Different Types Of Mascaras

From various textures, formulations, shapes, and sizes, the types of mascaras are evolving in the makeup industry. Everybody loves defined lashes that enhance their makeup look and always make them look ready to take over the world. So, proceed to read through the different mascaras types and find one that fits your bill perfectly. Keep scrolling!

Keep In Mind

• • Formula: Formula If you have sensitive eyes, choose a gentle formula. Consider using mascara with nourishing ingredients if your lashes are dry or brittle.
  • Brush: Formula A larger applicator is better for adding volume and thickness, while a smaller brush is better for getting to the inner and outer corners of your eyes.
  • Skin Type: Formula Look for a mascara that is long-lasting and doesn’t budge if you have oily skin. If you have dry skin, however, prioritize a moisturizing formula.

Different Types Of Mascara

There are different types & compositions of mascaras available in the market which change your entire eye look in a second.

Short lashes? Try a lengthening mascara.
Thin lashes? Try a thickening mascara.
Straight lashes? Try a curling mascara.
All three? Try a volumizing mascara.
All you need to know is how to apply mascara in the right way!

• Water soluble Mascaras get easily smudged/ flaked & are not long wearing. They can be easily removed with any basic makeup remover.

• Waterproof Mascaras don’t get smudged & are long staying. They are the best bet for summers & Monsoons. They are hard to remove with ordinary removers and needs special oil-based makeup removers. These are highly processed formulas which stay intact on eyes for long hours. Waterproof mascara also tends to hold curls longer than water soluble mascaras. These mascaras ensure that your lashes maintain their shape and definition throughout the day. No wonder they are the best for curling eyelashes.

Smitha, a YouTube vlogger, shared her experience and hacks for wearing waterproof mascara properly. She explained, “While getting the mascara wand out, I’m going to slightly tilt it on one side, so it removes the excess mascara on the wand. That way your lashes don’t get clumped (i).”

Apart from this broad classification Mascaras are sub categorized again Into powder, cream and liquid mascaras.

1. Powder Mascara

Powder Mascara is very different from wet and dry mascara. You add a few drops of water into it and use it with a wand. The mascara sets to give a false eyelash kind of a finish.

2. Cream Mascara

Creamy Mascara provides volume to thin and sparse eyelashes and adds depth to the eyes.

But this can smudge easily so you will need a special kind of applicator for it.

3. Liquid Mascara

These mascaras are easily found and are the most common of all and are mostly used by women who have slightly curled lashes. It enhances the shape of the lashes. These are available in both water-resistant and water-soluble variants. Wear water-resistant formulas on days when you will be out for many hours and on occasions when you might sweat a lot. These also work well for humid days, ensuring the pigment stays put without smearing or smudging off. On the other hand, water-soluble formulas are gentle and easy to remove. They are the best for daily use and if you prefer a natural look.

Fun Fact

Victorian women used a homemade mascara to create the illusion of long dark eyelashes. They prepared it by heating the mixture of ash and elderberry juice on a plate.

Choosing Right Mascara Applicator

Mascara Applicator comes in different shapes and sizes, and each wand serves a different purpose.

• Straight mascara wands are easy to use as they allow easier access to small lashes and inner eyelid lashes. You can also hold the brush at different angles to fully coat the lashes.

• Curved brushes and tubing mascaras are perfect for those who are looking for more curls and an extra lift to the lashes. Comb shaped mascara is designed to discourage clumping and separates the lashes.

• A Comb Brush helps to separate the lashes and gives an even application. It further adds length and volume to the lashes.

• A Big Brush Mascara coats more mascara and gives more volume to the eyelashes. The wand has tightly spaced bristles, which is perfect for extra thickness. A big mascara brush can add clumps and can be hard to use at times, but with some practice you will get used to it.

• Long Brush is best for lengthening as a long wand with even space won’t provide as much volume as a big brush. They are recommended to separate and define lashes.
• Small Brush is better for small lashes, as it doesn’t clump the lashes, thereby offering thickness.

Different Formulas Of Mascaras

1. Lengthening Mascara

A lengthening mascara adds length to the existing lashes. Most lengthening and volumizing mascaras have denser bristles, which allow the mascara to get onto the lashes especially on the tips.

This mascara is ideal for people with short and sparse eyelashes. Hold the mascara wand vertically and move the brush from the roots to the tips of your lashes gently. You may coat the small lashes at the inner and outer corners with the tip of the wand. To create the most length, you must apply at least two coats of mascara on the lashes.

When the mascara is applied, its fiber binds to the tips of the eyelashes, making them appear longer.

According to the mascara market analysis, its market size is likely to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% between 2022 and 2030. The lengthening, curling, and volumizing variants are ruling the current mascara market. The lengthening mascara is the most popular mascara variant among users, and its market revenue will continue to grow during this forecast period. Even the curling and volumizing mascara market may see a significant revenue boost by 2030.

Mascara Market Trends By Product Type

2. Thickening/Volumizing Mascaras

Volumizing Mascara helps you achieve fuller and thicker eyelashes as it contains a thicker formula of waxes and silicone polymers.

