TYPES OF MASCARAS AND WANDS: EXPLAINED

A good mascara can mean a world of difference for your makeup: it can brighten your eyes when you need a simple, clean girl makeup look, or it can transform a casual, everyday aesthetic into all-out glam.

 

For many of us, mascaras are our ride-or-die makeup product – but not all mascaras are made the same.

 

Different types of mascara are designed to achieve specific lash goals – for example, volume, length, definition, or curling. The formula of the mascara and the shape of the wand are the two big factors that will impact how your mascara looks.

 

But don’t fret – whether your goal is long, separated doll lashes or a thick and defined cat eye, we’re breaking down the best types of mascara for your various lash needs.

 

Types of mascara

 

Different ingredients, such as certain oils, waxes, and fibres will influence the style, finish, and wearability of your mascara. From lengthening formulas that take lashes sky high or waterproof mascaras capable of withstanding a day at the beach, let’s explore each of the different types of mascara to help you choose the right formula for your lashes.

 

Volumising mascara

 

Volumising mascaras will add thickness to your lashes, making them appear bolder and fuller. This type of mascara deposits waxes or polymers onto the lashes to temporarily plump them, which makes the eye pop without all the fuss of falsies.

 

The Lash Sensational Body Washable Mascara is designed to boost lash volume from root to tip and give up to 24 hours of lift.

 

Lengthening mascara

 

If you have lots of lashes but they tend to be on the shorter side, a lengthening mascara might be the best type of mascara for you. Lengthening formulas are typically made with tiny fibres that adhere to your natural eyelashes and extend them, making them appear significantly longer.

 

The Lash Sensational® Sky High Washable Mascara is one of our go-to formulas for this type of mascara, delivering buildable, long-lasting length with each coat.

 

Waterproof mascara

 

Designed to withstand a heartbreaking movie, intense workout, or even a dip in the pool, waterproof mascara is no joke. These formulas are made with specialised waxes and silicones to prevent any slippage or smudging – whatever the day may bring.

 

Try out our Colossal Bubble Waterproof Mascara for inflated volume and sleek lash separation – and explore our guide to how to remove waterproof mascara to learn more.

 

Curling mascara

If your lashes naturally point straight or downward, a curling mascara is your new best friend. With this type of mascara in your beauty kit, you can break up with your lash curler for good – since the dedicated curling formula lifts lashes upward while adding thickness and length.

 

Turn to our Colossal Curl Bounce After Dark for clump-free lash curl and dramatic volume.

 

Tubing mascara

 

A tubing mascara individually coats lashes with water-resistant polymers that form flexible tubes on each lash to provide length, volume, and definition. This type of mascara is known for its smudge- and flake-free benefits – and it can be easily removed with just warm water.

 

The first Maybelline tubing mascara, our Lash Sensational Sky Tubes Tubing Mascara wraps each lash to give up to 24-hour length and separation.

 

Types of mascara wands

 

An effective mascara isn’t just about the formula: brush design is the second half of the equation. Different types of mascara wands are going to produce different results: such as curl retention, lengthening, precision application, and more.

 

 

To help take the guesswork out of your search, we’ve put together a quick guide to the various types of mascara wands.

 

FAQs

 

What is the best mascara for sensitive eyes?

 

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky Tubes Tubing Mascara is one of the best mascaras for sensitive eyes. This nourishing formula is enriched with shea butter and castor oil to condition and promote healthy-looking lashes – and has been ophthalmologist- and allergy-tested, too.

 

What mascara wand gives the most separation?

 

Brushes made from small plastic nubs are the best option for defined, separated lashes. This type of mascara wand is a staple in our beloved Lash Sensational Sky High brush designs. Simply choose the formula that’s right for your needs: waterproof, washable, colour, or tubing.

 

Which mascara wand is best for straight lashes?

Curved or skinny brush designs are the best types of mascara wands for straight lashes, since they are designed to grip, lift, and lock in a lash curl. Try out the holy grail of curved wand designs with the Lash Sensational Mascara or the Colossal Curl Bounce Waterproof.

 

What mascara is best for clump-free volume?

 

 

For those who want intensity, The Falsies Lash Lift Volumising Mascara has everything you need for the ultimate set of lashes (no glue required!). The double curved wand design reaches every crevice of the lash line for all-over volume – no clumping, smearing, or flaking.

 

Which mascara wand is best for short lashes?

 

Look for a skinny or flexible mascara wand such as the Lash Sensational® Sky High Washable Mascara. This slender type of mascara wand lets you reach every corner, coating even the stubbiest of lashes from root to tip.

 

Which mascara helps lashes hold curl?

 

 

Any of Maybelline’s dedicate curling mascaras will help your lashes hold a curl for longer. The Colossal Curl Bounce After Dark is one of our go-to types of mascara for lifting and curling – and you can also explore our in-depth guide on curling your lashes to learn more.

Now you’ve settled on the best type of mascara for your lash type and goals, find out how to apply mascara like a makeup pro.