As I always say, my makeup can never be complete without good mascara.

Whether you are going for a dramatic look or a more sublte natural look, mascara should always be a part of your beauty routine.

Here I’ll lay out all the secrets to choosing the best mascara and my top favorite mascaras that I live and breathe by.

How Do I Choose The Right Mascara?

“Every lash is different,” as Sephora Beauty Director Jeffrey English once said.

A mascara formula that works well for one person, wouldn’t always mean that it would also work well for you too.

The trick in choosing the right mascara then is to try out different formulas until you find something that looks and feels great for your type of lashes as well as the kind of look that you’re going for.

Which Mascara Is Best For Beginners?

It can’t be denied that there is a learning curve when it comes to applying mascara.

Beginner mascara should have a formula that is uncomplicated to work with- something that doesn’t clump or smudge and comes with a thinner brush that a newbie can easily control.

A few good examples would be:

• The Mega formula (Mega Volume, Mega Protein, Mega Length) from the Wet n Wild mascara brand
• Maybelline New York Ski High mascara from Maybelline mascara
• Big Ego mascara from Tarte

What Are The Top 5 Best Mascaras?

Here are five awesome, everyday use, mascaras that can truly make you shine in a whole host of situations.

It doesn’t matter what your lash type is, there’s a huge chance that you’ll find a formula that you’ll like on this list.

• Isehan Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara Super WP Jet Black

A very popular Japanese brand, this mascara is known to be one of the longest-lasting mascaras out there – so much so that it is often sold alongside its own makeup remover as a package.

• Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

This mascara sculpts and lengthens in just one swipe – this mascara went viral on Tiktok for a reason, and it’s pretty much worth the hype.

• Eyeko Sport Waterproof Collagen Mascara

This mascara is great for the sporty ones out there, this formula gives you guaranteed smudge-proof and sweat-proof lashes every time.

• L’Oreal Paris Unlimited Length and Lift Mascara

L’Oreal Unlimited Length and Lift features a bendable wand that allows you better control and access to your lashes, thereby creating more lift and length.

• Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

This mascara works so well on fine, thin Asian lashes – you get lots of volume without the risk of smudging.

How Do You Apply Mascara For Beginners?

Still a newbie at mascara? Here are some tips on how to apply mascara from beauty Youtuber Jennifer Chiu:

1. Apply some lash growth serum first. Apply it on your lashes so that it can hydrate and condition your lash hair.

2. Heat your curler. This makes curling your lashes a whole lot easier.

3. Run a brush through your lashes. This helps separate your lash hairs and also prevents clumps from forming.

4. Warm your mascara. Soak your mascara tube in warm water for a minute- this will make its consistency so much easier to work with.

5. Two coats max for short and straight lashes. Applying more than two coats make the mascara look heavier and thus your lashes, shorter.

Best Mascara For Length

Who doesn’t want longer lashes? While some go for eyelash extensions and false eyelashes, mascara is probably the one that will give you the most dramatic result.

The Charlotte Tilbury mascara – especially the Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes formula is great at adding both volume and length to your lashes.

Best Mascara For Sensitive Eyes

You don’t want mascara running and smudging all over your eyes and face; if you want a casual, everyday-use mascara that will stay put then use the Clinique Lash Power Mascara for long-lasting beautiful lashes.

Best Mascara For Short Lashes

If you have short and stubby lashes, fret not. Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Pumped Up Mascara is the mascara to buy if you’re going for maximum volume.

It has a collagen-infused formula that gives your lashes a bold look without clumps.

Best Mascara For Straight Lashes

Use waterproof mascara if you have straight lashes. Waterproof mascara can keep a curl for longer than non-waterproof ones.

One of the best ones for this purpose is the Covergirl Lash Blast mascara, which expands and increases the volume of your lashes, giving it an eye-opening effect in just one swipe.

Best Mascara For Older Women

Mature eyes need oil free mascara like the Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Washable Mascara.

This mascara is an oil free all-in-one mascara that creates softer and fuller-looking eyelashes without much fuss.

It’s also uses a Quick Dissolve system that makes it so easy to remove at the end of a long day.

Best Cruelty Free Mascara

Wearing mascara should make you feel good both on the inside and the outside.

Two great cruelty-free mascaras that you can try out are the Tarte Maneater Mascara as well as Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara.

Best Colored Mascara

Black mascaras are for regular, ordinary wear- but if you want to look extraordinary, go for colored mascaras!

Pink and green mascara, purple mascara- there are just so many colors to choose from.

Here are some of the best-colored mascaras that you can try out:

Blue mascara

Blue mascara adds a little bit of subtle flair and draws attention to your eyes. L’Oreal Voluminous Orignal Volume Cobalt Blue is a nice go-to blue mascara for those with brown eyes who want to make the color of their irises pop out.

