About Mascara

Some say that the eyes are the window to a person's soul. That may or may not be so, but a person's eyes are often one of the first things you notice about someone. One way for a woman to make her eyes more noticeable is with makeup--particularly mascara. Some women use mascara to dress up for a special night, while others will not leave the house without it. This makeup staple has an interesting history, and comes in many different forms.

History

As far back as 3000 years B.C., Egyptians applied kohl to their lashes. The makeup was a blend of materials like lead, soot and even crocodile dung. Sticks made of wood or bone were frequently used to apply the kohl. In the 1800s, women used everything from castor oil to lampblack to petroleum jelly to darken and beautify lashes. Glamorous movie stars began using cake mascara in the first quarter of the twentieth century, prompting women everywhere to do the same.

Function

Mascara is used to darken lashes, making them appear thicker, lusher, longer and more defined. Mascara is most commonly applied by dipping an applicator brush into a tube of the makeup. The mascara is then applied to the lashes by placing the brush near the root of the lashes and dragging it upward (or downward on lower lashes) to the tip of the eyelashes. Some women apply the makeup to the lower eyelashes by holding the brush vertically and lightly brushing across the lashes.

Types

There are many types of mascara. Waterproof mascara allows lashes to look longer and darker without the worry of the makeup smearing or running due to perspiration, tears or even swimming. Lengthening mascara is basically the same as other types; the applicator brush is made with compact bristles that allow the user to apply more to the ends of lashes. Thickening mascaras are formulated to make lashes plump. There are also mascaras in nearly every color that can be used alone or applied directly over black or brown mascara.

Warning

A tube of mascara should only be used by one person. Sharing mascara can transmit harmful bacteria, causing painful eye infections. Mascara has a shelf life of about three months, once it has been used. Even though there might be plenty left, bacteria will be growing in the tube by that time. Avoid applying mascara too close to the roots of your lashes as you can inadvertently clog glands, preventing your eyes from getting the moisture they require.

Expert Insight

If you want to try colored mascara, stick with a color that will complement your eye color. Blue mascara makes blue eyes stand out even more, while violet brightens brown eyes and green is the best color for green eyes. Curl your lashes before applying mascara to make your eyes look wider, more youthful and brighter. Heating a metal curler using your hairdryer before using it will help the lashes curl easier and stay that way longer.