Doing it wrong for over 50 years!

I get a lot of emails as I'm sure you do too. Some get deleted without opening but some just catch my eye. Which is why I opened one that said, "according to the experts, we've been doing it wrong for years". What it was referring to was mascara.

If there is one item in the makeup arsenal that changes your face immediately it is mascara. Mascara can transform a person's look in seconds. Our eyes are one of the most expressive features on our face. And the way to instantly enhance them and make them stand out is with mascara.

The earliest record of mascara is between 3,000 and 4,000 BCE. Egyptians used Koal to darken their eyelashes and eyebrows. The Egyptians believed that using Kohl, was not only for cosmetic means, but they believed darkening their eyes also protected them from the "evil eye" and ward off diseases. Fast forward to 1915 when a young woman singed her lashes in a cooking fire and tried to fix them by applying petroleum jelly mixed with coal dust. Her brother Tom watched his sister Mabel doing this. Mabel's simple beauty trick ignited her brother's imagination, which in turn became a billion-dollar business, called Maybelline, named in his sister's honor!

Now if you are as old as I am, you will remember that the first mascara was a solid cakelike substance. It came in a little tin with a small brush that you wet and then worked into the cake to form a paste like substance which was then applied to the lashes. It worked pretty well, and you can still find it today, but it wasn't waterproof, tearproof or smudge proof. Plus, it could be a little clumpy.

It the 1950's Helena Rubinstein invented the first waterproof mascara and mascara wands entered the scene. And as we say, the rest is history. Mascara today is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with countless variations, promising to volumize and curl, lengthen. There are fiber mascaras, tub mascaras, and let's not forget the serums and primers all intended to give us the most gorgeous eyes. The question then becomes, which ones work the best?

But before I get into "which ones" I want to get back to the title of this post.

What, according to the beauty experts, have we been doing wrong? Well, it turns out to be the application. I've always read you start at the base of the lash line, wiggle the mascara wand and then "sweep up". Turns out that's not the way to do it. According to the top makeup artists, you start at the tips of your lashes. It sort of made sense when I thought about it because the tips of the lashes are going to show the length. I tried it and guess what! It definitely works! So, the trick is to apply at the tip of your lashes first, then begin applying from the root to tip for the volume. Another tip is to watch the expiration date of your mascara. Old mascaras can lead to sticky clunky lashes and should be replaced every 6 months. And the sniff test is always a way to see if it needs to be tossed. There are so many good choices out there that you don't have to break the bank to replace them. As for how many coats? Thats up to you. Just make sure you wait a few seconds between each coat and use a spoolie or lash comb to separate the lashes. Taking off the mascara is just as important. Don't pull or rub but use a mild remover so as not to break your lashes. And what about the bottom lashes? They need a touch of mascara too. Just wipe the wand to get off any excess and carefully touch the bottom lashes. Wait until they are dry to use a spoolie to gently scrape any mascara that may have smudged on your foundation.

So which mascaras to try? We all have our favorites. And even though I have some that I absolutely love, I still look for the ultimate one. Here are some that I think are the best.

Tick Toc seems to be the expert these days on lots of things, but they got it right

with L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara. Users love this mascara because of it adds volume, lifts and defines the lashes and makes them long with no clumps. And it layers beautifully. I use it and it's an all-around affordable winner. Of course, how could there be a mascara review without the one that started it all.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara. Maybelline makes a lot of them, but this one is definitely a winner. I've used this one too and it really does give you "sky high"lashes! If its volume and length you're after, this is it.

If yours're looking for a lush, full lash effect, Benefit They're Real! Mascara can't be beat! No need for false lashes with this one. The wand is flexible, so it helps separate the lashes. It curls, volumizers and lifts. Can't ask for much more!

One of my favorites is Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara. It is the first mascara I reach for every time. It's a little pricier than some but in my opinion, it's definitely worth it. This is the ultimate volumizing mascara which gives a false lash effect, dramatic yet natural. It volumizes and lengthens, smudge-proof and does not flake. I once knew a gal that was born with a double row of top eyelashes. They were amazing. This is the effect of this mascara!

Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara. The name is intriguing and so is the mascara! I's been dubbed "A mascara so amazing, it's Better Than Sex!" The formula thickens, lengthens and curls, resulting in dramatic & volumized lashes. Does it live up to its name? All I can say is that it does give mind blowing results!

Clinique High Impact Mascara is a great choice for sensitive eyes. It too adds volume and length and for those who have a sensitivity it's a great choice.

ILIA - Limitless Lash Mascara. This brand caught my eye (no pun intended) and I had to try it. And am I glad I did! It's considered a clean mascara (the black is derived from charcoal not carbon black) and due to its dual sided wand, it lengthens, lifts and separates. It's formula resists clumping, flaking and smudging. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lenses wears. And delivers a beautiful "mascaraed" eye!

A couple more things other than the mascara to keep your lashes looking great. Lash serums. The one that I swear by is Grande Lash Serum. I love it because it works! If I am faithful to the product, my upper lashes will touch right under my brows. It safe to use and no fear in it changing your eye color. So that's why I love it. And as I am writing this, I realized that I forgot to mention Grande Mascara which I used this morning. I use a couple of mascaras at a time. This morning it was Lancome Monsieur Big followed by Grande. The result is "are you wearing false lashes":)

Speaking of false lashes, I use them at times, and I have to admit, they definitely make a difference. I've used all kinds but the best and the cheapest and the most natural are Ardell.

And the only glue to use it Duo clear. And what makes a snap to apply them is this tool.

One more thing to mention is lash primer. It's applied before your mascara. What does it do? It's conditions the lashes and "boosts" the overall power of the mascara. L'Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Lash Boosting Conditioning Primer, Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Serum Infused Lash Primer, Lancôme Cils Booster XL Enhancing Lash & Mascara Primer and CoverGirl Lash Blast will all do the trick. Don't worry that they are white. Your mascara will cover.

Last thing before I go is mascara remover. Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover is the one which I have used for years. It removes regular mascara, waterproof mascara in an instant. Another alternative is Neutrogena Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover & Cleanser for Sensitive Eyes. Works just as well and at a much lower price point.

So, remember. always start at the top. In every other instance I would say to stay there. But only in applying mascara, start at the tips, go down to the bottom, and then work your way up again!

Liz❤️

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