Best described as a lash enhancing formula, modern-day mascara is used to alter the appearance of the upper and lower eyelashes by way of adding volume, length, definition, shape, curl, or colour. Serving as a more subtle, and often more cost effective alternative to false lashes and lash extensions, it can also provide the eyes with enhanced protection against dust and sunlight, whilst some mascaras, like Barry M’s Eyes Wide Strengthening & Conditioning Clear Mascara, are also formulated to help strengthen and condition your natural lashes.
What is mascara made from?
Available in anti-clumping and smudge-resistant formulas, long-lasting formulas, and even waterproof formulas, mascara usually comes as a liquid or cream, but is also available as a solid cake or block, and even a powder. Applied either directly onto your natural lashes or layered on top of a lash primer using a mascara wand, brush, or rod, mascara is sometimes also worn on top of false lashes. Typically composed of oils such as lanolin, mineral oil, paraffin, petrolatum, and castor oil, or petroleum jelly, or waxes like carnauba, candelilla, and beeswax, mascara also contains various preservatives as well as pigments like carbon black and iron oxide. Meanwhile, some mascaras contain polymer which creates a film around each individual lash, and others contain minute lash-lengthening fibres made from rayon, silk or nylon fibres.
What are the different types of mascara?
Lash lengthening mascara – Serving as a temporary alternative to lash serums and lash extensions, lash lengthening mascara typically contains fibres made of rayon, silk or nylon, that attach to your natural lashes and subsequently give them a longer appearance.
Curling mascara – Ideal for those who have naturally straight or downward-facing lashes as well as those who are looking to recreate the popular doll eye look, curling mascara is designed to lift, curl, and hold your natural lashes in place, and subsequently makes your eyes appear larger and doll-like.
Magnetic mascara – Applied using a magnetically charged applicator which pulls the oppositely charged magnetic formula out beyond the tips of your natural lashes, increasing their length by up to 40%, magnetic mascara provides an effortless application in a fraction of the time it takes to apply regular mascara.
Clear mascara – Designed to give your lashes a more natural appearance, clear mascara consists of a lightweight, pigment-free formula that helps to define and separate your natural lashes, giving them a darker, glossy, wet-effect.
Tubing mascara – A 90s innovation developed by Blinc, tubing mascara contains polymer and works by encasing each individual lash within a waterproof tube. Formulated to set upon application, it creates the appearance of longer lashes whilst solving issues like flaking, smudging, and running, which are a common gripe with regular mascara.
Coloured mascara – Although black mascara is the defacto choice for most, a growing number of people, including celebrities like Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, and Kyle Jenner are embracing the emerging coloured mascara trend. Available in colours like pink, purple, blue and brown, burgundy mascara emerged as an especially popular option in late 2023, a trend which has traversed into 2024.
Brow mascara – As the name suggests, and unlike regular mascara, brow mascara is applied to the eyebrows in order to give them a thicker, more defined appearance. Typically sold as a clear liquid, brow mascara is also available as a tinted formula that replicates the appearance of an eyebrow tint, albeit in a less permanent form.
