Choosing the Mascara for Your Needs

Unless you naturally have thick, gorgeous lashes, you may be turning to mascara to give you the luscious look you want. Depending on what you want to improve with your natural lashes, there are various formulas to choose from to turn sparse eyelashes into longer or thicker lashes. In addition to mascara, an essential tool to have in any makeup kit is an eyelash curler. An eyelash curler keeps eyes looking open and fresh, since messy lashes can really put a damper on the look. After you have curled your lashes, try one of these mascaras to finish off the entire look:

Thickening - When your lashes look a little thin, try mascara that offers thickening through ingredients like silicone. If you are doing a heavy eyeshadow, you don't want your eyelashes disappearing against the color of the shadow because it will keep the look from appearing finished. Two formulas to try are LORAC Multiplex 3D Lashes Volumizing and Thickening Mascara or Urban Decay Lush Lash System.

Waterproof - Whether you are going to be spending the day near the water or plan on seeing a tearjerker at the theatre with your guy, prepare yourself and wear waterproof mascara. Nothing can ruin your look faster than mascara dripping down your cheeks, so try using a formula such as Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula or Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes! Waterproof Mascara.

Lengthening - If your lashes could stand to look a little longer, a lengthening formula uses microscopic fibers that attach to your lashes to increase the length. If a formula comes with a dual-end, which includes primer and color, you will apply the primer first and add one or two coats of color. The shape of many wands that come with mascara will help separate lashes when adding color, so you get longer looking lashes without the clumps. Look for Dior DiorShow Mascara or Maybelline XXL Extensions.

When using mascara, remember not to pump the wand into the color before applying. Pumping the wand will push air into the tube and dry out the mascara, so simply pull the wand out and wipe any excess of on the opening of the tube. Apply as many coats as desired, depending on the look you want. After each coat, brush out the lashes with an eyelash comb to prevent clumps and keep the lashes looking fabulous. If you want a natural look, but still like using mascara, a clear formula like Sephora Collection Professional Clear Natural Mascara is perfect and can be used to tame and shape eyebrows.