What types of mascara brushes are there and how to choose the right one?

Curved brush

Outwardly, it resembles a crescent or the letter “C”: the bristles are arranged in such a way as to follow the natural shape of the eyelashes. The purpose of such a brush is to give the eyelashes a beautiful curve, so curling mascara is usually produced with such a brush.

Its main advantage is saving time. You don’t have to use a special curling iron (curler), but simply tint your eyelashes and go about your business. This mascara will help out when you are doing your makeup at the last minutes before leaving the house and are in a hurry.

Types of mascaras with special effects

• Waterproof. Able to withstand the tests of heat and tears. Due to the water content, it is washed off without the use of special makeup removers.
• Hypoallergenic. Created specifically for women suffering from allergic reactions or increased eye sensitivity. Ideally combined with contact lenses. The products undergo ophthalmological control. There are no crumbling components in the paint, and they do not get into the eyes.
• Water resistant. It looks like an oily paste. It contains mineral, plant, and animal waxes. It easily withstands contact with water and can be applied before going to the beach, pool or special events. Removal requires long-lasting eye makeup products. Daily use is not recommended due to clogging effects.
• Therapeutic. Minerals, vitamins and other beneficial substances are used to make it. They help brittle, sparse eyelashes recover and protect from the influence of weather conditions.
• Dividing. Looks like a clear gel. Allows you to add shine to natural eyelashes. If your own hairs look faded, purchase a product marked 2 in 1, which contains dye.

Thanks to the variety of modern mascaras, you can play with your look every day, give your eyes different effects and be unique. High-quality makeup should be created only with reliable cosmetics, give preference to famous brands - L'Oreal, Chanel, Max Factor. Maybelline products are especially popular.

Fluffy oval brush with dense bristles

This is what a classic mascara wand looks like to add volume. This mascara brush is needed to visually make eyelashes thicker, longer and much more expressive.

How it works:

• Due to its shape, the brush paints absolutely all eyelashes, even the thinnest and shortest. Visually they thicken and therefore become more noticeable.
• The fluffy bristles pick up mascara well. It is generously distributed over the eyelashes and lays down in a thick layer, and you do not need to dip the applicator into the tube of product several times.
• Can be used in both daytime and evening makeup. If you want a low-key look, give it a few light strokes and leave it at that. But in the evening, with such a brush you can achieve the effect of false eyelashes if you curl them with tweezers and apply the product in 2-3 layers on a high-quality primer.

How to choose mascara brushes?

So that you don’t get confused about what shape to choose a mascara brush, first we pay attention to your eyelashes: long, short, soft or hard.

You also need to decide what effect you want to achieve, taking into account the growth pattern of your own eyelashes:

• Thick, short eyelashes - choose a silicone brush to lengthen them;
• Rare, thin eyelashes - use a silicone brush with sparse hairs, which will add shape and volume;
• Normal eyelashes - any brush will do, it can be round or with sparse hairs;
• Unruly, protruding eyelashes - a brush with a bend or multidirectional hairs will bring it back to normal;
• Dense and short eyelashes - choose a brush with thick and wide bristles;
• Short, thin eyelashes - use a fluffy and voluminous brush;
• Long, thick eyelashes require a curling effect using a silicone brush.

A brush with a small “ball” at the end

Among all types of mascara brushes, this is one of the most unusual in appearance. It consists of two parts: a classic fluffy brush and a round tip.

Why is this ball at the end needed:

1. Carefully paint over the lower eyelashes. They are much shorter and thinner than the top ones, which is why it is so easy to overdo it with mascara. You need a delicate tool - like this tip.
2. Reach the shortest eyelashes in the corners of the eyes. The main part of the brush usually does not reach them, so there are unwanted gaps in the makeup. Use a small “comb” on the tip to color them.

Use this brush to carefully paint your eyelashes in the corners and on the lower eyelid, and you will get a beautiful wide-eyed effect.

How to dye eyelashes correctly

The types of mascara brushes were discussed above. A description of their use can be found below. Use these little secrets to get good makeup.

