e.l.f. Discovery

How to Choose the Best Mascara for You

Mascara Application

Hey there, lash lovers! Ready to take your eye game to the next level? Let's dive into the world of mascara and discover how to find your perfect match! Whether you are new to mascara or a seasoned pro, choosing the right mascara type can transform your everyday makeup routine. Whether you're after volume, length, curl, or all of the above, e.l.f. has got you covered with a range of fantastic mascara formulas. From our cult-favorite Big Mood Mascara for mega volume to the Lash 'N Roll Curling Mascara for that perfect curl, we've got a wand for every lash wish. In this article, we'll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting your ideal mascara and introduce you to e.l.f.'s mascara lineup that'll have your lashes saying 'Thank you, next level!

What Does a Mascara Do?

Mascara can be a crucial element in completing a makeup look by enhancing and defining your eyes as the focal point on your face. A quality mascara is designed to darken, lengthen, thicken, and separate your eyelashes, creating a more dramatic and eye-catching appearance you are looking for.

The proper mascara apllication can instantly make your eyes appear larger, more awake, and more expressive. It adds depth and dimension to your overall makeup look, framing the eyes and tying together other eye makeup elements such as eyeshadow and eyeliner. Using mascara as the finishing touch to your makeup routine can elevate your entire look from ordinary to polished and put-together, making it an essential step in achieving a complete and cohesive makeup appearance.

Finding Your Perfect Mascara Match

If You Want Incredibly Curled Lashes, Try Our Curling and Volumizing Mascara

Looking for big, bold as e.l.f. lashes? Our Incredi-Curl Mascara is designed to deliver extreme curl and volume that lasts. This buildable volumizing and curling mascara features a uniquely curved, dense bristle brush that expertly grips each individual lash to create dramatic lift, curl, and definition. This specially formulated mascara is also smudge-resistant, flake-resistant, transfer-resistant, and comes in three unique shades: 

The curved, double-sided bristle brush volumizes, lifts and sets curls for a long-lasting makeup look. 102% saw an improvement in curl* and 88% saw bigger and bolder lashes**.

*in an instrumental test

**in a consumer perception test

If You Want the Look of Lash Extensions, Choose a Tubing Mascara

If you’re looking to really amp up the drama and take your lashes to new lengths, try a tubing mascara—aka, lash extensions in a bottle!

Formulated with a tubing technology, this mascara wraps each lash with lightweight tubes to help build and extend lashes beyond their natural length. This also makes the formulas smudge-resistant and less messy than traditional mascaras. Tube mascaras often come with a tapered silicone brush, which gtips and separates each lash for next-level length and impact. Here’s why we love Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara:

  1. Formulated with tubing technology for instant drama

  2. 91% agreed this mascara created the look of lash extensions in a consumer perception study

  3. It’s vegan and cruelty free

PRO TIP: When applying tubing mascara, apply your second coat before the first coat dries to prevent the little tubes from clumping.

Read more about Why Tubing Mascara is a Must Have

If You Want Volumized Lashes, Choose a Volumizing Mascara

Unlike standard mascara formulas, volumizing mascara builds volume from the base of each lash. Volumizing mascara is designed to add thickness and fullness to your lashes, helping to create a bold and dramatic eye look. It typically contains ingredients that coat and plump up each lash, making them appear thicker and more voluminous. Big Mood Volumizing Mascara is a holy grail product for achieving e.l.f.ing amazing volume and here’s why:

  • Its unique oversized brush design helps coat each lash for maximum volume

  • Smudge-resistant and flake-resistant long-lasting formula

  • It's vegan and cruelty-free

With Big Mood, you'll be serving next-level lash looks that are here to slay!

PRO TIP: To plump your lashes even more, nestle the wand at the base of your lashes and jiggle it back and forth. This will deposit more mascara at the base of your lashes making them look thicker and more lush.

If You Want Curled Lashes, Choose a Curling Mascara

A curling mascara differs from traditional mascara formulas through its specialized brush design and formula that lock in the curl. It is designed to lift and curl your lashes. It features a curved mascara wand and formula that helps hold the curl in place throughout the day. The Lash 'N Roll Curling® Mascara is a holy grail product for achieving e.l.f.ing amazing curled lashes! Here's why it's so obsession-worthy:

  • Its unique roller brush design helps lift and curl lashes from root to tip

  • The formula is buildable, allowing you to create your desired level of curl and volume

  • It's vegan and cruelty-free

PRO TIP: Once you’ve put on your mascara, gently nestle the wand on the tips of your lashes and press upward. It will help your curl be even bolder as well as help hold the curl longer.

