Mascara Resources

Is Mascara Made of Bat Poop?

November 18, 2011 – 12:12 am

This is a myth.

If mascara was made of Bat Poop, can you imagine the lawsuits? The PETA Magazine cover spread? The Dateline special narrated by Keith Morrison? The endless reel of jokes on Saturday Night Live? The smarmy, smirky commentary on MSNBC?

So then why do people even ask the question, “Is Mascara Made of Bat Poop?” The confusion arises because bat poop is also known as “guano,” and guano is actually used in a lot of products. Thankfully, one of those products is not mascara.

It is actually guanine, not guano, that is used as a color additive for cosmetics. Guanine is authorized by the FDA, and it must be extracted from fish scales, not bat guano. The guanine in mascara does not come from bat guano (poop). However, it does still come from an animal, so if your concern is that an animal product is being used in your makeup, then you need to hunt for animal-friendly products.

Cosmetic companies use synthetic ingredients in their mascaras. If you want to be completely sure, read the label to see the ingredients. If there are any terms you don’t know, Google them to put your mind at ease. No company is sneaking bat guano into your eye makeup—it’s not happening.

Trust me, if this were true, you would know about it, really know about it. The idea that mascara is made of bat guano is nothing more than a myth, no matter what anyone, especially a cosmetics sales rep trying to diss another company, tells you. There are some companies, especially a certain multi-level-marketing company, that tells its sales reps to inform customers that their competition uses bat guano in its cosmetics. This is not true, it is merely propaganda.

Again, when in doubt, do your own research. Check the labels on your cosmetics, or call the companies directly.

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Should You Get Eyelash Extensions?

November 17, 2011 – 10:38 pm

Are eyelash extensions right for you?

If you are dying to have long, thick eyelashes and are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve the desired look, chances are, you have considered getting eyelash extensions. Before you make any decisions, you should be informed of what eyelash extensions are and how they differ from the use of mascara and false lashes.

Eyelash extensions are often confused with false lashes, but the two are actually quite different. False lashes are a set of lashes that you glue onto your eyelid. Eyelash extensions, on the other hand, are single synthetic strands of eyelashes that are applied one by one directly to each of your own individual eyelashes. This creates a much more natural look and feel compared to the effect you get with false eyelashes.

Eyelash extensions also require trained stylists for application, while false lashes can be bought in any drugstore and glued on in front of your bathroom mirror. The process of applying eyelash extensions is much more involved and needs to be performed by a trained stylist. Seriously kids, do not try this at home! Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to go under the knife or that this is a permanent change. In general, eyelash extensions will last around 2-4 weeks before you will need to head back to your stylist for a touch up.

There are several mascara options that can achieve a similar effect to that of eyelash extensions. You would want to look for formulas that increase volume and length. The applicator of the mascara is also important to note because certain applicator brushes are not sophisticated enough to reach the smaller lashes, meaning they will get passed over without any extra volume or length being added which will affect the overall look.

Eyelash extensions are a much bigger commitment than a new mascara brand or false eyelashes, so before you decide to do it, make sure you have explored other options. With so many great mascara brands out there with bigger and better effects, you might find that is it both more time and cost effective to stick to the tube of mascara in your makeup bag rather than add another appointment in your beauty regime.

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Best Lengthening Mascara

November 17, 2011 – 10:37 pm

If you have stubby little lashes that are not doing your eye style any favors, you need to look into a good lengthening mascara that you can count on. Every girl has different types of lashes, you just need to find the right formula to make yours behave the way you want them too. Lengthening mascaras tend to come with a specialized brush that reaches more of your lashes and thus adding length to each and every one. If want more of a wow effect with your lash length, familiarize yourself with a few of the best lengthening mascaras.

Boots No. 7 Extreme Length Mascara

The brush is what makes this stuff so special. It is short and has little bristles that match onto every single lash. The result is a long, sleek look. Bonus: you can pick it up for under 10 bucks.

Lancome Definicils

This is a great go-to mascara that you can count on a nice lengthening effect as well as for a variety of other things such as a curling effect and smudge resistance. Many girls and beauticians alike swear by Lancome Definicils for their daytime mascara due to its dark color, ability to lengthen and its stay-all-day power.

Maybelline Unstoppable

Maybelline is another trusty favorite. You will get long, defined lashes for around just $4 a tube. Just be careful not to apply too much or you will get a clumpy look that could not only look terrible but irritate your eyes.

Almay One Coat Triple Effect

This name does not lie. With one coat you with get length, volume and even a slight curl. The brush reaches all your little lashes and makes for a pleasing effect after only one coat, so do not feel the need to keep applying more or you will loose the sleekness that this formula does so well when applied correctly.

Blinc Kiss Me

This mascara creates tiny little tubes around your lashes that add in extra length for a extra long lash effect. You will not get a ton of volume from this mascara, but it will lengthen, curl and stay put.