1. Prepare your eyelashes.

To give a unique bend, you must first use a curler. Next, for volume, you should apply a special primer, which will cover the eyelashes with an additional layer. In its absence, powder, baby powder or eyebrow gel without tint will provide a similar effect.

2. Apply mascara to your lower lashes.

Typically, the dye is applied to the upper eyelashes first. As a result, there is a high probability of ruining your makeup during further manipulations with the brush. When painting the lower hairs, the upper ones may be imprinted on the eyelid. For high-quality and effective makeup, you need to carefully paint all the eyelashes, and not just the tips.

To make your look more expressive, you need to go through each hair from the root using zigzag movements. Usually at the end of the mascara brush there are special areas that look like curves with bristles for treating hard-to-reach areas.

3. Be sure to paint both sides.

As a rule, the upper eyelashes are painted only from below. In order for makeup to have a high-quality and effective look, the composition must be applied on top. Then the eyelashes will become longer and more voluminous.

4. Lower eyelashes require careful handling.

When applying mascara to the lower hairs, you need to be more careful with the brush, especially a large one with voluminous bristles. Careless handling can ruin your entire makeup. Use waterproof mascara for the lower eyelid, then it will definitely not smudge and will delight you all day.

To make eye makeup look more aesthetically pleasing, it is recommended to have separate brushes and combs to separate the hairs and get rid of excess lumps of paint.

5. Don't let air ruin your mascara.

Do not stir mascara before applying it. As a result of the up and down movements, air penetrates into the bottle, causing the product to dry out quickly. In addition, lumps will appear, which will then fall on the eyelashes and ruin the makeup.

6. Keep an eye on the expiration date.

Few people know that after opening a bottle of mascara, its shelf life is six months. Most girls actively use the spoiled product for a long time, forgetting about the health of their eyelashes. Avoid such situations, and then not only will your makeup always be spectacular, but your hair will also remain strong. If after a month the mascara has lost its fresh look, add some eye drops to the tube and continue using it.

Classic straight brush

All the bristles of this type of mascara brush are the same length and located at the same distance from each other. This is a basic option that suits everyone: you can buy without looking and not have to worry about choosing.

The brush applies the product evenly and solves the main problem quite well: the eyelashes become darker, thicker and more expressive. This form does not promise any wow effects, but this is natural.

Comb brush with sparse and short bristles

Outwardly, it resembles a hair comb, and its bristles are hard and silicone to the touch. The task of a mascara with such an applicator is to perfectly separate the eyelashes and paint them from the very roots.

This is a brush for fine, literally jewelry work: the color applies evenly, easily, without lumps. The brush will not curl your eyelashes in the process, but this issue can be easily resolved with the help of a curler.

Mascara brush material

There are two main materials from which mascara brushes are made – silicone and plastic. For owners of soft and easily tangled eyelashes, it is recommended to use mascara with a silicone brush; their advantages:

• Covers every eyelash well;
• Does not collect excess mascara;
• Lengthens and adds volume.

If you are the owner of hard eyelashes, it is better to pay attention to mascaras with a plastic brush, its advantages:

• Does a great job of separating eyelashes;
• Gives volume;
• Looks as natural as possible;

The disadvantage is that it practically does not create the effect of curling eyelashes.

Choose your shape and material

Figure 8 shaped brush

A figure-eight brush usually serves as a 3-in-1 mascara applicator:

• Adds volume and thickness to eyelashes due to fluffy bristles.
• Increases the natural length of eyelashes.
• It curls noticeably even without tweezers.

The color spreads evenly and you can easily apply it in multiple layers if desired. Be sure to rotate this brush when you try it on your eyelashes - this way you can get the maximum effect.

You may also be interested in: Best Waterproof Mascara in 2021

What types of mascara are there?

