Très flirty non? (false lashes, top and bottom) ~Moschino Ready to Wear Spring 2013

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then mascara is a wonderful way to pretty them up and just happens to be your makeup wardrobe must have #3.  The basic purpose of mascaras are to give the appearance of long and healthy eyelashes. Mascaras work to define the eyelashes by thickening, darkening and lengthening them to help make the eyes a stand out feature on the face. Every girl needs to have a tube of that magic black gold to create fluttery and flirty lashes. I prefer black mascara always.

Perks of a mascara:

• darkens lashes
• adds length
• thicken your lashes so they look fuller
• takes lashes from blah to vavavoom by layering it
• can be worn alone or with other eye makeup
• gives the appearance of opening/waking up the eye (especially if a lash curler is used)
• can define the shape of the eye
• helps a girl feel less naked (in a make up way)
• plenty of formulas and prices ranges to choose from
• compliments and gives the finishing touch all other eye makeup used (liner and shadow)
• layer 2 different formulas to get maximum effects

A Guide to Formulas

(each picture below is for example purposes only)

Volumizing/Amplifying/Lash building -for average to full natural lashes that want to be fuller more  ’fattened up’ great for the smoky eye. Layer it for even fuller effect

Lengthening/Stretching -for short upper lashes. There are formulas in which the product coats the lashes then can stretch itself beyond the natural lash forming extensions past the natural tip (natural lashes are not pulled at) Even if you layer it you may not get extra volume.

Separating/Definition/Defining -full natural lashes don’t need the extra volume, but they need to be better defined and separated to really show off the volume they have. A more ‘natural, softer finish’

Curling -a formula which helps to hold lashes in upturned look. A curved brush does not necessarily mean curling formula. If you want a good up-swept lash, try using a lash curler before your fave mascara for extra oopmh.

Waterproof -many of the leading brands and formulas have a waterproof equivalent to their regular ones. It’s exactly what it says, holds up under wet conditions. Swim, rain, or shedding a few tears, it won’t leave it’s mark. But you will need a special eye makeup remover for it. Often marked on the package with a blue stripe,top or lid. *Water-resistant -is not the same as waterproof! It may only stand up to a few rain drops or snowflakes, but not for splashing around in, read the package.

I can’t tell you exactly which mascara is your perfect magic formula, that’s up to you as it differs from person to person. What I like may not be what you need -I personally go for volume ; ) Ask your friends and coworkers what they trust and why. The mascara search is a journey. Some women will be happy with just one, while others enjoy the adventure of discovering what new out there.

TIP: Don’t be influenced by mascara TV commercials and print ads as they often depict the model with “lash inserts’ (false lash extensions) and you will not achieve what they are showing! Read the fine print. Many formulas (regardless of price or name brand) contain the same waxes, oils, preservatives and pigments that are available for all mascara. Some brands are sisters to each other therefore you will find a high and low version of the same mascara…it’s all in the marketing and of course your personal preference. Read your labels.

Ciao Bellas, Until Next Time,

~Melody xo