Chicago Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist - Ann Marie
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Tips: Mascara Tips

Q: I am not sure what type of mascara works best for me. Can you give me some ideas on what mascara is best for what purpose?

A: There are so many brands and types of mascara, it’s easy to get confused when looking for the right kind for you! It is always important to start with good tools and products. Because the mascara wand is pushed in and taken out of its tube so many times during 1-2 months of use, it can quickly become a sticky, clumpy mess.

With proper care, your mascara can last longer and look better. The biggest tip to avoiding flaking during and after application is to make sure your mascara is moist when being applied. Never pump your mascara wand into your tube! It dries out the mascara inside. If you want more mascara on your wand, gently twist it inside the tube to achieve the desired results.

Another tip to stop flaking is to dip the wand into your mascara, pull it out and wipe off the excess mascara with a tissue. By applying several thin coats of mascara, you’ll avoid putting too much mascara on your eyelashes, which can also contribute to flaking and clumps. If you are attending a special event, where’s there’s a chance your mascara might run, be sure to apply waterproof mascara. It will be slightly more difficult to remove, but the protection will be well worth the time.

Mascara shouldn’t be kept for more than 2 months. Once opened, the air will undoubtedly affect the moisture of your mascara, and dry mascara means clumpy, flakey eyelashes. In an emergency, however, a little bit of eye makeup remover can be dropped into your tube to bring dry mascara back to life.

Remember to give your eyes a break at the end of each day and use an oil-free eye makeup remover to gently remove all your makeup. This will make the next day’s application cleaner and easier, as well as keep your eyes clean and clear from infection. It’s important to keep clean, fresh makeup on hand for special events, including new mascara, when necessary. The best bet when purchasing new mascara, as well as many other cosmetics, is to avoid “over-the-counter” brands and stick to something designed for professional makeup artists. The value of having great lashes and quality-tested product will far out-weight the additional cost.

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