Things You Need to Know About Mascara

By Your Beauty Plug
January 22, 2024

Mascara is one of the most popular and essential makeup products, but do you know what it is made of, how it is made, and what are the best options for cruelty-free and vegan mascara lovers? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more, so you can make informed choices about your lash-enhancing beauty routine.

What is Mascara Made Of?

Mascara is a cosmetic product that is applied to the eyelashes to make them look thicker, longer, darker, and more curled. Mascara ingredients vary from brand to brand, but they generally consist of four main components: pigments, polymers, thickening agents, and preservatives.

Pigments are the substances that give mascara its color and opacity. The most common pigments used in mascara are carbon black or iron oxide, which create black or brown shades. Other colors, such as blue or purple, can be achieved by using synthetic or natural pigments, such as ultramarine or mica.
Polymers are the substances that form a film that coats the lashes and helps them hold their shape and curl. Polymers can be natural or synthetic, and they can also affect the texture and consistency of the mascara. Some examples of polymers used in mascara are acrylates, nylon, or cellulose.
Thickening agents are the substances that add body and volume to the mascara formula. They can be oils, waxes, or gums, and they can also have moisturizing, conditioning, or waterproofing properties. Some examples of thickening agents used in mascara are lanolin, mineral oil, paraffin, carnauba wax, or beeswax.
Preservatives are the substances that prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the mascara and keep it fresh and safe to use. Preservatives can be natural or synthetic, and they can also have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects. Some examples of preservatives used in mascara are phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, or tocopherol.

How is Mascara Made?

Mascara is made by mixing, heating, and agitating the ingredients in a specific order and proportion, depending on the type and formula of the mascara. There are two main methods for making mascara: the anhydrous method and the emulsion method.

Anhydrous method: This method is used to create waterproof mascara, which contains no water. The ingredients are carefully weighed and measured into a mixing kettle or tank, where they are heated and stirred until they melt and blend together. The mixture is then cooled and transferred to a filling machine, where it is pumped into the mascara tubes and capped manually or automatically.
Emulsion method: This method is used to create non-waterproof mascara, which contains water and emulsifiers. The waxes and emulsifiers are heated separately until melted, and then the pigments are added. The water and thickeners are also mixed separately in another tank. The two mixtures are then combined in a high-speed mixer until they form a smooth and homogenous emulsion. The emulsion is then cooled and filled into the mascara tubes and capped.

What is Cruelty-Free Mascara?

Cruelty-free mascara is mascara that is not tested on animals, either by the brand itself or by any third-party suppliers or laboratories. Cruelty-free mascara is also free of any animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, lanolin, or carmine.

There are several ways to identify cruelty-free mascara, such as looking for official logos or certifications from organizations such as Leaping Bunny, PETA, or Choose Cruelty Free, or checking online databases or websites that list cruelty-free brands and products.

Some examples of cruelty-free mascaras are:

ILIA Beauty Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara: This mascara is vegan, organic, and cruelty-free, and it offers length, lift, and curl without clumping or flaking. It has a dual-sided brush that separates and coats every lash, and a lightweight formula that is easy to remove.
Tarte Cosmetics Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara: This mascara is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, and it claims to lengthen, curl, condition, and volumize the lashes with just one coat. It has a 360-degree magniLASH wand that delivers intense pigment and definition, and a blend of natural waxes and plant botanicals that nourish and protect the lashes.
Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara: This mascara is vegan and cruelty-free, and it promises to deliver 200% more volume and zero clumps. It has a curved brush with fine bristles that separate and coat every lash, and a buildable formula that adds length and definition.

What is Vegan Mascara?

Vegan mascara is mascara that is not only cruelty-free, but also free of any animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, lanolin, carmine, or collagen. Vegan mascara is made with plant-based or synthetic alternatives that provide the same or better performance and benefits as animal-based ingredients.

Some examples of vegan mascaras are:

Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara: This mascara is vegan and cruelty-free, and it claims to be the best-selling prestige mascara in America. It has an hourglass-shaped brush that coats every lash with a collagen-fueled formula that delivers dramatic volume, length, and curl. It also has polymers that lock the curl in place and peptides that strengthen the lashes.
KVD Beauty Go Big Or Go Home Mascara: This mascara is vegan and cruelty-free, and it boasts to be the most intense black mascara ever. It has a fluffy brush with wavy fibers that deliver full coverage and extreme volume. It is also smudge-resistant, long-wearing, and infused with plant oils and waxes that condition the lashes.
Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara: This mascara is vegan and cruelty-free, and it offers endless length, lift, and volume with just one stroke. It has a tapered brush with short and long bristles that catch and coat every lash, and a smooth and weightless formula that creates a dramatic and defined look.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about mascara and their answers.

