This story was updated in January 2019.
Mascara is both my absolute must-have and my biggest indulge. So much so that I would rather skip wearing kajal than mascara when running late, which I usually am. It makes me feel confident and look awake. If I could carry only two items with me every day, they would be mascara and a compact.
Since my eyelashes are already curled, I prefer a lengthening and volumizing mascara. So, for my next purchase, I thought of doing an elaborate comparison between the different types of mascaras so you don’t have to! Here are 30 of the best selling mascaras the world over. Scroll through to find your go-to fail-proof formula for long, luscious lashes.
What Is Mascara
Different Types
Based On Consistency
Based On Formula
Type Of Mascara Wands
How To Apply Mascara
Best Mascaras In India
What Is A Mascara And What Does It Do?
Mascara is a cosmetic product used to enhance the eyelashes. It comes in a slim, elongated bottle with a liquid lipstick-like wand having a brush-like applicator. It is occasionally used on eyebrows as well but since the popularity of eyebrow pencils and enhancers, mascaras are the ultimate lash experts to darken, lengthen, curl, thicken, volumize and even colour eyelashes. After all, who doesn’t love big beautiful eyes every day?
A majority of women prefer black mascaras for a natural everyday look but according to the eyelash trends of 2018, coloured mascaras in bright colours such as electric blue, devilish purple, pretty pink, etc. have become extremely popular. Recently, Sara Ali Khan wore a popping purple mascara and we couldn’t NOT stock one in our vanity.
Image: Instagram
Different Types Of Mascara
There are many different types of mascaras based on the consistency, formulas and the shape of the mascara wand. Each of these serves a different purpose.
Different Types Of Mascara Based On Consistency
Liquid Mascara
Liquid mascaras are the most commonly used mascaras usually by women who have slightly curled eyelashes. It enhances the appearance of the lashes by making them look sharper and on-point.
Cream Mascara
Women with thin eyelashes can opt for cream mascaras. They provide volume to thin and sparse lashes and add depth to the eyes. Since they are thicker in consistency than liquid mascaras, they can smudge easily unless applied with the right wand.
Powder Mascara
Powder mascaras are very different from wet and cream mascaras. All you have to do is add a few drops of water to the powder and use it with a wand. The mascara sets to give a false eyelash kind of a finish. Yes, they are relatively hard to find but other than the consistency, they don’t do anything different to your eyelashes.
Different Types Of Mascaras Based On Formulas
Curling Mascara
As the name suggests, curling mascaras are used to enhance the natural curl of your eyelashes. To hold the curl, they usually have a thicker texture than others. Suitable for those with straight or poorly defined lashes.
Lengthening Mascara
‘I don’t want long lashes’, said no woman ever. And that is why you need lengthening mascaras. Brushes of most lengthening mascaras have denser bristles which allow the mascara to get onto the lashes and extend them beyond the tips. For those with particularly short and/or straight eyelashes, this would be perfect.
Volumizing/Thickening Mascara
If it is a volume that you are looking for, then a volumizing mascara is what you should invest in. It will help you achieve fuller and thicker eyelashes without the heavy and overdone look. It also contains darker and stronger pigments for a dense look and does not weigh down the lashes.
Lash Defining Mascara
Volume and thickness, lash-defining mascaras take care of it all. They contain special pigments and polymers to define lashes from root to tip. Thanks to their consistency and texture, they spread evenly and each eyelash is defined separately. Goodbye, clumps!
Waterproof Mascara
Almost all mascaras today offer a waterproof coverage. Waterproof mascaras are long-lasting and perfect for those with oily skin as our own natural skin oils can cause other formulas to smudge. This type of mascara contains mineral oils and waxes from animal or vegetable sources, which give them their waterproof effect.
Smudge-proof Mascara
Smudge-proof mascaras go one step beyond the waterproof formulas owing to the shellac and polymers that cling to the lashes to avoid smudging. They can withstand any weather, any skin type, and scratching or rubbing until you remove it. Speaking of which, you will need a good oil-based makeup remover to get rid of these. A regular makeup remover won’t do the job well.
