|
The easy way to achieve longer,
stronger lashes
The secret to perfect lashes is choosing the right mascara - one
that not only lengthens and defines but
also has the power to condition and strengthen.
For most women mascara is
the one item that they couldn't be without on a desert island.
It is an essential part of any make-up routine, however simple
. And with the return of glamour, mascara has once again taken
center stage.
Mascara is the simplest
way to define eyes. The contrast of dark lashes against the whites
of the eyes can be
|
more striking than the results
of even the most complicated eyeshadow techniques. The latest
mascara not only lengthen and darken but also care for your lashes,
thanks to the addition of ingredients more usually found in skincare
products. Conditioners and vitamins help protect lashes,
which like all hair, are made up of protein and can be prone to
brittleness and shedding.
What makes a Good Mascara
A well-shaped full brush, which coats lashes generously with each
application.
The right texture. Clogged lashes indicate that the mascara is
too thick and fibrous or the brush is inadequate (fibre-free mascara
won't clog); flaky particles on lashes mean that the mascara is
too dry.
The right consistency. If mascara is too thin it won' adhere to
lashes and will smear.
Staying power. A good mascara should last all day without running
or smudging around the eyes, even if it's not waterproof.
Easy removal. You should be able to wipe away all traces of mascara
without rubbing.
Healthy Lashes
Healthy lashes are thick, long and strong and need just a coat
of mascara to emphasize them. Lashes that are thin at the tips
need slightly more maintenance but will benefit from the use of
a good-quality mascara, which will protect them. For very thin,
sparse or fragile lashes, an extra gentle mascara is essential;
it should be hypoallergenic, fibre-free and unfragranced, as well
as conditioning.
Technique
Careful application will result in long, full lashes. Never, apply
more than two coats, to avoid lashes sticking together, and wipe
the brush with a tissue to remove any excess before putting it
near the eye. Then brush the upper lashes downward from the root
and, when dry sweep the wand upwards, using a slight side-to-side
motion. For the lower lashes, hold the wand vertically and stroke
it from root to end, using the tip of the brush. Finally, gently
separate and define eyelashes with a lash comb or a clean mascara
wand. For a wide-eyed effect use a lash curler before applying
mascara (plastic ones are kinder than metal), but make sure the
pad is clean as any dirt will stick to lashes.
Mascara Removal
Never go to sleep without removing mascara. When you take it off,
make sure you don't drag the delicate skin around the eye area.
Moisten a cotton wool ball with remover and stroke it over the
lashes in a downward motion until they're free of all traces of
make-up. Be gentle-if you lose a lash it takes a couple of months
for a new one to grow.
If you're shedding more
than a couple of lashes a day it could be that you're allergic
to your eye make-up.
|