Mascara is perhaps the most important but difficult type of makeup to use. Mascara is extremely useful because there are not many other products that can produce as stunning an effect as this type of makeup.

The time and effort needed to achieve this look is another matter altogether. Applying mascara perfectly can be a tricky process, but with the right mascara brush you will be on track to achieving the look you want.

Many people think that choosing the right mascara (one that will produce beautiful, thick, long, and well-separated lashes) is all about choosing the right brand, but this is not necessarily true. The mascara brush is at least as important as the brand of makeup. The mascara brush is so important that rather than patenting their mascara formulations, many top cosmetic companies actually patent their brushes, instead.

The Mascara Types

When it comes to buying makeup, figuring out which type of the best mascara to buy can be one of the most confusing tasks. Each type has a specific set of ingredients or some fancy wand or brush to help “improve” the look of your lashes. It almost seems redundant, doesn’t it? Before you get sucked into the confusion, stop and ask yourself “What do I want to accomplish?” Keep it short and simple.

Do you want longer lashes, thicker lashes, waterproof or curly? There is a difference between these types of lashes. There are various types on the market because every person’s set of lashes are unique, so the result of a particular mascara will be different depending on that person’s eyelashes.

Whether your were born with long lashes or have short, thin lashes, everyone can benefit from mascara. It’s important to choose the right product in order to maximize the effect on your lashes. Read on to learn about different types of mascara that will work wonders for your eyes:

High-volume mascara. If you have thin lashes, volumising mascara will define each lash, rather than causing a clumping effect.

Lash-lengthening mascara. If you weren’t born with super long lashes, don’t worry. This is good for adding incredible length to lashes. The perfect option if you want long and luscious lashes. The mascara wand contains dense bristles, which distributes product along the entire length of the lash, especially the tips. For longer lashes choose a brush with longer bristles. The extra length will help you extend the tips of your lashes, for a luscious, long-lash look.

Smudge-proof mascara. It’s hard to find a truly smudge-proof mascara, but these type of products try provide smudge-proof formulas that make lashes super thick and long. To help you cover all your lashes including those hard-to-reach lashes at the corner of your eyes, choose a straight brush.

Thickening mascara: When you want dense thick lashes, this is the one to go with. Thickening mascaras contain a thicker formula of silicone polymers and waxes that coat lashes and make them look fuller. Consider using this one if you have thin and sparse lashes. To achieve the thick lashed-look your ideal brush has bristles that are fairly close together. If you have sparse-looking lashes and want to thicken them up, this brush is for you, because if it is more important to you to thicken your lashes, for example, use a brush with close bristles, and pay special attention to the application process to reduce the possibility of clumping.

Waterproof mascara: Contains unique synthetic formulas that are designed to repel moisture and are non-smudging. This type can be hard on your lashes, making them very fragile over time. One special tip is to apply Vaseline on your lashes at night time before you go to bed to maintain flexibility. This is a must-have for athletes and weddings.

Non-clumping: Includes ingredients like silk extract and glycerin. The wand/brush has longer bristles that promote even distribution of product. Use this for a more natural look. To reduce lash clumping your mascara brush should have bristles that are spaced quite widely-apart. Note that this is the exact opposite of the type of brush that thickens your lashes. For even coverage across your entire lash line, go for a curved mascara brush. These help you achieve more even coverage because they can coat more of your lashes at the same time. If you prefer to use a clump-reducing brush, apply two or three coats of mascara to help thicken your lashes.

Different Types of Mascara Wands

More important than a mascara formula, the mascara brush types you use to apply them are actually what define the shape and contour that your lashes will take. Top makeup companies even go to the lengths of patenting their mascara brush types. There are various shapes and sizes for different mascara brush types, and it is important to know the characteristics of your own eyelashes so it will be easier to find the mascara brush types that suit you best.

Another important point is that you really do not need to have all your bases covered when it comes to mascara brushes. It’s all about personal preferences. You have the ability to choose from a wide range of different brushes, so there is no reason why you couldn’t buy a small stock of several different brush types, and then use whichever type will help you achieve the look you want for any particular purpose.

