7 Myths About Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara Debunked
Your mascara actually does have an expiration date.
Minimal, no-makeup makeup routines and glamorous full faces with layers of contour and highlighter tend to have one thing in common — mascara. Mascara is a staple in many makeup routines but it’s also very personal. Some prefer to stay loyal to one formula while others rely on layers of different lengthening mascara and volumizing mascara to enhance their natural lashes.
To take that a step even further, some swear by a fluffy brush for voluminous lashes, a waterproof mascara for longer wear or believe that a dry, older formula of mascara does a better job at separating lashes than a fresh one. These little nuances and hacks are very individualized, some are blanket statements that simply gain traction on social media but it begs the question, is there any truth to them? In honor of National Lash Day, we’re debunking seven of the most common mascara myths to separate what is fact and what is fiction. Spoiler alert — mascara definitely has an expiration date, so if you swear by old, dried-out formulas, keep reading to learn why you may want to think twice about that.
5. Only Mascaras With a Fluffy Brush Add Volume
It’s a misconception that fluffy brushes are the only way to give your lashes volume. While a fluffy brush can help add volume to your lashes, a skinny brush can also provide volume while adding length and keeping your lashes separated.
The L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Oversized Eye Washable Mascara Instant Volume is a great example. It has a tapered brush that coats each lash from the inner corner to the outer corner to add volume while stretching your lashes to lengthen and define them.
6. Lash Primer Are Essential
Eyelash primer goes on before mascara and helps to condition your lashes, boost volume and enhance your mascara application. They’re very comparable to the way makeup primer preps your skin for foundation. Is it absolutely necessary? No, but it can help to make your lashes appear more voluminous. If you want to incorporate a lash primer into your routine, try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Primer/Base, which helps to thicken the lashes while it conditions them. Swipe a coat on after you curl your lashes and before you apply mascara.
7. Waterproof Mascara Lasts Longer
As the name suggests, waterproof mascara won’t run down your cheek when the rain hits or when your eyes tear up. The budge-proof formula is appealing to many and it can help keep your lashes curled if they tend to be straight and stubborn. With that said, choosing to use waterproof mascara is merely about preference. If you don’t have issues with your mascara running, then a non-waterproof formula can be a long-wearing option for you.
If you notice smudging mascara around your eyes as your day progresses, then a waterproof formula could be really beneficial. If you’re looking for some options, we suggest the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Waterproof Mascara, which helps to add lift and volume, or the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara, which gives your lashes immense volume and length.
If you want to stick with a tried-and-true waterproof formula, the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Lengthening Mascara is praised for its lengthening abilities and lash separation.
Next: The Best Lengthening Mascaras for Long Lashes
Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Production Assistant: Jason Parigian, Digital Tech: Sam Kang, Photo Assistant: Hannah Lewis-Lopes, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Melina Kemph, Wardrobe Assistant: Kayla Martinez, Prop Stylist: Katrina Rozeville, Prop Assistant: Zach Molina, Model: Alexandra Cunningham
