These mascaras will pump up your look and have you saying "Eye Do" in no time.
By: Alison Rowe| Not only long-wearing but also water-resistant, Clinique’s Lash Power Mascara, with its sleek oval wand, ensures that tears of joy are nothing to fear. |  |
| Go for a sweeping effect with Courbe Virtuôse Mascara by Lancôme; it curls lashes and and keeps them that way for up to 12 hours. |  |
| Even the tiniest lashes can’t escape the reach of Maybelline New York Lash Discovery Mini-Brush Mascara, which lengthens and defines without clumping. |  |
| Known among the in crowd as the mascara for luxe lashes, DiorShow Mascara Backstage Makeup will add star power to your big-day look. |  |
| Turn up the volume with CoverGirl’s LashBlast Mascara—the extra-thick wand and ultra-profuse bristles deposit an enviable, luxurious coat on each lash. |  |
| Boots Botanics Volumising Mascara with pro-vitamin B5, Rice Bran and Green Tea extract not only makes lashes look longer and thicker, but also helps protect them. |  |
Mascara 101
Since every mascara brush is a different size and shape, how do you know which one is right for you? The bigger the brush, the fuller your eyelashes will look, says Jillian Veran, director of artistry for Prescriptives Cosmetics. A small mascara brush allows for precise application; a wider, curved brush gives extra lift at the middle of the lash line so eyes appear larger. The average shelf life of a tube of mascara is about three months, says Veran. After that, throw it out; otherwise, bacteria buildup can cause infection. Keep the lid screwed on tightly when not in use and don’t pump the wand, cautions Veran, as that will force air into the tube and dry the mascara out more quickly.
To apply: Place the brush at the base of the lash line and wiggle from side to side. This blurs the line between the lid and the lashes, making them appear fuller. Sweep the brush up for a wide-open look and to the side for a sexy, cat-eyed look. To prevent clumps, apply the second coat before the first completely dries, advises Veran.
Tools of the Trade
For eyes that look wider and more awake, curl your lashes first.
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1. Shu Uemura’s curler is a favorite of makeup artists; its generous width suits any eye shape, and silicone padding ensures a perfect curl without crimping.
2. After applying mascara, get rid of any clumps with a comb, like the one on Mally’s combination wand; its metal prongs slide through lashes to seperate them; use the brush for a natural finish.
3. For pesky strays, Japonesque makes a precision curler whose small size allows you to reach each and every hair.
4. For curl-resistant lashes, try this heated curler from Sephora; it makes the hairs more pliable, letting you comb lashes into place.
Photography: Alexandra Grablewski.
