Do Fancy-Shmancy Mascara Wands Really Make a Difference?
Confession: Mascara confuses the crap out of me. I mean, there are so many mascara wands to choose from – some are curved, some are heart-shaped, some look like a medieval weapon – how do you know which one’s right for you? And when all you’re doing is smearing black tar on your lashes, does it really make a difference?
As it turns out, yes. In fact, it may be more important than the mascara formula itself. Some wands have bristles that are more densely packed, some are more flexible, while some pick up different amounts of mascara. The wrong wand could totally put the kibosh on the look you’re going for.
When narrowing down your picks, start by taking your natural lashes into consideration: If they’re longer, you’ll want a larger brush to accentuate length and make them look lush. If you have shorter lashes, you’ll want a smaller, more precise brush to meticulously define them. The size of the brush also depends on the size of your eyes: After all, you don’t want to get more mascara around your lashes than you do on them.
Here’s a play-by-play of the mascara wands that are available, and what to expect from them:
1. Thin
Long mascara wands that have short, spaced-out bristles will help define and separate your lashes. If you’ve got thicker lashes and want to give them length, this wand’s your perfect match.
2. Thick
Thick mascara wands tend to be made with synthetic fibers that help to plump up your lashes and give them a ton of volume. Be warned: This wand tends to be tricky to use if you have shorter lashes.
3. Comb
Out of all the mascara wands, the comb-shaped ones are my favorite. They fight clumps like a superhero and the plastic bristles distribute the mascara evenly, highlighting the natural qualities that make your lashes fabulous to begin with.
4. Curved
Curved mascara wands are best if your lashes themselves don’t have much of a curve to them. If they tend to grow straight out, this wand will open up your lashes and give them that curl they lack otherwise. Just hold the brush with the curve facing down, and comb through for instant lift.
5. Ball-Shaped
I’ve yet to try this mascara wand, but I’ve heard great things about it. Word on the street is the shape makes it easier to grab each individual lash, big and small, which is perfect if you’ve got smaller eyes or shorter lashes – no smudges! The only downside is how detail-oriented a process it can be: It takes longer to brush on your mascara with this wand compared to using a more traditional one. That being said, good things come to those who wait, and I look forward to giving this wand a whirl.
How many mascara wands have you tried?
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Image: Applying mascara photo via Shutterstock