Non-clumping Mascara
Non-clumping mascaras or zero-clumping mascaras are the latest addition in the market. They contain glycerin and silk extracts to avoid the clumpy look. The wand has a longer brush with long bristles for an even application from one corner of the lash to the other and is great for a natural look every day.
Different Types Of Mascara Wands
Image: Shutterstock
Straight Brush Wand
A standard straight mascara wand is a classic and easy to use as it allows easier access to small lashes and inner eyelid lashes. You can use them at different angles to fully coat your lashes without poking yourself in the eye.
Comb Brush Wand
The comb-like bristles on this wand help separate the lashes and are designed to discourage clumping. This type of wand is great for a full and even coverage but not so much for creating volume.
Curved Brush Wand
A curved brush is perfect for those who are looking for more curls and an extra lift to the lashes.
Big Brush Wand
A big brush wand or a fat brush wand ensures fatter eyelashes as it coats more mascara giving you doll-like volume while at it. However, it often leads to clumps.
Long Brush Wand
Long brush is best for lengthening. It combines the best qualities of a comb brush and a big brush as it separates and defines eyelashes while adding more volume to them.
Small Brush Wand
As the name suggests, a small brush is ideal for small eyelashes as it doesn’t clump them, thereby offering thickness.
Micro Brush Wand
Finally, a mascara brush that takes care of your lower lashes. A micro-brush wand ensures mess-free application which is otherwise hard to get on the lower lashes. It is wonderful for achieving that clean, defined look without any fear of clumping.
Precision Tip Wand
This type of mascara wand has a thickly-bristled brush with a precision-tip head perfect for coating the tiny lashes that are often hard to reach.
Ball Wand
This wand has a small ball-like brush applicator that guarantees coverage down to every millimeter, unlike the longer wands. Since it concentrates on a few lashes at a time, it takes care of a full root-to-tip coverage effortlessly.
Ball Tip Wand
Just like a precision tip wand, a ball tip wand has the classic mascara brush but with a bristled-ball top and serves the same purpose to reach smaller lashes easily. The ball tip wand is also designed for a smudge-free application especially on the lower lashes.
Corkscrew Wand
Imagine a twisted straight brush wand. That is what a corkscrew wand looks like. This style of the wand is all about maximum coverage and creating optimum volume.
How To Apply Mascara Perfectly?
Image: Shutterstock
Yes, there is a correct way to apply mascara. No, most of us don’t know what it is. Applying mascara is an art in itself, much like applying a winged eyeliner. Now that you know which type of mascara you want, here is everything that you need to know to apply mascara like a pro.
Things You Will Need:
- Mascara
- Eyelash curler
- Clean mascara wand
Instructions:
Step 1: Take an eyelash curler and start curling your eyelashes. As complicated as it looks, lash curlers are actually pretty simple to use. All you have to do is place the curler at the base of your upper lashes, close the curler and hold it in place for a few seconds. This prepares your lashes for a hassle-free mascara application. Here are the 7 best eyelash curlers in 2018 that you can use.
P.S. If you don’t have a curler or you are too afraid to use one (as am I), use your fingertips to push up and curl wet lashes.
Step 2: Take your mascara and swirl the mascara wand by twisting it back and forth instead of pumping it up and down. Twisting this way will allow the wand to coat the mascara properly whereas pumping can push air inside the bottle making the mascara clumpy and dry.
Step 3: Wipe off the excess mascara on the tip of the bottle to avoid clumping.
Step 4: Starting at the roots, apply your mascara wiggling it back and forth a little so the mascara brush separates and lifts the lashes while coating them. This also ensures that there is more volume at the roots, and your lashes don’t feel weighed down. You want the most product to be applied to the roots only so the lashes look longer.
Step 5: Repeat Step 4 on your lower lashes. Since they tend to be smaller, you can opt for a different mascara wand for this.