How to apply mascara?

To apply mascara, follow these steps:

Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler, if desired, to create a more open and lifted look.
Wiggle the mascara wand at the base of your lashes, and then sweep it upwards to the tips, using a zigzag motion to prevent clumping and ensure even coverage.
Repeat with another coat, if needed, to achieve your desired intensity and volume.
Apply mascara to your lower lashes, if desired, using the tip of the wand and a gentle downward motion.
Use a lash comb or a clean spoolie brush to separate and define your lashes, if needed, and remove any excess or clumps of mascara.

How to remove mascara?

To remove mascara, follow these steps:

Choose a gentle and effective makeup remover that is suitable for your skin type and eye area. You can use a micellar water, a cleansing oil, a cleansing balm, or a makeup remover wipe, depending on your preference.
Soak a cotton pad or a reusable cloth with your chosen makeup remover, and gently press it against your closed eye for a few seconds, to dissolve and loosen the mascara.
Gently wipe the cotton pad or cloth downwards, from the base to the tip of your lashes, to remove the mascara. Avoid rubbing or tugging your lashes, as this can cause damage or breakage.
Repeat with the other eye, using a fresh cotton pad or cloth, until all the mascara is removed.
Rinse your eyes with water, and follow with your regular skincare routine.

How to choose the best mascara for your lashes?

To choose the best mascara for your lashes, consider these factors:

Your lash type: Different mascaras can enhance different lash types, depending on their length, thickness, curl, and color. For example, if you have short lashes, you may want to look for a lengthening mascara that has a thin and tapered brush that can reach every lash. If you have straight lashes, you may want to look for a curling mascara that has a curved brush that can lift and shape your lashes. If you have light-colored lashes, you may want to look for a darkening mascara that has a rich and pigmented formula that can make your lashes stand out.
Your desired effect: Different mascaras can create different effects, depending on their formula, brush, and color. For example, if you want a natural and subtle look, you may want to look for a defining mascara that has a fine and comb-like brush that can separate and coat your lashes. If you want a dramatic and bold look, you may want to look for a volumizing mascara that has a thick and fluffy brush that can add body and density to your lashes. If you want a fun and colorful look, you may want to look for a colored mascara that has a bright and vibrant hue that can accentuate your eyes.
Your personal preferences: Different mascaras can suit different preferences, depending on their ingredients, features, and price. For example, if you are vegan or cruelty-free, you may want to look for a mascara that is free of animal-derived ingredients and not tested on animals. If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, you may want to look for a mascara that is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and ophthalmologist-tested. If you are on a budget, you may want to look for a mascara that is affordable, but still delivers good quality and performance.

Best Cruelty-Free Mascara

According to various online reviews and ratings, here are some of the best cruelty-free mascaras available in the market:

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara: This mascara is cruelty-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free, and it costs less than $5. It has a conic-shaped brush that creates a false lash effect, and a long-lasting formula that adds length, volume, and definition.
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara: This mascara is vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free, and it costs $24. It has a tubing technology that wraps each lash in a polymer film, and a flake-free formula that adds dramatic length, curl, and separation. It also has orchid stem cell complex and castor seed oil that stimulate lash growth and nourishment.
Milk Makeup Kush High Volume Mascara: This mascara is vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free, and it costs $24. It has a unique heart-shaped brush that coats every lash with a volumizing formula that contains hemp-derived cannabis seed oil, which conditions and strengthens the lashes. It also has pure pigments that create an intense black finish.

Best Vegan Mascara

According to various online reviews and ratings, here are some of the best vegan mascaras available in the market:

Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mascara: This mascara is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, and it costs $14. It has a natural mineral-based formula that contains coconut oil, vitamin B, and kelp extract, which nourish and fortify the lashes. It also has a thick and fluffy brush that adds length and volume.
E.L.F. Cosmetics 3-in-1 Mascara: This mascara is vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free, and it costs $4. It has a multitasking formula that lengthens, defines, and volumizes the lashes. It also has a silicone brush that has different bristle lengths, which help to coat every lash and create a clump-free look.
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara: This mascara is vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free, and it costs $25. It has a creamy and pigmented formula that contains marine glycogen, which stimulates lash growth and prevents fallout. It also has a twisted trim brush that grabs and coats every lash with a volumizing and lengthening effect.

Conclusion

Mascara is a versatile and essential makeup product that can enhance your lashes and your overall look. However, not all mascaras are created equal, and you should be aware of what they are made of, how they are made, and what are the best options for your lash type, desired effect, and personal preferences. We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about mascara and how to choose the best one for you. Remember to always apply and remove your mascara gently and carefully, and to replace it every three to six months to avoid infections and irritations. Happy lashing!