 

 

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How to remove mascara

November 17, 2011 – 12:55 am

Keep your eyes beautiful by gently removing your eye makeup every night. The skin around the eyes is fragile, so take time to find the right eye makeup remover for your skin type. There are many great, inexpensive removers, and they fall into two main categories:

Oily removers

These are best for waterproof mascara and are good if you don’t have sensitive eyes (if you do, however, it can irritate them and cause swelling). After using an oily remover, cleanse your entire face with soap or a face cleanser and rinse well to remove all traces.

Oil-free liquids or pads

These are best for sensitive eyes and work well on non-waterproof mascaras. To remove eye makeup, wet a cotton ball or tissue with the remover. Wrap the cotton or tissue around your index finger and start rubbing your lashes from underneath. Then, put the cotton or tissue under your eye and close your eye onto it. Now use the cotton or tissue to rube the lashes from above. Once your have removed as much mascara as possible, wipe your lids and brows (wet a new tissue or cotton ball if necessary). Never use dry cotton; always dampen it first. Repeat with the other eye.

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How to apply mascara

November 17, 2011 – 12:53 am

To apply mascara to your upper lashes, place the wand at the root of your lashes. Using a zigzag motion (moving the lashes gently from left to right), sweep the wand from the root to the tips. Starting at the root is especially important for those with light-colored lashes; otherwise, the base of the lashes will stay light and be distracting.

To apply mascara to your lower lashes, point the wand up instead of in. If you want a very strong lash, try a two-sided mascara. It has cream on one end, which you apply first, and mascara on the other.

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Mascara Resources

How much mascara should I use?

November 17, 2011 – 12:51 am

You should apply one to three coats of mascara. By applying one coat, you will get a very beautiful and natural lash look. The second coat will deepen the look, and the third coat will make a strong look. Remember that the more coats you add, the more lashes separate, giving that spider lash look that was very popular and fashionable in the 60s and 70s. if you decide to apply two to three coats of mascara, make sure you comb the lashes in between with a metallic eyelash comb or brush the lashes with a clean lash brush. If you add more mascara after the lashes are dry, you will get a clumpy result—but sometimes that can look really cool, depending on what look you are trying to achieve.

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Different Mascara Types – How to Choose?

November 17, 2011 – 12:50 am

When you are standing in front of a wall of mascaras in the beauty supplies section, it is pretty easy to get overwhelmed by the options. As if brands and shades aren´t enough to make your head spin, you are also bombarded with a variety of formulas. Curling, volume, lengthening, no clumping, thickening, waterproof, smudgeproof – the list goes on and on and let´s be honest, who even knows the difference?

You might find this shocking, but there are actually some differences in the effect and even the formulas of these mascaras.

Lengthening Mascara

These types of mascaras come with a special applicator brush that has extra dense bristles so that you can reach more of your lashes, especially the very tip. This is great if you want to get a long lash effect without false lashes.

Thickening Mascara or Volume Mascara

If you are looking to pump up your lashes, you want a thickening mascara. The formula is a bit thicker than average and contains waxes and silicone polymers, once you slick a coat or two on, your lashes will appear thicker.

Waterproof Mascara or Smudgeproof

If you plan to get in any emotional situations, dance in the ran or hang out near water, this is the mascara you need. These mascaras contain special moisture repelling formulas. Be careful with over-using these though, as the formula could end up drying out your lashes.

Non-clumping

If you find your mascara is always ending up in unattractive clumps on your lashes and corners of your eyes, you might want to try this formula. The applicators generally have longer wands that help with application and the formulas contains silk extract and glycerin to help lower the clumping potential.

Curling Mascara

These mascaras are usually a thicker cream than the average mascara, which helps with holding shape. They are usually paired with a curved wand as well to help shape the lashes during application. Don´t be fooled though, many of these mascaras still recommended using an eyelash curler after application.

The type of mascara you choose is completely dependent on your personal look and how your lashes react to different formulas. And hey, there is nothing wrong with having a few different formulas in your makeup bag, just in case.

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The Best Waterproof Mascara

November 17, 2011 – 12:49 am

Special occasions call for special mascara, and when that occasion is something that make make you cry, get you caught in a rainstorm, or even get splashed by the pool, you do not want just any mascara, you want the best waterproof mascara you can get. So, what’s a girl to do when crocodile tears threaten to ruin their flawless look?

The best waterproof mascara (or best of any makeup product) often comes down to personal taste because, let’s face it, girls want what they want. However, there are a few tried and true mascara in the running for the best waterproof mascara title, so here’s a list of some brands that can give you a starting point for your hunt.

Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara

This classic brand has been trusted by women for ages and for good reasons. Sure, you may have seen this stuff in your mom’s medicine cabinet while growing up, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of style. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ranks high on women’s list for many reasons and its smudge resistant power is amongst them. Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara is also among the cheapest in waterproof options. Cheap and effective? If that doesn’t sell you, who knows what will.

