What Are the Different Types of Mascara?

When it comes to eyelash enhancements, there’s certainly no shortage of options. But as much as we love the glamor of false lashes and lash extensions, they can be a little high maintenance. We don’t always have the time and energy to glue them on or clean them properly. For days when you want to keep your makeup stupid simple, nothing beats a tube of good ol’ mascara.

Mascara has been an invaluable part of beauty routines for literally thousands of years, stemming all the way back to the time of the ancient Egyptians who invented the earliest form of eye cosmetics. Mascara has gone through significant transformations since then, evolving into the modern mascara we have today. 

There are a variety of mascaras available on the market — so much, in fact, that it can be difficult to decide which one to get. If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of the makeup counter, confused and overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, we’re here to help.

In this article, we’ve listed down all the different types of mascaras, their uses, and their benefits so you can decide which mascara is right for you.

Lengthening Mascara

If you’re on a quest for longer lashes, not just any old tube of mascara will do. You’ll want an innovative mascara wand with dense bristles that will evenly coat your lashes from root to tip while encouraging them to curl.

Lash-lengthening mascaras contain plastic polymers such as nylon or rayon. These cling to the lashes and extend them beyond the tip, resulting in natural-looking volume with extra length and separation.

The formula is less likely to clump than other types of mascaras, so you can apply several coats that won’t end up in the dreaded spider lashes.

Best for: short, thin lashes

Volumizing Mascara

Dark, thick, voluminous lashes will easily add more drama to any beauty look, whether you’re dressing up for the evening out or just want to add a bit of glam for a regular day out. If you want the illusion of false lashes, then a volumizing mascara is your best bet.

Volumizing mascaras have a thicker, waxier formula compared to other types of mascara. They typically contain silicone polymers that help bulk up your lash hairs and have darker pigmentation for a dense look.

Best for: thin, sparse lashes

Waterproof Mascara

Arguably the most popular, waterproof mascaras can save you from looking like a mess on a variety of occasions, whether it’s pouring rain or a hot summer month.

This budge-proof mascara can withstand sweat, tears, and even the occasional eye rub. It’s a great option for those with sensitive or watery eyes, or if you’re doing any sweat-inducing physical activities. Whatever the case may be, a waterproof formula will definitely give you the defense you need against smudged eyes.

Waterproof formulas are generally more stubborn and require more effort to remove. We recommmend using an oil-based makeup remover to gently cleanse your lashes.

Best for: those with sensitive or watery eyes, athletes

Fiber Mascara

Fiber mascaras were a game changer when they first came out. They might look like your regular mascara, but this formula is filled with fine cellulose, silk, rayon, or nylon fibers that adhere to your lashes. The result? Intense volume, thickness, and length.

One unique thing about fiber mascaras is that they’re often sold as a dual-phase system that consists of a white fibrous primer and a finishing black cream formula.

When using this type of mascara, be extra careful during makeup removal as some of the fibers may come loose and fall into your eyes. It’s best to keep your eyes closed while cleansing.

Best for: short, thin, sparse lashes

Tubing Mascara

Akin to the idea of fiber mascara, tubing mascaras are formulated to wrap around the individual lash hairs in a tube-like shape to lengthen and bulk up the lashes. But unlike many fiber formulas, they don’t flake off throughout the day. They also wash off easily with warm water, which means you won’t have to rub your eyes to get it off. It’s a great option for those with sensitive eyes.

Tubing mascaras don’t add too much in terms of volume, but they can effectively lengthen the lashes and thus, technically fall under the category of lengthening mascaras. You can combine a tubing mascara with a second coat of volumizing mascara to get the best of both worlds.

Best for: short, thin, sparse lashes

Curling Mascara

Something as simple as curling your lashes can open up the eyes and enhance your overall appearance. Those of us with stick-straight lashes know this all too well. But as much as we love the look of it, we don’t always have the time or patience to use an eyelash curler. Enter: curling mascara. This type of mascara was formulated and designed to enhance the curl of your lashes, with its lash-lifting formula and curved mascara brush.

Curling mascara contains filming polymers that contract as it dries, causing your eyelashes to lift into a curl. To get the maximum curl, place the inner curve of the mascara wand along the base of your lashes and shimmy the wand from side to side as you sweep upwards.

Best for: straight lashes

Lash-Defining Mascara

If you’re in need of a mascara that does it all, look no further. A lash defining mascara is all-in-one product that adds volume, length, and color. It contains filmifying polymers that create thickness, synthetic fibers that add length, and strong pigments that provide deep color.

Applicators for this type of mascara are typically engineered with bristles that lift and coat each individual strand so that each eyelash hair looks separate and beautifully curled. Best of all, its buildable formula is versatile. Swipe one coat for a natural effect or apply two to three layers for a glam look.

Best for:

Non-Clumping Mascara

Clumping is typically caused by the way you’re applying mascara or the formula itself. The thicker and more volumizing the formula, the more prone to clumps a mascara will be. Unless you’re going for the spider lashes look, clumpy mascara is less than ideal on most occasions.

If your goal is feathery eyelashes with good separation, a non-clumping mascara might be the best choice. It contains glycerin and silk extracts that coat your eyelashes evenly and comes with a long-bristled applicator for even application from root to tip. Because non-clumping mascaras contain less thickening ingredients, it’s ideal for those with thick lashes or anyone who wants a more natural look.

Best for: dense lashes, anyone

Natural Mascara

As consumers become more aware of what ingredients go into the products they use, makeup brands are providing more conscientious solutions. If you feel uneasy about the petroleum derivatives and parabens that are present in many mascara formulas, natural mascaras are a great alternative. There are plenty of high-performing natural mascaras that doesn’t come with any harmful additives.

Best for: anyone

Bottom Lash Mascara

Most of us are perfectly content with applying a regular mascara to our lower lashes. But if you’re tired of flecks of mascara smudging underneath your eyes, you’re not alone. This universal problem is the reason why several makeup brands have created ultra-thin wands that target this specific concern.

Bottom lash mascaras have a long, slim brush that gives you more precision to apply the formula to your lower lashes without touching the skin underneath. Say goodbye to undereye mascara smudges forever!

Best for: anyone

Clear Mascara

As the name implies, clear mascara is a transparent product that’s used to enhance your natural lashes. While it won’t give you the length and volume that other types of mascaras can provide, its clear formula leaves a glossy sheen that slightly darkens and defines your lashes for a super effortless natural look. Plus, this multipurpose beauty product can also be used to tame your brows and baby hairs.

Best for: anyone

Mascara Primer

Mascara primers have a white-tinted formula that primes, thickens, and conditions the lashes, which creates the perfect base for inky black mascara. While not technically a mascara, a mascara primer can make a big difference to your lash look and definitely deserves a spot on this list! Applying an eyelash primer before mascara will help your lashes look fuller, longer, and more defined than they would with just mascara alone. Pair it with your favorite mascara to see just how much of a difference it can make!

Best for: anyone

source https://degreesofvanity.com/types-of-mascara/