The line of modern manufacturers, especially luxury brands, presents the following types of pigment dyes:

• Twisting. Allows you to create the effect of curved hairs. The stated result is achieved in two ways. The first uses a special crescent-shaped brush. Its bristles have different lengths and are able to capture the shortest and thinnest eyelashes. In the second case, resins and keratin are added to the dye, creating a film that hardens and fixes the desired position.
• Volumetric. It works by capturing each hair and enveloping it with a special film. Wax additives are also responsible for volume, making the texture of the mascara thick and dense.
• Lengthening. It is used when the natural length of eyelashes leaves much to be desired. To achieve the effect, manufacturers add special fibers to the composition, which, when coated, stick to the hairs and seem to build them up. Depending on the brand, the tube may contain nylon or silk additives. When applying several layers, the fibers may not hold up and fall off. It is dangerous if they get into your eyes. Then discomfort, irritation and pain appear. For those who are afraid of such situations, lint-free mascaras have been created. Lengthening is achieved using a special spiral-shaped brush.

These groups of dyes are divided according to the effect of application on eyelashes, but there are other cosmetics.

A few more specific forms

Sometimes the shape of the brush is so unusual that it cannot be found in the classic list above - manufacturers are constantly developing new effects and designs. Therefore, I offer you a small overview of additional options.

In cosmetics stores you can find the following non-standard types of mascara brushes:

• Sphere brush . All its short and long bristles are collected in a small “ball”. This tassel first appeared in the Givenchy brand assortment, but has now become more common. The sphere-shaped applicator is convenient for painting eyelashes along the entire length, from the very base.
• A cone-shaped brush that tapers towards the tip. This tool is very convenient for painting the outer corner of the eye, because the longest and fluffiest bristles work in this place. And the tapered tip is suitable for short lower lashes.
• Maxi brush with branched bristles. Each large bristle consists of three smaller ones, and they are directed in different directions. This complex design is found in luxury brands; it allows you to achieve a 3D effect and make eyelashes incredibly voluminous.
• Applicator brush . A very unusual tool that looks like a soft applicator for glitter or tint. It usually comes complete with transparent gel mascara: it won’t cover each eyelash individually, but it’s easy to create a protective film and achieve the effect of wet eyelashes.

What types of eyelash brushes are there?

The purpose of using the applicator is to achieve a bend closer to the eyebrow area, separate the hairs or lengthen them.

Before purchasing, it is important to inspect the brush and check what material it is made of.

Applicators differ according to several criteria.

By material

It can be tough or more gentle when working, and behave differently when picking up the product.

• mascara with a silicone brush is easy to pick up, quickly distributed, without lumps;
• The rubber brush is designed for those with minimal length and thickness. Sparse bristles will increase both indicators and add volume;
• Plastic bristles work well with short eyelashes. Volume appears, the shape remains unchanged.

By purpose

To choose a brush, you need to think about what you plan to use it for.

• A curved mascara brush comes to the rescue when saving time is the main goal. An alternative to eyelash curlers;
• a discreet look will be created with an oval brush with a thick coating. Suitable for daytime and evening makeup.

By shape

An important factor in achieving the effect of lengthening eyelashes is the shape of the brush.

1. The straight, classic shape of the applicator is suitable for soft hair.
2. Oval helps open the eyes.
3. The shape of the sphere is used in creating smoky eyes makeup, highlighting the corners of the eyes, curling the smallest hairs.
4. Cone-shaped lengthens, divides.
5. Curved brushes have bristles of different lengths, resulting in the effect of curled eyelashes.
6. Spiral brushes lengthen and add volume.

Modern innovations among brushes

Now you can buy mascara with the same composition, but with different brushes that will create the desired effect on your eyelashes. When using applicator brushes, which appeared relatively recently, you can get different results from the same mascara:

• A flexible brush made of rubber, elastomer or silicone can be used to paint individual hairs and avoid lumps.
• The vibrating brush, due to frequent vibrations that reach up to 7 thousand per minute, gives the eyelashes an expressive bend, increasing volume and length. This brush ensures even distribution of mascara. Its use is quite simple: you need to press a button and slowly move along the entire length of the eyelashes.
• A comb brush is needed to separate eyelashes, it gives them length, and is usually made of elastomers. She has the power to create a curling effect.
• Two brushes in one mascara. They are designed for different purposes. The one in which the bristles are shorter applies a base transparent layer to the hairs, which immediately gives them volume and lengthens the hairs. Using a second brush, a coloring composition is applied, which is fixed to the base and increases the volume created.

