Buying mascara now isn’t like it was years ago. Now mascara comes in all shapes, sizes, and just about every makeup brand that carries mascara has three to four different versions. This can make finding just the right kind intimidating and confusing for most women. However, the best way to shop for the ideal mascara is not by brand but by ingredient and formula.

These days the main formulas most mascara boasts are the ability to lengthen, curl, voluminize, or thicken. Some do it all, while others focus on one or two of the main formulas. But just as with skincare and hair products, it is important to take into account the ingredients and formulas that each mascara item has on the label. It is possible to be allergic to certain ingredients so to avoid a bad experience, learn to read the label and recognize what makes great mascara.

The most commonly used ingredients in mascara include water, oil, pigment and wax. The various oils used in most mascara are castor oil, turpentine oil, mineral oil, lanolin, sesame oil, linseed oil, or eucalyptus oil. Pigment refers to the actual color of the mascara. For traditional black mascara, carbon black is commonly used, while iron oxide is used for brown shades. Beeswax, carnauba wax, and paraffin are the main types of wax used. However, these are just a handful of the basic ingredients needed to make mascara. When it comes to the health of your lashes, you’ll want to look for ingredients that will keep your lashes in top shape, not just add color to them. For example, mascara that contains pro vitamin B5 has the ability to condition your lashes, softening them. Other helpful ingredients that work to improve and maintain strong, healthy lashes include glycerin and vitamin E.

Once you find the ideal group of ingredients, you’ll want to find out what formulas will get you the results you want. Waterproof mascara contains special synthetic ingredients that allow it to prevent moisture from causing the mascara to run. This makes it resistant to tears, rain and sweat. If you choose a waterproof formula be prepared to include an extra step in your cleansing process to remove the mascara. You may need to purchase a special waterproof mascara remover. Long lasting formulas make use of a combination of special waxes, polymers, and fibers in order to keep the color on your lashes throughout the day or night. Formulas that thicken, voluminize or curl also contain special synthetic fiber ingredients, such as rayon and nylon. Once applied to the lashes, they are able to create the illusion of thicker, darker eyelashes. Lengthening mascara contains a light adhesive, which allows the fibers to stick to the lashes, holding the color and shape longer.

In terms of which kind of ingredients and formula combinations provide the best results, mascara with pro vitamin B5, synthetic fibers, glycerin and vitamin E have the ability to color, shape, and lengthen lashes while providing them with nourishing vitamins that result in softer, longer, and naturally thicker lashes.

To avoid a negative reaction, be sure to read the label of each mascara product. If you experience any itching, irritation, swelling or inflammation of the eye area, stop using the mascara and wash it off right away.

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