When it comes to lashes you need to forget gimmick mascaras. It is highly unlikely that anything other than brush size and product consistency will make any difference to the length and thickness of your lashes. However, I have found that there is no one type of mascara that suits all. I, for example, have long, fine lashes and strive to get a fuller look and I find thicker mascaras suit me better. I also think that the test of a good mascara is not only in the wear, but the removal as well. Here are my top tips for the perfect flutter:
Long lashes – for those of you who are blessed in the lash department a big, fat brush and slightly thicker consistency is preferable. The big brush enables you to get maximum lift and lash coverage (as opposed to a smaller brush which may make long lashes stick together) combined with thicker product will give a full, false lash effect. Avoid small brushes and very fluid mascaras as they will make the lashes look spidery.
Application – tilt your head back and lift eye-lid up slightly with your other hand (this enables you to get very close to the root). Holding the brush near the middle of the eye, try to get as close to the root as possible and as your pulling away from the eye, move the brush in a swift zig-zag motion. Coat the inner lashes lightly and in the direction of growth. Pay slightly more attention to outer lashes and give them an extra coat or two. Comb, separate and repeat if necessary.
Medium lashes – use a regular/small sized brush. This will enable good, even coverage, while also building up length and giving lift which makes lashes look longer. A slightly more fluid consistency is preferable in order to build up the length and thickness during application.
Application - tilt your head back and lift eye-lid up slightly with your other hand (this enables you to get very close to the root). Holding the brush near the middle of the eye, move the brush in a swift zig-zag motion. Repeat for inner and outer lashes, paying extra attention to outer ones as this will give the eyes a ‘lift’. Comb through and repeat on the centre and outer lashes. Comb through again and give just the outer lashes one more coat.
Short/Baby lashes – use a tiny brush to get perfect and precise application. If the brush is bigger than your lashes then you’re bound to make a mess! Use a viscous product as something too thick will clump.
Application – Start in the middle of the eye, and apply in direction of lash growth. Spend extra time the on outer corners of each eye and build up lots of layers, allowing each layer time to dry. Add extra definition using an ultra fine brush with a little dark eye shadow powder or liner at the roots of the lashes on the top and bottom.
Bottom Lashes - I rarely apply much mascara, if any to the bottom lashes, as it tends to smudge or run very quickly. Instead, I use a fine, flat brush and some dark eye shadow and dot a broken line along the bottom lashes, as close to the root as possible. This gives the illusion of mascara but with out the casualties an hour later! Dip a dry (or wet, depending on how intense you want the line) brush into your product and tap off the excess. working literally on the roots of the lashes, work the product in between, pressing gently and wiggling the brush slightly, then moving along, pressing and wiggling until you have created a broken line. Whether you go all the way along the bottom is up to you, however in my experience about one third of the way is flattering on most people.