Step 6: Go for a second coat of mascara depending on the volume you wish to add.
Step 7: If you notice any clumps, brush them out after your second coat has dried using a clean mascara wand. This will work like a comb to de-clump your lashes.
Step 8: Finally, use a lash curler if you want to curl and further define your lashes some more. This step is optional.
Use an earbud to remove access mascara or if you have gotten some on your face and eyelids. Remember, mascara should be the last step in your makeup routine. Spritz some setting spray once you are done with your makeup to set it in place. Here are 8 best makeup setting sprays for every budget.
And while you are at it, here are 10 easy mascara hacks for a flawless application.
30 Best Mascaras In India In 2018
Now that you have all the literature about mascaras, their types and how to apply them, here are 30 best black mascaras in India according to your budget. Happiness is just ‘Place Your Order’ away.
SAVE (Under Rs 500)
Blue Heaven Walk Free Mascara
This mascara claims to be waterproof, smudge-proof and long-lasting. Given the price, it is one helluva deal packed in a cute green bottle. The product truly delivers what it promises.
Buy the Blue Heaven Walk Free Mascara – Green Pack for Rs 125.
Miss Claire Waterproof Mascara
Take your lashes to new lengths with this waterproof mascara that promises no smudges, long-lasting and fuller lashes. The waterproof formula is highly pigmented and non-drying.
Buy the Miss Claire Waterproof Mascara for Rs 225.
Lotus Make-Up Maxlash Volumizing Botanical Mascara
With natural extracts of witch hazel that nourish and protect the eyes, this smudge and waterproof mascara will give you that gorgeous big eye illusion. It is fragrance-free and also delicate on sensitive eyes.
Buy the Lotus Make-Up Maxlash Volumizing Botanical Mascara – Black for Rs 235.
Essence Get Big! Lashes Volume Boost Waterproof Mascara
Sad romantic movies or tears of joy – this is an ideal companion, no matter what the occasion. It offers perfect lashes without smudging and conjures up mega volume even when you go diving. And how cute is that big blue bottle!
Buy the Essence Get Big! Lashes Volume Boost Waterproof Mascara for Rs 260.
Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof Mascara
The brand claims to deliver 80% longer-looking lashes. Its special blend of waxes lavishly lifts and lengthens with amazing staying power. And the waterproof formula is strong enough to survive swimming!
Buy the Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof Mascara – Very Black for Rs 299.
Maybelline New York Express Hypercurl Mascara
If it is the curl that you are looking for, there is no better budget mascara for perfect lashes than this one right here. The exclusive curl lock formula gives lengthy expressive lashes for up to 18 hours. Let your eyes do the talking in style.
Buy the Maybelline New York Express Hypercurl Mascara for Rs 267.
Lakme Eyeconic Curling Mascara
Another popular one for curlicious lashes is the Lakme Eyeconic mascara. I’ve been using this mascara since college and it never stops lifting up my lashes and my spirits. It also comes in a vibrant royal blue shade. If you have fine lashes, this lightweight mascara would be perfect as it won’t weigh your lashes down.
Buy the Lakme Eyeconic Curling Mascara – Black for Rs 281.
Faces Magneteyes Dramatic Volumizing Mascara
As the name suggests, this volumising mascara promises lashes as dramatic as the Kardashians. The soft brush ensures easy application and oh-so-thick eyelashes with no clumping. Give it a go.
Buy the Faces Magneteyes Dramatic Volumizing Mascara Black for Rs 399.
Maybelline New York The Colossal Volum Express Mascara
A single stroke of this mascara will give your eye makeup a finishing touch. The full contact brush, with its specially shaped curve, grasps and loads lashes for a fanned out, full body fringe. It works like magic on tiny lashes.
Buy the Maybelline New York The Colossal Volum Express Mascara for Rs 319.
Coloressence Camera Ready Intense Volume Mascara
For that picture perfect look, this blackest black mascara is what you should go for. It does not bleed when it comes in contact with water and is clump-free and smudge-proof too. It’ll give you an amazing volumising effect separating every lash as it goes.
