In our makeup artist’s guide to finding your perfect mascara, we explain which brushes work best for which lashes, what colour to go for and more
When it comes to choosing the best mascara, it can be difficult to wade through the many promises and claims from brands about volume, length, curl and definition.
Despite most mascaras promising the same “false-lash effect”, not all mascaras are created equal and selecting the best one for you and your lashes can daunting at best, and expensive at worst.
We’ve previously explained how mascara works, and picked our fave mascaras for different lash types, but if you’re still confused, Justmylook’s makeup artist Hayley Walker has shared her top, pro tips to simplify the process.
“Mascara is a powerful tool that can significantly impact the outcome of your makeup look,” said Walker. “It’s an underrated beauty product with the ability to turn minimal makeup into a bolder look. It can enhance the rest of your makeup, making your eyes a show-stopping feature.”
The first step in choosing the best mascara for you is to understand the look you wish to achieve.
Whether you are aiming for a barely-there natural look, a sophisticated yet flirty style, or a dramatic and glamorous appearance, your desired look will guide your mascara choice.
For example, if you want a natural-looking finish, you may not need volume and curl. It you’re looking for something more glam, you might want a mascara that showcases every inch of your lashes.
mamabella | mamabella The second step is getting to know your lashes. Different lash types benefit from different mascaras and brushes, and the brush of a mascara can significantly impact the final look.
For example, fibre mascaras add length and volume, straight brushes create a natural finish, curved brushes enhance curl, and spiral brushes prevent clumping. We explain more below.
Charlotte Tilbury While black mascara is a staple for its versatility, there is an increasing number of alternatives hitting the market. Only this month, Benefit relaunched its BADGal Bang! mascara in plum, blue and brown.
“Black mascara is perfect for any occasion and look and is considered the safest option,” adds Walker. “However, if you’re feeling daring and want an extra pop of colour, opt for coloured or glitter mascara. Brown mascara is ideal for a softer, more natural look.”
As you can read in our colour theory guide, your choice of mascara colour can also enhance your eyes. Charlotte Tilbury sells a purple/plum, Pillow Talk version of its Push Up Lashes mascara and it looks great against green eyes. Blue mascaras are great for brown eyes, while brown mascara makes blue eyes pop.
Common ingredients like glycerin, beeswax, and lanolin all help with smooth application and thickening. “Moisturising ingredients such as glycerin contribute towards an effective application, ensuring the product sticks to the lashes.” There is an increasing number of vegan alternatives to common ingredients too.
Waterproof mascaras offer long-lasting wear and resistance to smudging but are more stubborn to remove. “The formula within these products doesn’t dissolve with water, reducing the chances of dreaded streaks and smudges.” We explain more in our guide: How does waterproof mascara actually work – and is it good for your lashes?
iStock We go into more details about applying mascara in our How to apply mascara like a pro guide, but Walker has her own tips.
Now you’re clued up on how to choose the best mascara for you, check out our other mascara guides and recommendations using the links below:
