For many, a quick swipe or two of mascara is as necessary as a cup of coffee in the morning. When done correctly, you can make your eyes look bigger and brighter in under a minute. But how much do you really know about this makeup staple?
1. Ancient Egyptians were the first lash lovers back in 3000 B.C.
Not only did the Egyptians use kohl around their eyes, they also darkened their lashes with it — both for beauty purposes and to protect their eyes from the sun.
2. Sleeping in mascara can ruin your lashes
Want long, lush lashes? Don't ever sleep in your mascara. Mascara makes your lashes stiff, leaving them more likely to break while you're tossing and turning.
3. You can tell if you should toss it via a smell test
'Sniff your mascara — if it smells like vinegar at all, it's time to throw it out,' says Laramie, makeup artist and owner of Book Your Look.
4. But you can keep the applicator
Just because your mascara is kaput doesn't mean you have to throw out the brush, too. Save it for grooming your eyebrows, or even for applying new mascara if you prefer it to other brushes.
5. Pumping your mascara brush is a big no-no
'This pushes air into the tube, which will make the mascara dry out faster, causing clumping and flaking,' warns Marlena Stell, founder and CEO of Makeup Geek. Wrong:
"Instead," Marlena explains, "you should gently twist the wand back and forth or in circular motions to pick up the desired amount of product." Right:
6. Lash extensions and falsies can come in lots of forms
If you're not so keen on typical mascara, you can try getting lash extensions or false eyelashes instead, but you don't need to just stick with one type. They can be made out of silk, mink, sable, and sometimes even feathers or other funky material. Just make sure you're getting them from a reputable brand or salon — don't put your eyes at risk with off-brand costume lashes or glue, even for just one night.
7. You should never share mascara
It may seem harmless to try out a friend's new mascara — just to see if you like it on yourself — but in reality, sharing eye makeup puts you at risk for infections and pink eye.
8. Mascara comes in more than one format
Think that your typical tube is the only way to darken your lashes? Think again. Though mascara is usually packaged in a tube, you can also try cream mascara and cake mascara for a vintage look and feel.
9. There's power in layering
If your mascara is always running, try applying one layer to your lashes. After it's try, add a coat of clear mascara to seal it off and keep it intact all day long.