If You Want Long Lashes, Choose a Lash Lengthening Mascara

While regular mascara focuses on overall lash enhancement, lash lengthening mascara contains a formula to extend your lashes beyond your natural lash line. Lengthening mascara is designed to elongate and define your lashes, creating the illusion of longer, more dramatic eyelashes. This type of mascara is excellent for those who want fluttery looking, long and elegant lashes.

These mascaras typically use a slim wand with silicone bristles to help elongate the lashes. Lash Beats Lash Lengthening Mascara is a holy grail product for delivering e.l.f.ing amazing length:

  • Its unique brush design helps separate and coat each lash from root to tip

  • The formula is buildable, allowing you to create your desired level of length

  • It's vegan and cruelty-free

PRO TIP: To get the most defined and fluttery lashes, try combing your lashes in between each coat (while it’s still wet). This will help you get truly defined and separated lashes.

If You Want Your Mascara to Stay Put, Choose Waterproof Mascara

If you are an athlete, gym-goer, have watery eyes because of allergies, or have oilier skin around your eyes, you might want to get a waterproof mascara. The nice thing about a waterproof mascara is that they come in all types of formulas and wands. Here's why the Big Mood Waterproof Mascara is so obsession-worthy:

  • The waterproof formula helps your lashes stay fabulous through tears, sweat, or rain

  • It's buildable, allowing you to create your desired level of boldness without clumping

  • It's vegan and cruelty-free

PRO TIP: We are often asked “How to remove waterproof mascara?”. We recommend using an liquid makeup remover when taking off any waterproof eye makeup. When taking off your mascara, put the makeup remover on the lashes and hold it there while counting to 30. Holding it there allows the makeup remover to start to break up your mascara before you start to wipe and rub it away.

Mascara Layering Technique: How to Create a Mascara Cocktail

Mascara layering is a game-changing technique that allows you to customize your lash look and achieve both volume and length in one go. If you're aiming for lashes that are both full and elongated, don't be afraid to mix and match different mascara formulas!

We recommend starting with our tubing mascara to help build the length and thickness of your lashes. Once that’s dry, follow up with our volumizing and curling mascara to help build fullness and volume and extend those lashes to new heights.

The key is to let each layer dry before applying the next to avoid clumping. This e.l.f.ing amazing mascara combo will give you the best of both worlds – voluminous, lengthy lashes that are ready to slay. Remember, layering mascara is all about experimentation, so don't be afraid to try different mascara combinations to find your perfect mascara cocktail.

Still unsure which mascara is best for you? Take our mascara guide quiz!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mascara:

Q: Which Wand Works Best for My Lashes?

Choosing the right mascara wand can make all the difference for your lashes! Here's a quick guide to help you find your perfect match:

Remember, the best mascara wand is the one that makes your lashes feel fabulous! Experiment with different types to find your holy grail mascara.

Q. What Is The Best Mascara for Really Short Lashes?

For someone with shorter lashes looking for length, we’d recommend the Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara. This little wonder uses tubing technology to wrap each lash, giving you that coveted extension-like length. The narrow brush grips even the tiniest lashes, separating and defining them beautifully. It's clump-free, flake-resistant, and lasts all day—perfect for those short lashes that need some extra oomph! Plus, it's infused with jojoba oil to nourish your lashes while you rock that long-lash look.

Q. How Do I Know If My Mascara Is Tubing?

Let's talk about tubing mascara and how to spot one! Tubing technology in mascara is a game-changer, and here's how you can tell if your mascara has it:

  • Look for keywords: Check the product label or description for terms like 'tubing,' 'tube technology,' or 'fiber-wrap technology.'

  • Removal method: Tubing mascaras typically mention that they remove with warm water and gentle pressure, rather than with makeup remover.

  • Claims: Look for phrases like 'smudge-proof,' 'flake-resistant,' or 'forms tubes around lashes.

  • Application: When applying, you might notice the mascara feels different - it wraps around each lash individually.

Q. How to Remove Tubing Lash Extnder Mascara:

Removing tubing mascara is a breeze with warm water - it's like magic! Here's how:

  1. Start with warm (not hot) water

  2. Gently splash or soak your lashes

  3. Use your fingertips to lightly massage your lashes

  4. You'll see the mascara start to form little tubes

  5. Gently slide these tubes off your lashes

  6. Rinse your face to remove any remaining residue

No need for harsh makeup removers! This method is gentle on your lashes and eyes.

Is It Okay to Wear Waterproof Mascara All the Time?

For everyday glam we recommend sticking to regular mascara that's gentler on your lashes. Save the waterproof formula for those teary weddings, beach days, or sweaty workouts. When you do use it, be sure to remove it gently with an oil-based makeup remover!

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