So, today, and as promised, we are going to continue talking about eye make-up. Having already covered eyeliners in Part 1 we will now look at mascara. You lucky things - all of this, just in time for Christmas!
Basically, if you don't know what mascara does then where have you been? There are different types of mascara that accentuate different aspects but, once you have put on your make-up (false lashes optional) then you really must put on a good mascara to really bring out your eyes and make them look more feminine.
My all-time favourite mascara was discontinued several years ago but, I don't think there is anything on the market that is as good as it was: Longtitude by L'Oreal. It was amazing and seemed to coat every lash individually. All my friends and I tried a multitude of different mascaras but this was always the best and it was relatively cheap. Then one day, out of nowhere, L'Oreal go and discontinue it; and, the real shame is none of their other offerings even come close to being how good this one was - but they try so we have rated our favourites!
Our Top 5
For a long long time now, the most popular mascara on the market has been Maybelline's Great Lash. I have short eyelashes and have tried literally every mascara on the market from boots own brand (not great) to Doir mascaras. Maybelline's Great Lash is really good and also comes in a waterproof version - I like the brush as it is quite petite so really good for getting at those shorter eyelashes and framing your eyes. I would say it is a staple type of mascara so worth having in your make-up bag but, my all time top 5 are as follows:
1. Chanel - Inimitable. This is without a doubt and hands down the best mascara on the market! It's brush is fabulous and quite densly packed which helps to avoid the problems of clumping and it comes off fairly easily. It is great for both volume and length yet still looks natural. If you are looking for an all-day/everyday mascara then this is the one for you.
2. Lancome - Hypnose Precious Cells. OK so, I am not sure how much I believe the claims that this mascara uses stem cell technology (what a great use of technology!) to make your eyelashes grow more quickly but there is no denying that it makes your eyelashes instantly look thicker. Definitely worth the price tag.
3. L'Oreal Paris - Volume Million Lashes. It is slightly cheaper than the other mascara's in the top 5 but it is great as it really does give a very dramatic look and gets you halfway towards the false lash look. Also, it is reasonably priced and comes in a waterproof version.
4. Shu Uemura - Ultimate Expression Mascara. This mascara is also on the expensive side but actually is great for those with slightly shorter lashes as it helps to give a curl on the end which can help make your lashes look longer. It is also reputed to be smudge-proof (hmmm) and the brush is densley packed so it really coats your lashes almost individually
5. Yves Saint Laurent - Volume Effect. It is amazing, gives an almost false lash effect and it is lightly perfumed so it smells great. I would recommend this for all types of eyelashes as it gives both great volume and helps to lengthen your lashes. It also comes off quite easily so you can avoid the whole panda eyes scenario the morning after. I recently stumbled upon a blackest black version of this mascara which I am in love with but is slightly harder to get off your eyelashes!
Mascara application
As a starting point, do not believe the magazine or TV adverts! You will never get lashes like that, well, not unless you also have some lash inserts or the magic of photoshopping to help you along.... Really though your primary concern should be the choice between: (1) if your eyelashes are short - a lengthening mascara; (2) if your eyelashes are long - a volumising mascara; and/or (3) whether you want a waterproof mascara.
Mascara should be applied after all the other eye make-up, eyeliner and false eyelashes have been applied. You should also apply it after curling your eyelashes as it can reach more of the lash that way and helps prevent you blackening your eyelash curler.
With the application, it should be fairly self explanatory but, you should always apply mascara in an upwards stroke on your lashes - from root to tip. I like to apply the mascara all over my lashes and then wait a minute or so before a re-application as this allows the first application to dry so you can build up the volume in your lashes. Also, when re-applying don't pump the brush up and down in the mascara bottle but sweep it around the sides, this prevents air and bacteria getting in and means that the mascara can last longer.
Generally, I go for blackest black mascara's but the colour of mascara you chose ultimately depends on your skin tone i.e. lighter skin tones should try more brown mascara (and lighter colours for eye-make-up). You should always pick the best colour for you and, it is worth asking the make-up artists at make-up counters as they can advise.
A male friend once asked me: why, if women are going to wear mascara, would they not pick a waterproof one? Believe it or not, I had to think about the answer but simply, the truth is, there is not always the choice. And also, some mascaras will differ in consistency between the waterproof and non-waterproof versions. I would generally go for the waterproof versions where they are of offer but, I don't bother to hunt them out.
So that is it for today. I hope you have enjoyed this; our mascara master class! Do post a question or comment should you have any. In the next lesson, we will discuss eyeshadows and link to our celebrity application video. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter TygerEyes16 or Facebook for more information, tips, prizes and the chance to get free treatments!
See you soon!
Tyger xoxo
No comments:
Post a Comment