A Guide to Every Type of Mascara for Beginners

By Your Beauty Plug
December 18, 2023

Mascara is one of the most essential makeup products that can instantly transform your look. Whether you want to add length, volume, curl, or drama to your lashes, there is a mascara type for you. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one to choose? In this post, we will answer some of the most common questions about mascaras and help you find your perfect match.

What are the different types of mascaras?

There are many types of mascaras, but they can be broadly categorized into three groups based on their formula: liquid, cream, and powder. Liquid mascaras are the most common and versatile, as they can provide different effects depending on the wand shape and size. Cream mascaras are thicker and richer, ideal for adding volume and depth to thin and sparse lashes. Powder mascaras are dry and require water to activate them, and they can create a natural and soft look.

Within these groups, there are also different types of mascaras based on their specific function or benefit. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Fiber mascara: This type of mascara contains tiny fibers that attach to your lashes and extend them, creating a false-lash effect. Fiber mascaras usually come in a dual-phase system, with a primer and a finishing coat.
Tubing mascara: This type of mascara forms tiny tubes around your lashes, making them look longer and thicker. Tubing mascaras are also smudge-proof and easy to remove, as they slide off with warm water.
Curling mascara: This type of mascara has a curved wand that helps lift and curl your lashes, opening up your eyes. Curling mascaras also have a lightweight and flexible formula that holds the curl without weighing down your lashes.
Waterproof mascara: This type of mascara is resistant to water, sweat, tears, and humidity, making it ideal for long-lasting wear and special occasions. Waterproof mascaras also help keep your lashes curled and volumized, but they can be harder to remove and may dry out your lashes.
Natural mascara: This type of mascara is made with natural and organic ingredients that nourish and condition your lashes, such as oils, waxes, and extracts. Natural mascaras are gentle and hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Volumizing mascara: This type of mascara has a thick and creamy formula that coats your lashes and makes them look fuller and denser. Volumizing mascaras also have a large and fluffy wand that helps distribute the product evenly and create a dramatic effect.
Clump-free mascara: This type of mascara has a smooth and silky formula that glides on your lashes and separates them, creating a natural and clean look. Clump-free mascaras also have a fine and comb-like wand that helps prevent clumping and flaking.
Bottom lash mascara: This type of mascara is specially designed for your lower lashes, which are usually shorter and finer than your upper lashes. Bottom lash mascaras have a small and precise wand that helps reach every lash and define them, without smudging or transferring.
Mascara primer: This type of mascara is not a standalone product, but a base coat that you apply before your regular mascara. Mascara primers help enhance the performance and appearance of your mascara, by adding length, volume, curl, and color to your lashes. Mascara primers also help protect your lashes and make your mascara last longer.

How do I know what mascara to use?

The best way to choose a mascara is to consider your lash type, your desired effect, and your personal preference. Here are some tips to help you decide:

If you have short, thin, or sparse lashes, you may want to use a fiber or tubing mascara to add length and thickness to your lashes. You may also want to use a mascara primer to boost your lashes and make them more visible.
If you have straight or downward-pointing lashes, you may want to use a curling or waterproof mascara to lift and hold your lashes in place. You may also want to use an eyelash curler before applying your mascara to enhance the curl.
If you have long or thick lashes, you may want to use a volumizing or clump-free mascara to add definition and drama to your lashes. You may also want to use a lash comb or a clean spoolie to separate your lashes and remove any excess product.
If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, you may want to use a natural or hypoallergenic mascara to avoid irritation and inflammation. You may also want to use a gentle eye makeup remover to cleanse your eyes and lashes.
If you want to create different looks for different occasions, you may want to use different types of mascaras or layer them together. For example, you can use a natural mascara for a daytime look, a volumizing mascara for a night out, or a waterproof mascara for a beach day. You can also mix and match different types of mascaras, such as using a fiber mascara on your upper lashes and a bottom lash mascara on your lower lashes, or using a curling mascara on your outer lashes and a lengthening mascara on your inner lashes.

What type of mascara should I use first?

There is no right or wrong order to apply your mascara, but here are some general guidelines to follow:

If you are using a mascara primer, you should apply it first, before your regular mascara. Wait for a few seconds for the primer to dry, then apply your mascara as usual.
If you are using more than one type of mascara, you should apply the one that provides the most benefit first, such as lengthening, curling, or volumizing. Then, apply the second one to enhance the effect, such as adding color, definition, or drama.
If you are using a waterproof mascara, you should apply it last, after your regular mascara. This will help seal your lashes and make your mascara more resistant to water and smudging.

What are the top 5 best mascaras?

The answer to this question may vary depending on your personal preference and experience, but here are some of the most popular and highly-rated mascaras that you can try:

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions: This is a tubing mascara that creates a dramatic and long-lasting lash extension effect, without any glue or damage. It is also vegan, cruelty-free, and infused with nourishing ingredients such as orchid stem cell complex and castor seed oil.
Benefit Roller Lash: This is a curling mascara that lifts and curls your lashes, giving you a wide-eyed and doll-like look. It also has a patented Hook ‘n’ Roll brush that catches and separates your lashes, and a water-resistant and easy-to-remove formula.
Pat McGrath Labs Dark Star Mascara: This is a volumizing mascara that delivers explosive volume and pitch-black color to your lashes, creating a dramatic and glamorous effect. It also has a contoured brush with strategically-placed fibers that coat every lash, and a luxurious and weightless formula.
Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara: This is a waterproof mascara that protects and nourishes your lashes, while giving you a natural and beachy look. It also has SPF 30, coconut oil, and fruit extracts in its formula, and a wave-shaped brush that curls and defines your lashes.
Elizabeth Mott It’s So Long Length Defining Mascara: This is a lengthening mascara that adds incredible length and curl to your lashes, making them look longer and fuller. It also has a C-shaped curved brush with tiny silicone bristles that separate and coat every lash, and a lightweight and smooth formula.

Guide to every type of mascara for beginners

If you are new to the world of mascaras, you may feel overwhelmed by the variety and complexity of the products. But don’t worry, we are here to help you. Here is a simple and easy guide to every type of mascara for beginners:

Start by choosing a mascara type that suits your lash type and your desired effect. You can use the tips and suggestions we provided above, or you can take a quiz to find out what type of mascara is best for you.
Next, choose a mascara color that complements your eye color and your skin tone. The most common and versatile color is black, as it works for everyone and every occasion. But you can also experiment with other colors, such as brown, blue, purple, or green, to add some fun and flair to your look.
Then, prepare your lashes for the mascara application. You can use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes and open up your eyes, or you can skip this step if you are using a curling mascara. You can also use a mascara primer to enhance your lashes and make your mascara last longer, or you can skip this step if you are using a dual-phase or all-in-one mascara.
Now, apply your mascara with the right technique. You can use the following steps as a general guide, but you can also adjust them according to your mascara type and wand shape:
- Hold the wand horizontally and place it at the base of your upper lashes. Wiggle it back and forth to coat your lashes from root to tip. Repeat this motion until you achieve your desired coverage and intensity.
- Hold the wand vertically and use the tip to reach the inner and outer corners of your eyes