Enhancing your Eyes – Making the Most of Mascara
If you’re short of time and need to add some life to your eyes, then mascara really can be your best friend. Instantly adding length and volume, mascara will enhance and define your eyes within minutes, giving a more wide-eyed and brighter appearance.
Soft Glam Makeup on our Model using Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Mascara
Choosing the right one
With so much choice available, finding the perfect mascara can be a bit daunting.
Think about what’s most important to you and the effect that you’re looking to achieve? Volume, curl, length & definition or would a waterproof mascara work better with your lifestyle? Likewise, mascara wands come in a variety of shapes and sizes, designed to achieve different results depending on your requirements and preferences. Using the wand correctly will ensure that you achieve the best possible finish.
Colour wise, black mascara is by far the most popular choice and the most effective for opening up the eyes. Very fair-skinned people can choose brown as an alternative for a very natural result.
Preparation
Before applying your mascara (or eye makeup, if applying a full makeup) ensure that your lashes are absolutely clean.
Application
Step one, is to curl your lashes with a lash curler. It really does make an instant difference, the mascara is easier to apply and your lashes will appear longer.
Place the curler as close to the base of your lashes as possible, gently squeeze them closed and hold for a few seconds. Repeat this step a few times until you are happy with the finished look.
Next, apply the mascara by placing the wand at the base of the lashline and sweeping through to the tips using a zigzag/ wiggling motion to separate, lengthen and define the lashes. Take care not to overload the wand with too much product as this will cause clumping. Use the tip of the wand to define the lower lashes.
Apply additional coats of mascara to achieve the desired effect, ensuring that you don’t allow the first coat to dry before applying the next. Resist pumping the wand in and out of the tube as this will force air through and cause the product to dry out more quickly. Instead, simply reinsert the applicator wand, twist gently, remove and apply.
Use a clean wand or spoolie to separate any lashes if required.
Correcting mistakes
Remove any smudges gently with a dry cotton Q-Tip
Remember to remove your makeup every night
Don’t understimate the importance of meticulously removing all traces of makeup every night. Eyes in particular are very sensitive and need careful attention to avoid any irritation or sensitivity.
Hygiene
Hygiene with makeup is incredibly important and even more so with products which come into close contact with your eyes. To avoid bacteria build up and reduce the risk of eye infections, replace your mascara at least every 6 months and never share your mascara wand with anyone.
Favourite Brands
For a high end brand, among my favourite mascaras are Legendary Lashes from Charlotte Tilbury – long-wearing, smudge-proof and humidity-resistant and retailing at £25 and NARS Climax Mascara for buildable volume at £21.
For a great value High Street alternative, try Maybelline Great Lash or Lash Sensational Mascara, which currently retail at £5.99 and £8.99 respectively in stores like Boots and Superdrug.
