Skip to content

#Mascara

1 ideas

Get new #Mascara ideas by email

Every Thursday: the week's best ideas, with the newest from #Mascara.

Mascara: What It Is and How to Use It

Mascara is one of the simplest makeup products, but it can make a big difference to the look of your eyes. It is used to darken, define, and shape the eyelashes, making them appear fuller, longer, or more lifted. For many people, it is a quick everyday step that adds emphasis without needing much else.

Mascara has been used in different forms for a long time. Earlier versions were made from natural pigments and waxes, while modern mascaras usually come in liquid or cream formulas in a tube with a wand. The basic idea has stayed the same: coat the lashes to create more contrast and definition around the eyes.

What mascara can do

Different mascaras are made to create different effects. Some add volume, which makes lashes look thicker. Others focus on lengthening, separating, or curling the lashes. You can also find formulas that are designed to be more natural-looking, for daily wear, or more dramatic for stronger definition.

Read more

The brush matters too. A dense brush often helps build volume, while a thinner or more tapered wand can make it easier to reach smaller lashes and separate them more cleanly.

Main types of mascara

  • Lengthening mascara: helps the lashes look longer and more defined.
  • Volumizing mascara: adds fullness and creates a thicker lash line.
  • Curling mascara: helps hold a lifted shape, especially when used after a lash curler.
  • Waterproof mascara: resists moisture better, which can help in humid conditions or if you want longer wear.
  • Tubing mascara: forms tiny tubes around the lashes and often removes more easily with warm water.
  • Brown or softer-toned mascara: gives a gentler effect than black, especially for a natural look.

How to apply it well

Start with clean, dry lashes. If you use an eyelash curler, do it before mascara, never after. Wipe excess product from the wand if it looks too heavy, especially if you want a softer finish. Then apply from the base of the lashes and move upward in small zigzag motions. This helps coat the lashes more evenly and can reduce clumping.

For a natural look, one light coat may be enough. For more impact, let the first coat dry slightly before adding another. It is usually better to build gradually than to apply too much at once.

Helpful tips for beginners

  • Focus on the upper lashes first, since they frame the eyes most strongly.
  • Use the tip of the wand for the inner and outer corner lashes.
  • Comb through clumps gently with a clean lash comb or spoolie, if needed.
  • Avoid pumping the wand in and out of the tube, which can push air inside and dry out the formula faster.
  • Replace mascara regularly and stop using it if it changes smell, texture, or causes irritation.

Mascara works best when it suits your lashes, your eye shape, and the effect you want. Some formulas give a soft everyday finish, while others create a more noticeable look. With a little practice, you can find the application style that feels easiest and looks most natural on you.

Videos come from YouTube and posts from Instagram; titles and summaries are our own. All rights belong to their creators.