The time and effort needed to achieve this look is another matter altogether. Applying mascara perfectly can be a tricky process, but with the right mascara brush you will be on track to achieving the look you want.



Many people think that choosing the right mascara (one that will produce beautiful, thick, long, and well-separated lashes) is all about choosing the right brand, but this is not necessarily true. The mascara brush is at least as important as the brand of makeup. The mascara brush is so important that rather than patenting their mascara formulations, many top cosmetic companies actually patent their brushes, instead.

Another aspect of mascara to keep in mind is that for the most part, mascara formulas do not vary much from brand to brand, even when you compare cheaper mascaras with more expensive types. Unless you have particular mascara needs, such as sensitive eyes that require you to use a special hypoallergenic formulation, there is no need to spend large amounts of money on those expensive brands and varieties.

What type of brush do you need?

When you apply your mascara, the type of brush you use, the length of the bristles and the space between the bristles are a few important factors that determine how your lashes will look when you are done.

The shape of the brush is important too. You get a different effect with a curved mascara brush than you do with a straight one. So what type of brush do you need when you are hoping to recreate a particular effect?

To achieve the thick lashed-look your ideal brush has bristles that are fairly close together. If you have sparse-looking lashes and want to thicken them up, this brush is for you.

For longer lashes choose a brush with longer bristles. The extra length will help you extend the tips of your lashes, for a luscious, long-lash look.

To reduce lash clumping your mascara brush should have bristles that are spaced quite widely-apart. Note that this is the exact opposite of the type of brush that thickens your lashes.

For even coverage across your entire lash line, go for a curved mascara brush. These help you achieve more even coverage because they can coat more of your lashes at the same time.

To help you cover all your lashes including those hard-to-reach lashes at the corner of your eyes, choose a straight brush.

There are so many different brush types these days, it seems like it is difficult to achieve lashes that have it all. What does this mean exactly? The eyelash look which is generally the most sought after are eyelashes that are long, thick, well-separated with even coverage across the entire lash line. Sounds impossible, if you need five different brushes to achieve it!

These days you can buy replacement brushes at your local beauty store, so if your favorite mascara formula comes with a brush that does not suit you, it is not too difficult to locate a replacement brush that will help you achieve the look you want.

Another important point is that you really do not need to have all your bases covered when it comes to mascara brushes. It's all about personal preferences. You have the ability to choose from a wide range of different brushes, so there is no reason why you couldn't buy a small stock of several different brush types, and then use whichever type will help you achieve the look you want for any particular purpose.

If it is more important to you to thicken your lashes, for example, use a brush with close bristles, and pay special attention to the application process to reduce the possibility of clumping. If you prefer to use a clump-reducing brush, apply two or three coats of mascara to help thicken your lashes.

se should you look for when shopping for mascara?

The brush is perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing mascara, but it's not the only thing. Here are some quick tips to think about the next time you're buying mascara.

?If your lashes are brittle and prone to shedding, or you have sensitive eyes, try a hypoallergenic mascara formulation, or one which contains lash conditioners to help your lashes stay healthy.

?Try lengthening mascara if your lashes are thick and short, or thickening mascara if your lashes are sparse.

?Waterproof mascara is a must if you're attending a potentially emotional event such as a wedding, or if you're planning to swim. Try the Earth & Water Mascara Duo from E.L.F. ? this fantastically handy mascara set includes both regular and waterproof mascara in the same tube.