MASCARA WORKSHOP: THE WAND
Welcome to my Mascara Workshop that’ll be running until the end of the week! Whenever the desert island question is asked to anyone, a mascara is always mentioned. It’s a staple in everyone’s makeup collection, so I thought it deserved it’s own spotlight just in time for the season of fluttery lashes.
Just a quick disclaimer… I’m lucky to have quite long, curly lashes so instead of this being about my experience with mascaras or my opinion on mascara, this is instead more of a factual series to help guide you around the mascara world!
The wand always seems to steal the limelight, creating a USP for any new mascara that enters the market. Just when you think every possible mascara wand has been created, they bring out one that mechanically rotates! The wand world is definitely overwhelming and I often think “oh great, just another gimmick mascara”, but it actually can make quite a difference to how your lashes look.
The wand itself is usually made out of either fibre or twisted wire. The fibre brushes usually look larger, fluffier or as I say ‘hairier’ and the twisted wire ones look thinner and more like plastic. Most people already have a preference between these and in general, the fibre brushes give more volume and deposits product well and the twisted wire can give amazing length and lash separation.
Wand shapes are completely down to how you use your wand and your personal preference. There are lots to choose from and some high end brands like Clinique allow you to try the exact mascara wand on counter, which I think is so handy!
Thin or Fat //
Big, fat wands typically work well on longer, fuller lashes and smaller, thinner wands usually work well on shorter, thinner lashes as they can really get to the root. If you like a quick application the bigger wands require little effort, where as the thinner wands require a bit more work but get great results and create really long, dramatic lashes.
Curved //
Curved wands were created to help the lashes hold a curl. I’ve personally never enjoyed using them because my lashes are already curly so it’s hard to grip onto the lashes and they’re missed in the curve of the wand. If you’re lashes are very straight then a curved wand can be used and held in place to create more of a curl. You can also use the outside of the curve for the bottom lashes.
Tapered //
Tapered brushes are great because the thicker part of the brush can be used on the main part of the lashes and the smaller tapered end can be used to get into the corner lashes and really accentuate them. The tapered end can also be used for the smaller bottom lashes for precision application.
Squigly? //
Some mascaras offer it all, with a curved edge and a tapered end. Personally I find these hard to use and a bit confusing, but they do give you more options if you like to experiment with your lashes.
The wand isn’t alone in it’s quest for beautiful lashes though, the ‘wiper’ plays an important role. The wiper is the top of the tube that determines how much product is taken off or left on the brush. You know when sometimes your mascara wand is caked in product and therefore gives you clumpy lashes? A good mascara will come with a good wiper and leave the perfect amount of product on your brush.
I also love a weighted wand. These are hard to find, but brands like Tom Ford and Kevyn Aucoin do them and they make mascara application feel like you’re writing in calligraphy.
The wand isn’t alone in it’s quest for beautiful lashes though, the ‘wiper’ plays an important role. The wiper is the top of the tube that determines how much product is taken off or left on the brush. You know when sometimes your mascara wand is caked in product and therefore gives you clumpy lashes? A good mascara will come with a good wiper and leave the perfect amount of product on your brush.
I also love a weighted wand. These are hard to find, but brands like Tom Ford and Kevyn Aucoin do them and they make mascara application feel like you’re writing in calligraphy.
I’ve always said that fat fibre brushes are my thing, but then I discovered the Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume mascara which has a twisted wire brush and is now my all-time favourite. It’s good to try a few wand shapes from the drugstore brands and figure out what you like, but when shopping for a high-end mascara it’s worth a mascara-less trip so you can try before you buy!
What’s your favourite type of mascara wand?
What’s your favourite type of mascara wand?