It claims to be perfect for people with thin or sparse eyelashes, regardless of length. They make thin lashes look like thick natural-looking lashes. Unlike lengthening mascaras, they don’t apply synthetic fibers and are designed to complement the shape and color of our natural lashes. Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand back and forth as you move towards the tips. Apply multiple layers of the mascara, focusing on the outer corners to create a voluminous, fanned-out look.

3. Curling Mascara

Curling Mascaras help to enhance the natural curl of the lashes. The mascara consistency is a little thicker than other types of mascaras, which further helps to hold the curl. First, curl your lashes with a lash curler. Then, apply the curling mascara. Start at the base and roll the wand gently upwards in a curl action to lock the effect.

Quick Tip

You can apply powder to your lashes with a Q tip before applying the mascara. This will add more volume to your lashes.

4. Lash Defining Mascaras

Lash Defining Mascara is an all-in-one product that offers volume and thickness. These are usually available as waterproof. Owing to its consistency and texture, it spreads evenly and each eyelash looks separate, fine and beautifully curled, which gives volume and thickness, thus offering a perfect appearance.

Most of the mascaras available in the market offer all these properties but a lash defining mascara is unique because it contains special pigments and polymers to define lashes from root to tip. Lash Defining mascaras give a natural look to the eyelashes. They are the most appropriate mascaras for everyday wear. Don’t forget to use lash-building and conditioning serums and oils if you use mascara too often. This gives lash-enhancing, satin-smooth results. Use clear mascara for no-makeup glossy applications. Applying a lash-defining mascara is slightly tricky. Start at the base and wiggle the wand side to side as you move upwards till the tips of the lashes. This way you can coat all the lashes without clumping them.

5. Non–Clumping Mascara

These are the latest addition in the market and contain glycerin and silk extracts, which give the lashes a neat finish. The applicators have a longer wand for a deeper and dramatic clump-free finish. Prep your lashes with a mascara primer for a fuller and more prominent look. Apply this mascara in a zig-zag motion to coat all lashes evenly and get a fluttery look.

6. Water Soluble/Regular And Waterproof/ Water Resistant

• Water soluble mascaras get easily smudged or flaked and are not long wearing. They can be easy-to-remove with any basic makeup remover.
• Waterproof mascaras are smudge-proof, transfer-resistant, and long-wearing. They are the best bet for summers & Monsoons. They are hard to remove with ordinary removers and need special oil-based makeup removers. These are highly processed formulas which stay intact on eyes for long hours.

Apply these mascaras in thin layers to define the lashes without adding excess pigment. Build the pigment gradually to achieve the desired result without stiffening the lashes.

7. Colorful Mascara

Colorful mascara has emerged as a playful and trendy beauty accessory that adds a vibrant twist to traditional eye makeup. This fun and expressive product comes in a spectrum of hues, from electric blues to vivid purples. It allows individuals to experiment with their looks and showcase their personality. They are ideal for those who love to make bold style statements with their daily looks.

Colorful mascara offers a creative way to enhance and define lashes beyond the conventional black or brown shades. These bold shades make your eyes pop with a burst of color and are fantastic for special occasions and gatherings like music festivals. Additionally, they complement various eye colors and can be subtly applied for a hint of playfulness or layered for a bold and dramatic effect. Apply this mascara in thin, even layers to achieve full coverage without clumping the lashes. Let the mascara dry completely between the layers to avoid scrapping off the pigment from the previous layer.

Learn about the different types of mascara and find out which one is right for you. Discover the various kinds, colors, and formulas in which they are available in the following video.

Infographic: 6 Types Of Mascaras You Should Know About

Did you know that there are different types of mascaras in the market according to your needs? It was definitely a surprise for some of us. Not all lashes are the same and one formula won’t work for all. So, scroll down and check out this infographic to learn about the different mascaras to help you choose the best one for yourself.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to wear waterproof mascara everyday?

Using waterproof and matte mascara everyday may cause your eyelashes to get dry and easily fall off. It can leave your eyelashes dehydrated and unhealthy.

Is it okay to wear mascara everyday?

It is not advisable to use mascara daily as it may cause damage. Instead apply some oil to your lashes to keep them healthy.

What mascara do makeup artists use?

Most makeup artists use long lasting mascaras that add volume and length to lashes. Ada Hsieh, a highly experienced makeup artist says,” I often use a lengthening mascara first, and then a volume mascara. This creates the length I need plus volume. Every time I mix these 2 types of mascaras together, the end result is something I really covet for.” This also depends on whether they are applying makeup for a red carpet event, film shooting, theater, period piece, runway show, etc.

What mascara does Kylie Jenner use?

To give herself that everyday natural look, Kylie Jenner uses a brown shaded overcurl mascara.

Illustration: Different Types Of Mascaras

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Ada HsiehMakeup Artist

     

Ada Hsieh is a highly experienced makeup artist specializing in high fashion editorial and special effects makeup. She has learned directly from the masters in the industry like Danessa Myricks, Mimi Choi, and Lan-Nguyen Grealis.

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Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

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Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

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Bhumika DagaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Bhumika is a content writer with 2.5 years of expertise in crafting articles across diverse genres. She graduated from the University of Delhi and completed her post-graduation from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi.

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