What type of brush do you need?

When you apply your mascara, the type of brush you use, the length of the bristles and the space between the bristles are a few important factors that determine how your lashes will look when you are done. In choosing brush types of mascaras, remember that long bristles achieve a better lash definition, while shorter ones are good for thick applications.

The shape of the brush is important too. You get a different effect with a curved mascara brush than you do with a straight one. So what type of brush do you need when you are hoping to recreate a particular effect? For example:

Spinning Mascara Brush

This is a type of mascara brush which is operated with a battery. It can be carried easily and can have extensions if necessary. Choosing the longer bristled brushes give a full definition to the eyes.

Vibrating Mascara Brush

This is a new trend in eye make-up and will provide an increased stroking to the eyelashes instantly to look stunning. It is good to choose short bristled mascara brushes to make the eyelashes thick.

Curved Mascara Brush Types

Allows the easy lifting and curling on the eye lashes. This type of brush is best used by moving it from outer lash to inner lash slowly. It makes the lashes stunning and try to be free from smudging. It causes the eye lash to curl and lift. Proper application is done by moving the brush with the mascara from the outer lash to the inner lash, while sweeping the curved brush slowly from the root to the tip of the lashes. The curved mascara brush types strive for smudge-proof lashes that are visually stunning.

Lash Comb Mascara Brush Types

It help to separate each eye lashes to give a thick look to the roots and a rays’ effect towards the edges. This can be applied by keeping your eyes opened. Causes a defined separation for your lashes that look thick at the base and have sun-like rays toward the end. Using the lash comb types of mascara brushes, comb your lashes from root to tip. By doing this, this will create a very daring look to the eyes and open-eyed lash curl is then achieved through these types of mascara brushes.

Mascara Brush Types with Rubber Bristles

Aims to layer individual lashes evenly, even the areas of your eyes that are hard to reach by normal brush types of mascaras. These types of mascara brushes are useful for giving an even look for the eyelashes. The rubber bristles are beneficial to separate the lashes which are difficult to separate with normal mascara brushes. It can be applied only once from root to the end to avoid overdose. The rubber bristles create eyelashes that look as if each one is uniformly separated from the other without having clumps, smudges or smears. When using mascara brush types with rubber bristles, the coat should be applied only once, from root to tip.

Flexible Mascara Brush Types

Allow the brush to move freely and reach the root of the lashes deeper than conventional mascara brush types. As the name shows these are helpful to move freely and to reach deeper than the ordinary brushes.

Round Sphere Ball Bristles.

It has a high-tech, round sphere at the tip of the precision wand that reaches every lash and adapts to all eye shapes that was designed to grip at lashes starting at the roots. It supposed to give a beautifully fanned-out panoramic effect, holding the curve of your lashes perfectly in place.

Other Mascara Tips

Use a lash comb to remove clumps and separate lashes. These are becoming popular, so you can find them anywhere.

When applying your best mascara, wiggle the wand at the base of the lashes. Because you are depositing more product at the base, this simple act provides an illusion of length.

Thin, short brushes are great for applying the formula in the corner of the eye and maintaining control.

To give the ends an extra coat, try blinking your lashes onto the brush. You might have to practice this move a couple of times before you get it right, but it’s totally worth it.

Use an eyelash curler for a wider and brighter appearance. You’ll love your look afterwards! But if your eyelashes are naturally curled you don’t need to use an eyelash curler, as it will just curl them so much that the mascara will transfer onto your eyelids very easily.

Do not pump the wand in and out of the tube. By doing this, you are pushing air into the tube which will cause your product to dry out before it should.

If you want an extra coat without the clumps, apply it before the first coat dries. This helps maintain a natural and fresh look.

If you want to separate your lashes, use a mascara primer before applying the first coat. Makeup artists love this product, but you may find it to be inconvenient unless you consider your lashes important.

Do you have trouble getting those bottom lashes? Try placing a tissue underneath them before applying. This prevents smudging on the lower lid.