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Perfect Use of Mascara Where does mascara come from?
 The eyes being the limpid mirror of a woman's soul, it could only have originated from a country of Arabian culture and tradition. As far as man can remember, the city of Mascara (now called Mouaskar) located in western Algeria, has always been known for its kohl, anthracite and other concoctions that contributed to enhance the special features we call eyes. New marketing demands and sheer practicality took possession of such eyelash grooming props and voila!
Choosing your mascara
Mascaras are now loaded with proteins and fine quality waxes to condition the lashes and come in problem-solving formulations. So look for one that suits your needs. Thin, sparse lashes will benefit from lash-building formulations that contain special ingredients to add volume and thickness.
If you wear contact lenses, for instance, it is not preferable to use lash-building mascaras. Why? The invisible fibers within them or the extra element added to the texture can get trapped between eye and lens causing irritation.
Short lashes should be coated with mascaras containing plastic polymers, which cling just to the tips of the lashes to create an illusion of extra length. Sporty and outdoor types should opt for waterproof or water-resistant mascara. The former will withstand a dip in the swimming pool, while the latter holds up only to tears and perspiration. These types of mascaras are extremely effective but can be drying on the lashes if used year in year out. Plus, contrary to popular belief, they are not formulated to bring volume or thickness.
Checking the wand
However refined the formula, the shape of the mascara wand plays a significant role in lash definition. For example, crescent-shaped wands will help thicken the lashes by coating each one individually. Bristle-less or extremely short- bristled wands will allow you to paint lashes right to the roots. Double-tapered brushes (they have small bristles at either end that get longer towards the middle of the wand) will help define very thin and sparse lashes.
Expert Advice
With modern mascaras, there is no need to pump the wand in and out of its container before applying. This can actually cause overload and result in clogged lashes. You need only enough products on the wand to coat the lashes, so any excess should be wiped off with a tissue. But remember that pumping the wand forces some air into the container, causing the texture inside to dry out quicker.
Always roll the wand through the lashes to help curl-definition. Wiggle the brush, zig-zapping your way from roots to tips of the lashes when applying mascara. Always work on the upper lashes from underneath to avoid overloading and keep mascara on the lower lashes to a strict minimum, especially if you are looking tired or have a tendency to rub your eyes.
One lash thing!
Quite understandably so, the least attractive effect one can think of for eyes is eyelashes with so much mascara that they resemble spider legs. So if you want some basic advice on avoiding that arachnid look...
· First, curl your lashes, for it definitely makes all the difference between nice eyes and spectacular ones. The traditional scissors-like pliers are an absolute must-have in your toiletry pouch. Easy to apply, the lash-curler instantly creates attractive softly curled lashes that are ready to be coated with the mascara of your choice. You must remember to regularly clean with soap and water the rubber or silicone strip, which pinches your lashes.
· Then grab the mascara and apply. Tilt your head back, holding the eye- lid if you need to. It is a myth that you should not touch the eyes when-putting on make-up.
· Slowly work wand from roots to ends. This will afford the longest, thickest looking (without overload) lashes.
· To apply mascara to lower lashes, wipe the wand with a tissue first, which should prevent clumping. If clumping still occurs, remove with lash brush or comb.
· To take off mascara, begin by washing face with a facial cleanser. Moisten a flat cotton pad (balls can get messy) with a gentle eye make-up remover and wipe away make-up. For hard-to-clean spots, dampen a cotton bud with remover and dab.
· Make it a dogma never to go to bed (no matter how consumed with sleep you may be) with eye make- up (and mascara, above all) still on.
· If you need to nourish moisture and even fortify the keratin-made shaft of your lashes. Keep an empty tube of mascara, clean it well, especially the brush. Fill the container with pure castor oil and apply this simple but effective fluid on the tips of your lashes the day you don't have to wear make-up at all.
· Thinking about having your lashes tinted? It is a safe operation provided it is done by an experienced cosmetologist. The beautician must perform an allergy patch test prior to working on your lashes. Also, make sure the beautician uses disposable mascara wands.
· For Hollywood-style eyes, false eyelashes are a sensational beautifying accessory. Generally pre-glued to allow one first use, they also come with a small tube of allergy-tested eyelash glue.
An exciting brush with wands
Crescent shaped wands help curve lashes up.
Check out: Body Shop's Mascara
Cross-worked bristles coat lashes evenly with lash lengthening finer hairs.
Check out: Eastee Lauder's Pure Velvet mascara
Extremely short bristled wands allow you to paint lashes right from the roots, giving lashes to eyes, which haven't got any!
Check out: Chanel's (short-lash version) Sculpte Cils Mascara and its minuscule brush _ideal for bottom lashes.
Fat wands help to thicken lashes by coating each one individually.
Check out: Rimmel exaggerate extra volume Mascara
Double tapered brushed help access very thin and sparse lashes.
Checkout: Clinique's Full Potential mascara
An hourglass brush follows the shape of your lashes for one stroke's enough coverage.
Check out: Lancôme's Mascara Intencils
Christmas tree-shaped brushed are another way to lengthen every lash.
Check out: Shiseido's Waterproof mascara
Horseshoe-shapped bristles hold mascara in the grooves to distribute it evenly.
Check out: YSL's Mascara Essential
Prismatic, triple-edged - brushes are the latest fad for dramatic, limitless length and lavish curl on lashes.
Check out: Lancome's Mascara Extencils
Bendable brushes make it possible for you to access every interstice between lashes for an optimum coating.
Check out: Most of the companies.
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