Rules Of Use: Mascara

I've always been a fan of lush drop dead gorgeous sweeps of lashes and for a long time I was under the impression that you can only achieve that with false eye lashes.So I never ventured there. That’s when I discovered the power of eye lash curlers and the magic of mascara.All you need is the right product and application technique to work the magic, because everyone hates clumpy lashes and mascara flakes/gloop all over your face.

Choosing the Right Mascara
Mascara is one product in which you would like to invest in.Not an exorbitant amount because they have a shelf life of around six months, but neither should you buy the cheaper ones which would flake and might be unsafe for you lashes.My budget for a mascara varies between 300 to 400 bucks.And most often I get the ideal product.
Mascaras come in all kinds of varieties these  days: waterproof, non-clumping, lengthening, volumizing, conditioning.Choosing the right one may seem a daunting task especially if you're a mascara novice.Waterproof or no waterproof depends on where you would want to wear it, but my advice is to keep one of each.Also use the waterproof one only when necessary because these are harder to remove thereby causing more damage.I normally stay away from the waterproof ones which means no crying.As for the rest pick one depending on your choice though mostly these claims are more often than not marketing gimmicks,so the best thing to do is search for online reviews and then decide.If you’re still confused the best option would be a simple no frills mascara.



The Wand.Most people will say that the wand is the most important aspect of a mascara and rightly so.There are a variety of shapes and sizes when it comes to mascara wand.Choose one that you are comfortable using.The angled wand works the best.Unfortunately most Indian brands stick to the traditional brush like wand so there’s no scope for experimenting but you could always keep an eye out.



Coloured mascaras are all the rage these days.Personally I’m not too fond of them but there’s no harm in experimenting. Black and brown are the most popular though.Brown gives a natural look and is perfect for day time while black will give the much needed dramatic lashes for night.Transparent mascara is also a great option for day time.
While purchasing mascara check the manufacturing date,it should not be more than a couple of months old and never and I mean never try them out at the store.Mascaras can be a haven for all kinds of bacteria and you could end up in bed with some of them.

Application Basics
The basics are exactly that basics.Stick to them and you are good to go.

• Start off by curling your lashes.An eyelash curler helps to pull up your lashes making your eyes wider and more open.Curlers seem a little scary at first but trust me using them is really simple and once you do you can never stop.Check my article on Rules Of Use: Eyelash Curler here.You could also use the back of spoon to curl your lashes.To get a lasting curl,apply heat from a blow drier for a couple of seconds and then use,but make sure it’s not too hot.
  
• Next using a zigzag or wiggling motion apply mascara from the base of your lashes to the tips.Pull the wand up and through the lashes.
  
• Use what is left on the wand to apply on the bottom lashes.Use vertical motions while applying to the bottom lashes and apply from underneath rather than from above.
  
• Wait for just under a second and apply a second coat before the first one dries to avoid clumping.Second coat is totally optional and can be skipped.

Tricks & Techniques

• Always wipe off any excess mascara on the wand by either wiping it along the top of the tube or a tissue.
  
• Use a compact mirror to get best results.When applying to the top lashes look down into the mirror and when applying to the bottom lashes look up.
  
• Instead of shaking the tube before application rub it between your hands.This prevents air bubbles from forming and drying out your mascara.
  
• Never pump the wand in and out of the tube.It will only introduce air in the tube and dry out the mascara faster.Instead swirl the wand.
  
• Always apply mascara after you complete your eye makeup.
  
• Place a business card on your top lid so that your lashes rest on it and then apply the mascara.This will prevent mascara from straying onto your lids and at the same time ensure that each lash is coated uniformly.
  
• Save the wand from a used mascara.It works great to remove excess mascara from lashes.And as a brow brush too.
  
• Always start from the base of the lashes to give a lengthening effect.
  
• Apply mascara beneath upper lashes and above lower lashes to prevent it from transferring on your eyelid and face.
  
• Alternate between horizontal and vertical motions.Vertical motion will help separate the lashes and give a lengthening effect.
  
• Applying mascara at the corner of the eyes can be a bit tricky.The best way to do it is to clean the tip of the wand of any excess product then place the wand near the corner of your eyes, barely touching.Blink a few times to coat the lashes.Wipe off any excess with a q-tip.
  
• Use a q-tip to smudge the mascara into the waterline to give the effect of full eyes.
  
• To fake the effects of fake lashes apply a coat of mascara,dab on a teeny bit of face powder along the tips of the lashes before the mascara dries and then top it off with a second coat.
  
• To make lashes appear thicker, apply a thin line of eyeliner at the very base of your lashes before applying mascara.Use brown or gray instead of black for a more subtle look.
  
• Never sleep with mascara on.No matter how late it is or how lazy you feel,always wipe off(that is why waterproof not recommended cause its a pain in the butt to remove).
  
• Run out of makeup remover.Use a few drops of vegetable oil(used in cooking) on cotton and then wipe off the mascara.Wipe off excess oil with damp cotton.

Favourites
 
I’ve experimented with a few brands and kinds and I’m yet to find that Holy Grail of mascara.These days I’m loving the Maybelline Colossal Volume Express and Oriflame Wonder Lash.Both of them clump but I’m able to keep that to a minimum using the above tricks.The formula for the colossal is great while the Oriflame one has a damn good wand with hard bristles long on one side and short on the other.And both of them were under Rs 300.
Start playing up your lashes to your advantage with these tips and let me know how these turn out.