Yves Saint Laurent Everlong Waterproof Mascara

This brand ranks high on both class factor and water resistance. Yves Saint Laurent Everlong Waterproof Mascara will separate and lengthen your lashes while protecting your beautiful face from unsightly smudges. The brush is large and in charge, all the better to cover all your lovely lashes. It even comes in snazzy gold packaging. Watch out though, this stuff is so serious that you’ll need a good makeup remove to get rid of it at the end of the night!

Hynose Drama Waterproof from Lancome

This stuff is on the pricey side, but it certainly works hard for the money you spend on it. Hynose Drama Waterproof packs a great volume punch and is not kidding around with its waterproof skills. If you’re down for shelling out the cash, Hynose is not likely to disappoint.

Maybelline New York Define-a-Lash Volumizing Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline swoops in for another spot on the list. The New York Define-a-Lash has the low price and all the awesome smudge blocking power of the New York Great Lash but also carries some serious lash defining power. If you are in desperate need of some plump lashes and some water protection, this is a great choice.

CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Eye Brightening Waterproof Mascara

If you’re looking for a great match for your baby blues, chocolate browns, mysterious greens or anything in between, this is a great grab. Match your eye color to your mascara, apply with the easy to handle applicator and you are free to do anything from cry to get kissed in the rain because this mascara is not going to budge on you.

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The Best Volume Mascara

November 17, 2011 – 12:47 am

When it comes to lashes, it is often the bigger the better. So if we are all dying for more volume, how can we choose the best volume mascara?

Step one is understanding what a volume mascara is and how it differs from other mascara formulas. Volume mascara formulas are a bit thicker than other types and contain waxes and silicone polymers that help your lashes appear thicker and fuller.  A good volume mascara will also pack a nice applicator that really reaches every last lash, making sure to cover everything.

Step two is to pick your go-to mascara. You will find plenty of options at beauty counters around the world, but here are a few top suggestions.

L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes

This brand not only helps you out in the volume department, but with lengthening as well. After slicking on this stuff, you will feel (and look) like you are wearing false lashes, but much classier.

Le 2 de Guerlain Waterproof

This mascara steps it up a notch by including 2 brushes. One is longer and curved to help curl kick up the volume. The smaller brush allows you to reach even the most delicate, tiny lashes that often get skipped over with bigger brushes.

Almay One Coat Nourishing Mascara Thickening Waterproof

There is a lot going on in the name of this mascara, but it delivers. The silky formula goes on smooth, doesn´t clump and of course, gives you an impressive increase in volume. Bonus: you can pick this up for under $10.

 

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Best Falsh Lash Effect Mascara

November 17, 2011 – 12:45 am

We’ve all seen those gorgeous ads with a woman rocking the longest, most luscious lashes you have ever seen. That false lash effect can be simply hypnotizing, but if you’re like most girls, the idea of adhesive near your eye and/or having to shove things onto your eyelid is not all that appealing – that’s where false lash effect mascara comes to the rescue!

The wonders of makeup now allow you to substitute false lash effect mascara for actual false lashes. Obviously, the biggest plus to this is that your chances of getting glue in your eye are significantly lower when you are using false lash effect mascara instead of false lashes. False lash effect mascara also allows you to use your real lashes and with the right brand, maintain the texture while still getting the huge, shocking lashes you are lusting after.

Here are some false lash effect mascara worth giving a try.

Max Factor

The name alone gives you reason to believe this mascara is worth trying. The extra large brush allows more mascara to hold between the tiny bristles and thus latch onto to your lashes. You’ll get that bold, super volumized look but with a sleek, non-sticky finish. The formula thickens as it dries and provides a sexy, glossy finish.

Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effect Faux Cils

One stroke is all it takes with this killer formula. Volume Effect Faux Cils packs a 3-layer punch:  pro-vitamin B5 and aloe vera for moisture, a coating film to amp up the intensity and a vinyl polymer to make it last all night.

Mac False Lash Effect Mascara

Get all the thickness and volume without any of the stiff, unnaturalness of false lashes. With the wand design and formula combination, you can work on individual lashes, giving each one that extra oomph. No clumps, no flakes and no heinous spider web look.

Bourjois Volume Clubbing

This brand lives up to its name – you can stay out all night and the club and this mascara will not let you down. The double sided volume brush pumps up your lashes and gives them killer length. As an added bonus, Borjois Volume Clubbing is sweat and tear proof, so no matter what kind of night out you end up having, your lashes will still look amazing at the end of the night.

Rimmel the Max Volumeflash

Charge up your lashes with incredible volume and length. While this budget mascara might require a few more applications before you get the desired effect, once you get to the thickness you’re looking for, you can hold onto it all night. If you are in need of some amazing lashes but are low on funds, this is an excellent choice.

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