Mascaras

Women use mascara for a variety of reasons, enhancing their already beautiful eyes or attempting to correct flaws being the main intentions. The thing is, with all of the different mascara formulas available, and the huge variety of brushes and applicators, which is the right mascara, the one that will do all that it claims to do, and provide the effect you really want? We'll do our best to answer this difficult question in your guide to choosing the right mascara for you.

Before we begin, you should know that there are a few tricks to the beauty trade that most women don't use, and these make a huge difference between the lashes you have and the lashes you want. Using a lash-building primer, such as Clinique's lash-conditioning undercoat, holds mascara to the lashes for a longer, fuller look. Another wise tip is to apply a very light dusting of face powder after your first pass with the mascara, and then apply a second coat. Gently separate your lashes as you go with a lash comb or brush to prevent clumping and give your lashes more thickness and definition.

The brushes included with your mascara make a number of claims, including thicker lashes, longer lashes, and "lush" lashes. Some of these descriptions are true, but we've found that the more thick and dense the bristles on the mascara brush, like Lancôme's Fatale mascara or Scott Barnes' Super Luscious Lash, the more coverage you'll get, resulting in longer, thicker lashes overall. If they're too thick when you're done, you can always comb through your lashes to gradually remove a little of the mascara.

We also like the convenience of added tools or features for any product, such as the double-ended LORAC mascara -- the handle also happens to be a lash or eyebrow comb. Likewise, Stila's Convertible Lash + Line is a mascara on one end of the applicator (and it's available in a rich tapestry of colors) with a perfectly matched eyeliner at the other end.