What are the first few things you'll notice when trying out a new mascara?
How much it does or doesn’t clump, how wet it is, and how quickly it dries.
— Christine
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The wand is the starting point for me and it is the most important aspect when choosing a mascara. I can almost tell which mascara will work for my lashes by looking at its shape and the spike type and design (ex. I prefer rubber or plastic spikes). I have long lashes and when I use the right mascara for me, I look like I use falsies. Then it’s the formula: one which is wet and stays wet with daily use, and no smudging.
How difficult is to use the wand (I’m the kind of person who easily stabs herself in the eye), how wet is the formula, if it clumps the eyelashes, if it’s too heavy on my lashes.
Since I only go for very waterproof, blackest black mascaras that also work with my VERY sensitive eyes, the other things I look at are as follows:
Does it flake into my undereye area?
Does it provide excellent hold and lash separation after I’ve curled my lashes?
Does it dry too slowly? Is it too wet and heavy, making my curling drop?
How good is the tube still working when it’s about to hit the expiration limit?
How easily does it remove with oil at the end of the day?
Most importantly: Does it exacerbate my tendency for eczema on the outer corners of my eyelids when I remove it, or irritate my eyes while wearing it?
I realize that I sound extremely fussy, but at 63, I’ve been using mascara for 50 years, and have always had sensitive, allergy prone eyes and skin, plus wimpy, straight Native American lashes to contend with.
The size and shape of the brush; how wet the formula is; if it gives me an allergic reaction.
I notice flex when applying. I tend to like buildable glossier formulas on the thinner side. I also tend to note how the products looks on my lashes after about 8 hours of wear. I do not like formulas that are drying or have little bend to them so they take on a crusty look and easily flake. Formulas that are drying or very matte tend to fade in their blackness as well. I like super black formulas.
I’m pretty basic when it comes to mascara; I like tubing formulas since they wear well, but there are some tubing ones that are just TOO… stringy? Not sure of the right word for it, because it’s not dryness or wetness, it’s more like how well they adhere. Beyond that I do prefer slightly dry formulas so it’s a little easier to not smudge and brushes that aren’t ginormous. I like good separation and volume, too, so I’ll look for how well the formula does on those fronts.
Amen to everything you said Christine!
I notice the wand and how it works in my hand. I also want the mascara to volumise my lashes without lenthening them and I want the formula to dry down quickly too.
The brush, I find the rubber ones work best with my lashes. If it clumps or is too wet and smudges, I haven’t found many that meet all of my criteria, when I do I purchase a back up.
I’m still searching for one that comes close to the Chantecaille faux cil formula – everything about that one is perfect for me …but the price.
I don’t like a huge wand/applicator, because it’s harder to be precise when applying.. I don’t like a real wet formula either .. I just got the Tower 28 new one but am not sure about it.. it has a comb type applicator and I am not real fond of those..
How wet it is and how well it holds or ruins the curled lashes, then how clumpy it gets. Wand is secondary – I always have spoolies around. I prefer a slightly drier formula and it MUST hold the curl.