Buy the Coloressence Camera Ready Intense Volume Mascara – Black for Rs 315.
Colorbar Lash Illusion Mascara Duo
This wonder from the house of Colorbar is a duo-step mascara that makes the eyelashes look naturally thick and long – one formula is for lengthening and another for volumizing. Also, it is suitable for sensitive eyes and those who wear contact lenses too.
Buy the Colorbar Lash Illusion Mascara Duo – Carbon Black for Rs 444.
Deborah Love My Lashes Mascara
Flutter those bad boys in style with this lengthening mascara. It’s enriched with natural as well as synthetic waxes and acacia gum that bind to each individual lash from root to tip, extending its length beautifully.
Buy the Deborah Love My Lashes Mascara – Long for Rs 225.
SPEND (Rs 500 – Rs 1,000)
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Mascara
This volumising mascara is by far the most tried, tested and trusted mascara in the market at the moment. It comes with an exclusive fanning brush with ten layers of bristles that reveals layers of lashes for a sensational full-fan effect. While the inner brush gives volume to lashes and reveals every lash, the outer bristles fan out lashes. This mascara also comes in a waterproof formula at Rs 50 extra.
Buy the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Mascara – Blackest Black for Rs 450.
L’Oreal Paris False Lash Superstar Mascara
This mascara gives the polished effect of an eyelash curler in a mascara. In two easy steps, you can achieve the full-blown look. First is the super-sizing primer, infused with seven types of extraordinary care oil, that thickens to provide a buildable volume. Second is the lash-lifting top coat for a glossy dramatic look. Up your lash game effortlessly.
Buy the L’Oreal Paris False Lash Superstar Mascara for Rs 500.
Maybelline New York Total Temptation Mascara
This is the newest mascara in the market right now. It features a creamy and whipped formula enriched with coconut extract that is nourishing while it is naughty. If you want irresistibly soft and fluffy lashes, don’t try to resist this temptation.
Buy the Maybelline New York Total Waterproof Temptation Mascara – Very Black for Rs 525.
The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara
This 100% vegetarian and cruelty-free brand is best known for skin and environment-friendly products and this mascara is no exception. If you are looking for a mascara that gives volume with no harm done, go for this.
Buy The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara for Rs 695.
NYX Professional Makeup Worth The Hype Volumizing Mascara
If you want your lashes to look darker, fuller and lethally gorgeous all day long, then this mascara is your jam. It offers 8x the volume and the wand will reach even the baby lashes at the inner corners of your eyes in a breezy application. What more does one need?
Buy the NYX Professional Makeup Worth The Hype Volumising Mascara for Rs 700.
Lakme Absolute Flutter Secrets Dramatic Eyes Mascara
For a look as bold as the Saturday night, opt for this mascara. It has a long-term curl memory formula that gives your lashes the desired volume, colour and lots of drama!
Buy the Lakme Absolute Flutter Secrets Dramatic Eyes Mascara – Black for Rs 620.
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
If you want lashes that take your breath away, then this lengthening and volumizing mascara is it. Its 200+ wavy bristles glide on easily for a silky smooth look leaving you with feathery-soft eyelashes.
Buy the L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara for Rs 799.
L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes
This is the most popular mascara from the range. This lash defining mascara delivers volume and length and comes with an in-built wiper that removes excess mascara from the wand. L‘Oreal recently launched the same mascara as a part of the Sabyasachi collection at Rs 15 extra. If you are a collector, you can buy it here.
Buy the L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes – Extra Black for Rs 765.
In Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara/Little M.A.C
We cannot thank MAC enough for introducing a Little MAC range. Its lightweight whipped formula adds dense volume, extends length and creates curl while conditioning your lashes. It contains ultra-mini fibres that weave in-between lashes adding instant volume and length. Plus, it comes in six beautiful shades for an ultra-glam look. MAC is awesome and now affordable too!
Buy the In Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara/Little M.A.C – 3D Black for Rs 900.
