead to lost lashes or *gasp* extra wrinkles as you get older.

FORMULA BREAKDOWN:

Curl - These formulas will contract as they dry helping your lashes have a curl to them.   If you have naturally straight lashes and you want some extra curl love, this might be a good choice for you.

Lengthen - Despite all claims of the power to lengthen your lashes, any mascara can only be applied to what length lash you've been born with.  I have found that "lengthening" formulas will apply a more complete coverage from stem to tip of the lash which could make them seem longer.

Define - These formulas are typically a bit thinner which allows the formula to coat the lash but not thicken it too much giving you a more natural lash.

Volume - If you want thick lashes this is your best bet.  These formulas will pack it on giving the illusion your lashes are thicker.  Wiggling your brush at the base of the lash line it key in application of this type of product to ensure the ends of your lashes don't get that spider eye look.

Long Wearing - All mascaras will eventually flake off or break off (goodbye lash, I'll miss you) but these long wearing formulas claim to have a longer wear time.  So, if you're one who needs their mascara to carry from day to night without touch ups, this might be the choice for you.

Waterproof - Headed to the pool, might get caught in a rain storm or perhaps the normal formulas tend to run after a while for you, the waterproof formulas are meant to stay put when they come in contact with water.

COLOR SELECTION:

Standard colors are black, soft black, brown-black, and brown, but please be cautious as not all colors are created equal.  Some brands have more saturated, intense blacks than others or perhaps a brown that is blue based whereas another brand has more red tones that might work for you.  The key, if you can, is to check out a tester of the color before purchase.  Some stores such as Ulta or Sephora typically have testers available of the non-drug store brands.  Another thing to take into consideration is what your ultimate goal is for your look.  If you are wanting a more natural look a brown or soft black might be easier on the eye than a dark black.  If you're headed out for a night on the town you want those lashes to stand out so a dark black would be your best choice.

THE BRUSH:

I never really thought the mascara applicator, aka the stick and brush, would have an effect on how my mascara looked, but it is a huge factor.  Brushes that have thicker bristles are not meant to separate your lashes, they're meant to pack the product on for volume.  So if you're wanting separated lashes this isn't the brush shape for you.  Instead you might look for a brush that has fine bristles that are slightly spaced out.  Some applicators you'll find will curve and this, unfortunately, is completely a personal preference as to whether you prefer the traditional straight brush or a curved brush.  Other brushes might be cone shaped which can help reduce application blobs (we've all been there) or they could be the same width from tip to base.  In recent years there has even been the advent of the rubber bristled applicator.  These brushes are usually thinner and the bristles themselves are shorter but don't let that fool you - these pack a punch when it comes to separating and fully coating your lashes.  However the rubber bristled applicators tend to either be flimsy, which can make applying your mascara quite the task, or they can be prickly which can be unpleasant for such a sensitive area.

PRICE POINT:

Ultimately what it all comes down to is what are you able and willing to spend.  Mascara has a lifespan of three to six months and in my experience they usually dry out long before they run out which causes the formula and application to change.  So if spending $20-$30 on a tube for that time period just might break the bank or leave you feeling guilty, opt for a less expensive brand.  Paying more doesn't always mean you're getting more.