Mascara 101: Your Guide to Different Mascara Formulas

Your makeup routine doesn’t have to be complicated. If you only have a few minutes to spare before heading out the door most days, a few key products can make all the difference. A dab of foundation, a swipe of lipstick, and a coat of mascara, of course. But when it comes to mascara, it turns out that there are quite a few different kinds—so you may not want to use the same one every day. Keep reading to get the lowdown on the various types of mascara available, as well as our best mascaras from each category. Get ready to bat those lashes!

MASCARA OPTION #1: MASCARA PRIMER

Chances are, you’ve used a face, eye, or lip primer before. They help create a smooth canvas for makeup application. Lash primer does the same thing for mascara application. The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer is a lightweight primer that helps create an even base that will boost the effects of your favorite L’Oréal Paris mascara. What’s more, the formula also conditions lashes.

MASCARA OPTION #2: FIBER MASCARA

Want a dramatic lash look without having to deal with falsies? Try a fiber mascara, like the dual-ended L’Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara. On one end, it features a black primer, which helps build the appearance of volume on lashes and creates a smooth and even black base for the fibers. On the other, you’ll find an intense black mascara with lengthening fibers in the formula. The itty-bitty fibers are deposited onto the length of your lashes as you brush the mascara on.

MASCARA OPTION #3: LENGTHENING MASCARA

Short, stubby-looking lashes got you down? Now’s the time to turn your attention to a lengthening mascara! The L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara has a precision brush to help visibly lengthen lashes.

MASCARA OPTION #4: VOLUMIZING MASCARA

Mascaras that boost volume are definitely one of the most popular types. The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara has a smooth glide formula that provides silky-looking volume in one coat, as well as the look of length. The soft wavy brush helps capture every lash as you apply it.

MASCARA OPTION #5: WATERPROOF MASCARA

Planning on watching a tearjerker movie or have a feeling that you’re going to cry at your BFF’s upcoming wedding? Apply a waterproof mascara. Many of our best mascaras are also available in a waterproof version, like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Feline Waterproof Mascara.

MASCARA OPTION #6: COLORED MASCARA

If you want to add a vibrant pop of color to your lashes, reach for a colored mascara. For an ultra-trendy option, sweep on a couple of coats of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in Deep Burgundy. The seriously bold color manages to suit anyone, so give it a try. To give any look a little something special, brush your colored mascara onto your bottom lashes.

HOW TO APPLY MASCARA

Enviable eyelashes aren’t achievable unless you know the basics of application. The good news is, it isn’t difficult!

Step 1: Pull the mascara wand out of the tube. This part may seem foolproof, but it’s important that you take care not to pump the wand in and out.

Step 2: Line up your wand. To get started, the brush should be placed at the root of your eyelashes.

Step 3: Apply! Move the wand through your lashes, wiggling as you go.

HOW TO REMOVE MASCARA AT THE END OF THE DAY

No matter which mascara you decide to use, eventually it all needs to come off. Of course, you probably know how difficult that can be—but it doesn’t have to be! Use a gentle, no-rinse cleansing option like micellar water. The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser – All Skin Types intensely purifies and removes makeup—even waterproof. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, you can use it on your face, eyes, and lips. To use it, all you have to do is saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water and wipe the pad across your face. For eye makeup removal, hold the pad over your closed eye for a few seconds, then wipe.

You’re officially a mascara pro! You now know the difference between all the many types of mascara, as well as how to apply mascara to get gorgeous-looking lashes. For more mascara advice, here are 6 Mascara Hacks for Flirty-Looking Lashes.