O3+ Pro Artist Mascara
This natural look mascara has a unique applicator that ensures expressive lashes for up to 20 hours. For long eyelashes that are as curly a Barbie doll’s, this is all you need.
Buy the O3+ Pro Artist Mascara for Rs 920.
SPLURGE (Rs 1,000+)
Milani Lash Trifecta Lengthens + Curls + Separates
If you need that sexy wide-eyed look that makes your eyes pop and look bigger, then this mascara is what you need. It will make your lashes reach new panoramic heights owing to its curved 3-sided sculpting brush that adapts to your lash line. Not just that, it also conditions your lashes.
Buy the Milani Lash Trifecta Lengthens + Curls + Separates – Black Italy for Rs 1,100.
Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Bang! Mascara
There is a reason why Benefit is every millennial women’s favourite brand! Its gravity-defying formula contains aero-particles, one of the lightest known materials, derived from space technology and creates massive volume without weighing down lashes. Also, it contains ProVitamin B5 known to fuel thickness and strength. Yes, it doesn’t get better than this, ladies.
Buy the Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Bang! Mascara for Rs 1,170.
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-in-1 Mascara
Tarte is a vegan brand, for all those of you who believe in cruelty-free makeup. The wand is classic and simple and ensures that the mascara coats each lash making them black, voluminous and curled. The formula is buildable and truly long wearing. Although, you will need a good oil-based makeup remover to get this mascara off.
Buy the Tarte Limited-edition Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-in-1 Mascara for Rs 1,800.
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
The Clinique High Impact Mascara does justice to its name, your lashes will make a bold statement. The mascara has a jet black formula and leaves you with fuller, longer, dramatic lashes. Two to three coats of this mascara are all you need for flirty eyes! The formula of the mascara is quite wet, so be careful while applying to avoid clumps.
Buy the Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara – Black for Rs 1,890.
M.A.C Bold & Bad Lash Mascara
I have been eyeing this product for quite some time now! This mascara comes in a dual-chamber package and contains a brush for upper lashes and a brush for lower lashes with different formulas in each. Revolutionary, isn’t it?
Buy the M.A.C Bold & Bad Lash Mascara – Black for Rs 2,000.
TOO Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
The Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara gives your lashes XL length and volume. It coats and separates each lash giving you the most natural yet very dramatic lift. Two coats and your lashes are going to be long, curly and gorgeous. The brush is shaped like an hourglass so it gets even the tiny lashes. Trust us on this because this is our absolute holy grail mascara.
Buy the TOO Faced Better Than Sex Mascara for Rs 2,500.
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara
Sumptuous Extreme creates an outrage volume lift and curves for an outrageous false lash effect. Eyes look brighter, wider, more seductive. And isn’t that just how we like our lashes?
Buy the Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara for Rs 2,500.
Bobbi Brown Eye-Opening Mascara
This mascara is true to its name. Designed exclusively for this mascara, the jumbo brush fans visibly push lashes up and out, while the rich, carbon-black formula intensely thickens, curls and lifts lashes all day for the ultimate eye-opening effect.
Buy the Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara – Black for Rs 2,900.
How To Remove Mascara?
Removing your mascara works just like removing the rest of your makeup. You can use a lathery, foamy cleanser or a good quality makeup remover to have squeaky clean eyes in a jiffy. Here are 9 of the best makeup wipes that work like wonder. While you are at it, watch these 3 POPxo-approved ways to remove makeup.
How To Fix Old/Dried Up Mascara?
In case you didn’t already know, you need to replace your mascara every 3-6 months. But sometimes, due to various factors, mascaras get dried up before its shelf life ends. So, instead of throwing it away and investing in a new mascara, you can simply fix it yourself. It is super easy.
Our favourite tip is to add a few drops of coconut oil and shake shake, baby. You can also rest your mascara bottle in hot water for 5-7 minutes to revive your mascara. Here are other hacks to revive old makeup at home. You are welcome, ladies.
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