How to Choose the Right Mascara for Your Look and Your Lashes

The main criteria for choosing the perfect mascara are your desired look, lash type, and what sort of lash care you need. Other elements to consider are the shape of the brush and the formula of the mascara. To make quick work of navigating the lash landscape, our makeup experts created this comprehensive guide on how to choose the right mascara.

How do I choose the right mascara? Start with the Right Mascara Formula 

Perhaps you’ve never really thought about it, but the formula of your mascara matters. Clarins recommends basing your choice on personal preference and offers four textures: cream, cream gel, fluid gel, and liquid gel. Each is formulated to create a different look on bare lashes, so start by determining the effect you want.

Lengthening mascara like Wonder 5D fortified with polymers and a plant-derived film former to help lengthen, enhance curve, and deliver an intensely deep black result. It’s the perfect mascara for short lashes.

Volumising mascara contains waxes and thickening agents for building out sparse or thin lashes. Try our Wonder Volume Mascara XXL for a humidity-resistant 12-hour hold*.

Curling mascara is made with lifting polymers that open up the eye by making lashes look more curvy. This is a wonderful mascara for straight lashes. Try Clarins Supra Lift & Curl Mascara that also provides lash care.

How do I choose the perfect mascara based on my lash type?

When learning how to choose the right mascara, your lash type is an important aspect to consider. Are your lashes straight, curly, somewhere in between? This may also help determine your mascara brush type and formula.

Mascara for Short Lashes: Mascara can make short lashes look longer and more defined. To achieve this effect, try a lengthening mascara with a defining brush such as Wonder Mascara 5D. It will accentuate length, volume, curl, and definition in a single application**.

Advice from the Clarins experts: Tilt your chin up when applying lengthening mascara.

Mascara for Sparse Lashes: Densifying or volumising mascara is a good choice for people with sparse lashes. When applied with an hourglass brush, this type of mascara can help add thickness to your lashes, making them look much fuller. Enhance your lashes with our Wonder Mascara 5D for a high-definition eye makeup look.

Advice from the Clarins experts: Avoid creating clumps on sparse lashes by applying light coats.

Mascara for Straight Lashes: If your lashes are a bit too straight, explore using a curling mascara such as Supra Lift & Curl Mascara that enhances lashes by lifting and curling without causing damage. A curved brush will also add to the curling effect.

Advice from the Clarins experts: Wiggle the brush at the roots of your lashes when applying to exaggerate the curl.

Mascara for Thick Lashes: Those with thick lashes may want a mascara that helps to create more definition and adds volume to their lashes. Try our Wonder SOS Lashes Serum Mascara to intensify and enhance your eyelashes while taking extra care of them.

Advice from the Clarins experts: Use a comb brush to apply defining mascara to thick lashes. This will help prevent sticking.

Mascara for Long Lashes: If you have long lashes, look for a defining or volumising mascara that will add depth and thickness. Our Supra Volume Mascara will create this look while also providing lash care.

Advice from the Clarins experts: To avoid a spidery effect, do not use a lengthening mascara or brush designed to extend lashes.

Mascara Brush Shapes and What They Do

There’s a distinct method behind the design of each mascara brush type. In fact, the shape of your lash brush is just as important as the mascara formula itself. Let’s see what each sort of brush does for your eyelashes.

Curved brush: Helps curl and lift your lashes, like the brush you'll find in Clarins Supra Lift & Curl Mascara

Oversized brush: Creates dramatic bold volume, like with our Wonder Volume Mascara XXL

Cone-shaped/conical brush: Provides precision on the outer corners of your lashes, a big plus when using our Wonder 5D Mascara and Supra Volume

Slim straight brush: Lengthens and defines your lashes

Hourglass brush: Amps up the volume and fullness of your eyelashes

How can I choose mascara based on my Desired Makeup Look? 

Regardless of the makeup look you want to create, knowing how to choose the right mascara is a big part of the process. See what our experts say about achieving a natural, voluminous or dramatic effect for your eyes, plus which brow products to pair them with.

Mascara for a Natural Look: Subtlety is key for a minimalist look, so go easy on the mascara with a light application using a fine brush. To enhance your natural features, try a shade that is close to the colour of your lashes. You should also opt for a mascara that does double duty with built-in lash care, such as Wonder SOS Lashes Serum Mascara. To complete this eye look, Clarins recommends going with a barely-there brow care to visibly define and lift, such as Wonder Sculpt Clear Brow Gel, or our new ultra-precision Sculpting Brow Pencil. Watch our natural makeup look tutorial for more expert advice.

Mascara for a Voluminous Look: If you're looking for a big, full lash effect, you might want to try applying a thickening and volumising mascara with an hourglass brush. This winning combo will really build out your lashes. Try Wonder Volume Mascara XXL for extra body, and pair with our densifying Tinted Brow Gel.

Mascara for a Dramatic Look: If you’re going for a more dramatic and glamorous eye, try an ultra-black shade for extra intensity. Your application technique also matters, so follow these tried-and-true volume-boosting methods:

• Instead of brushing it on your lashes directly, hold the brush near your lashes and blink a few times to coat.

• Customise your volume by building it: alternate eyes until they’re both coated to your desired look.

• Avoid creating clumps by letting each mascara layer dry before recoating.

How can I achieve better mascara results? Expert Makeup Advice 

Now that you know how to choose the right mascara, our experts have some great application advice plus ways to use, remove, and maintain it.

• Coat the roots first to give your lashes a good foundation.

• When removing the wand from the tube, don’t pump it. Twirl the brush to coat and gently pull it out.

• Mascara can dry out in the tube and cause clumps, so replace it every three months.

• Choose the right removal technique: Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover is a non-greasy bi-phase formula for all types of mascara, even waterproof.

• If your eyes are sensitive or you wear contact lenses, use care when applying and opt for Clarins Gentle Eye Makeup Remover.

Clarins Mascara FAQ

Can I make my thin lashes thicker? 

Yes, you can definitely use volumising mascara to make your thin or sparse lashes look thicker. Try applying it with an hourglass brush for best results.

Which mascara works best for short lashes? 

Short lashes can look longer if you use a lengthening mascara like Wonder Mascara 5D to accentuate length, volume, curl, and definition.

Which brush shape gives my lashes more volume?

To give your lashes more volume, apply it with an hourglass brush to add fullness.

How do I avoid clumpy lashes? 

You can avoid clumps by layering to build coverage. Do not apply too much mascara on sparse or thin lashes to prevent build-up. And replace your mascara every three months to keep it fresh.

Can I make my straight lashes look curlier? 

Yes, straight lashes can be made to look curvier and curlier by using a curling mascara. Apply with a curved brush and wiggle it at the roots for a fuller curl shape.

How should I take care of my lashes? 

To properly care for your lashes, use a dual-performance mascara like Wonder SOS Lashes Serum Mascara that is formulated with lash care ingredients. Also be sure to remove your mascara gently and completely with an eye makeup remover like Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover or Clarins Gentle Eye Makeup Remover.

If you want to know how to choose the right mascara, be sure to consider the mascara formula, the brush type, and the ultimate makeup look you want to create. Your type of lashes (straight, thin, etc.) and needs for lash care are also important considerations. Experts from Clarins answer all your questions and guide you to the perfect mascara for your desired outcome.

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