White mascara

White mascara is often used as a primer for other colored mascara. The Maydear Waterproof Color is a pretty lightweight mascara that is good for this purpose.

Purple mascara

The Hince Ambience Color Mascara has a lovely purple shade called Adore that you can layer over your regular black mascara to add a fun tint to your eyelashes.

Pink mascara

If you want to make a statement, go for NYX Professional Makeup Pink Petals Color Mascara. This mascara is extra pigmented and very vibrant pink tint will ensure that everyone will notice your fab eyelash color.

Glitter mascara

Glitter mascara makes your lashes sparkle and accentuates your eyes. Feel free to experiment with glitter using KIKO Milano Glitter Top Coat mascara which comes with an innovative translucent gel formulation that adds silvery glitter to your lashes without weighing them down.

Mascara should always be a staple in your makeup bag. It can be quite challenging to find a mascara formulation that you like.

However, it doesn’t matter whether it’s that one best Walmart mascara that you found while randomly browsing through the aisles, or a high-end one like the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir mascara, as long as you feel confident wearing it, then it’s the one that you should buy.

Mascara FAQ

Common questions regarding mascara that you need answers to!

How long does mascara last

The typical shelf life of mascara is about 3 to 6 months from the time it is opened.

After this time period, it is recommended to dispose of the mascara and replace it with a new one. This is because the mascara can become contaminated with bacteria over time, which can lead to eye infections or irritation.

Additionally, mascara can dry out and become clumpy or less effective after it has been opened for several months. It is important to avoid using old or expired mascara to keep your eyes and lashes healthy.

Can you put mascara on eyelash extensions

It is generally not recommended to use regular mascara on eyelash extensions. Eyelash extensions are delicate and can easily be damaged by the ingredients in mascara, especially waterproof or oil-based formulas.

Additionally, using mascara on eyelash extensions can cause them to clump together and become less natural-looking.

However, there are some specially formulated mascaras that are designed for use with eyelash extensions. These mascaras are typically water-based and do not contain the same ingredients that can damage the extensions.

If you choose to use mascara on your eyelash extensions, be sure to use a mascara that is specifically labeled as safe for use with extensions, and apply it carefully and sparingly to avoid damaging the extensions or causing clumping.

It is also important to use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover to remove the mascara at the end of the day.

Can you wear mascara with lash lift

Yes, you can wear mascara with a lash lift. However, it is important to wait at least 24 hours after getting the lash lift before applying mascara, to allow the lifting solution to fully set and ensure the best results.

When applying mascara after a lash lift, it is recommended to use a water-based, non-waterproof mascara. Waterproof mascara can be difficult to remove and may cause the lashes to become dry and brittle.

Additionally, using a waterproof mascara may cause the lashes to clump together and lose their natural curl.

To avoid damaging the lifted lashes, it is important to be gentle when applying mascara.

Use a light touch and apply the mascara from the middle of the lashes to the tips, avoiding the roots. Avoid applying multiple coats of mascara, as this can cause the lashes to clump together and lose their definition.

Finally, use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover to remove the mascara at the end of the day.

Can you put mascara on fake eyelashes

Yes, you can put mascara on fake eyelashes. Mascara can help to blend the fake lashes with your natural lashes and create a more cohesive look. However, it is important to choose the right type of mascara and apply it carefully to avoid damaging the fake lashes.

When applying mascara to fake lashes, it is best to use a water-based, non-waterproof mascara. Waterproof mascara can be difficult to remove and may cause the fake lashes to become dry and brittle. Additionally, waterproof mascara can cause the fake lashes to stick together or become clumpy.

To apply mascara to fake lashes, use a light touch and apply the mascara from the middle of the lashes to the tips, avoiding the roots.

Be careful not to apply too much mascara or to get it on the base of the fake lashes, as this can cause them to become weighed down and lose their shape.

Finally, use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover to remove the mascara at the end of the day.

Is it bad to sleep with mascara on

Yes, it is not recommended to sleep with mascara on. Leaving mascara on overnight can cause the lashes to become dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. Mascara can also cause irritation or infection of the eyes, especially if it flakes off during the night and gets into the eyes.

Additionally, sleeping with mascara on can lead to the development of eye infections or other problems. The eye area is delicate and sensitive, and leaving makeup on for extended periods of time can cause irritation, inflammation, and even infection.

To keep your lashes healthy and avoid eye problems, it is important to remove all makeup, including mascara, before going to bed. Use a gentle eye makeup remover to remove the mascara thoroughly, and avoid rubbing or pulling on the lashes. This will help to keep your lashes healthy and prevent eye problems.

Do you have any questions that you’d like me to cover here? Comment them below and share your thoughts and experiences! We’d love to hear them!

Until next time…

Cheers Lovelies!