The secret to beautifully bat-worthy lashes isn’t only in the formula. Mascara brushes have also evolved to lift, separate and lacquer lashes like never before.
Before you next hit the mascara bar, find out what the five basic wand styles are for and how to apply them like a pro…
Eye wander: The comb
“This is actually the original style of wand and it is making a comeback,” explains make-up maven Yolanda Lukowski. Yet, so different in form to the familiar wire and bristle brush, the comb raised some eyebrows when it re-emerged on modern mascaras. The comb seems strange at first, but the trick is to trust the teeth. “These are the best for creating length without getting goop stuck in your lashes,” says Lukowski. “They are great if you are meticulous when applying your mascara or like to use more than one type of mascara at a time.” If your wand features a brush on one side and a comb on the other, use the bristles to fatten and curl and the comb to lift and separate.
First came Chanel Inimitable; then the rest of the mascara market imitated. Mostly admirably. Made of a rubbery plastic that resists sticking and flexes as you go, these wands are designed to deliver a precise, clean coat that defies clumping. Most feature chambers or channels to evenly hold a maximum amount of formula. “They seem to surround the lashes better, giving more thorough coverage. This new technology is great and definitely the way to go!” raves Lukowski. Even better, you don’t need any tricks up your sleeve – these ‘smart’ brushes do all the work for you.
A multi-purpose type of brush, these may be straight and square, cylindrical or tapered like a Christmas tree to reach right into the corner of the eye. “A big, thick bristled brush is definitely going to cover all lashes, including the fine ones,” says Lukowski. Much of the final volumising, curving or lengthening effect depends on the mascara’s formula, but Lukowski advises a plump wand is “the trick to getting lashes nice and full”. To turn up the curl factor, place the wand as close to your roots as possible and ‘roll’ the brush inward as you sweep up toward your tips.
These evolved from the classic make-up artists’ trick of bending the mascara wand to push lashes skyward. Some pros argue they are not really necessary – “I think they are a gimmick,” says Lukowski – but others swear they’ll never go straight. To use an angled or rounded brush to full effect, place your lashes on the back of the bend to create luxurious, eye-opening curl.
Designed to pick up, plump and lift fine and hard-to-reach lashes, slender brushes get to the very root to highlight every last bit of the eyelash and create the illusion of length. “These tiny brushes are also very well suited for bottom lashes as they let you cover them slightly, without the risk of going overboard,” explains Lukowski. “Maybelline Lash Discovery is fantastic – I love it. It’s great if you have blonde
Old mascara brushes brushes are great for brows too