How do you know which brush is right for you? Tips for choosing

It seems that it is very difficult to understand the variety and choose the right mascara brush, but it is not so. In fact, almost every type of brush will suit you: none of them have any special “contraindications” or disadvantages. Just try and evaluate the effect, but for now I will give you some useful recommendations on which form is best to start experimenting with.

The choice will depend on the type of eyelashes you have and the result you want to get, for example:

1. If your eyelashes are thick and long, try a curling brush - it will enhance the effect and help create a beautiful curl.
2. If the eyelashes are thin and not too long, a cone-shaped or oval fluffy brush can handle them. With this tool it is easiest to add the necessary volume and make each eyelash visually thicker.
3. If your eyelashes are unruly and don’t hold their desired shape well, use an unusual maxi brush with bristles pointing in different directions.
4. If your eyelashes are long, but grow rarely and lack volume, I recommend mascara with a soft silicone brush. It will add volume and visibly curl the eyelashes. Another option in this case is a ball-shaped applicator with bristles of different lengths.

The final tip concerns not the shape of the brush, but the composition of the mascara.
If your eyes often water, and the mucous membranes are naturally prone to irritation, use waterproof mascara. It will not spread because tears are not able to dissolve it: such a product can only be removed with a special two-phase remover liquid. Share:

Makeup and eyelash care brush: types and rules of use

An eyelash brush is the main factor influencing the quality of eye makeup application. An expensive and effective product can be correctly distributed over the hairs only with a well-chosen applicator.

Types of mascara brushes

In most cases, it is the shape of the brush that determines the result of makeup:

• Straight.

It is a classic option if you just want to highlight the natural beauty of your eyes. This type of mascara brush has bristles of different thicknesses and lengths, so you can easily choose the most suitable product for yourself.

• Oval.

This type of mascara brush will save those with rare eyelashes. Such cosmetics will not only add volume, but will also create for you the desired image with a doll-like look. For girls with long eyelashes, a mascara with a larger brush will suit you, and for girls with short eyelashes, a smaller one. In addition, it is able to capture every hair, which will make your look irresistible.

• Slightly curved.

For everyday eye makeup, a slightly curved mascara brush is ideal. It will give your hair a curled effect, but will leave a natural look.

• Curved.

This brush will help you create a seductive look. It will not only add volume to your eyelashes, but also curl them. Using lengthening mascara with this brush, you will achieve maximum effect.

• Curved with multi-directional fibers.

This type of mascara brush is best chosen by those with unruly eyelashes. Thanks to its multi-directional fibers of different sizes, you will no longer have to suffer with combing, dyeing and styling your hair. She can save you from these problems.

• In the form of a cone or spiral.

This brush has bristles of varying sizes that taper towards the tip to create a cone or spiral shape. A mascara with such a brush will allow you to thoroughly color and lengthen all hairs from roots to ends.

• Mascara with two brushes.

One is used to apply the base, combs, lengthens and adds volume to the eyelashes. The second gives a rich shade, repeating the properties of the first.

• In the shape of a figure eight.

Mascara with a brush like this will save you when coloring the most unruly hairs located at the inner and outer corners of the eye. With it you will definitely achieve the desired result in makeup.

• Flat.

If you want to master the technique of “imprinting” paint at the roots, then this type of mascara brush will certainly help you, and the effect will simply amaze you. The brush is made of silicone and has a flat shape, due to which it instantly adds volume and rich shade to your eyelashes.

• Round.

Despite the unaesthetic appearance of such a brush, it combines many useful properties. With this brush you can simultaneously curl, lengthen, grab each hair and color it thoroughly. In addition, the brush does not ignore the eyelashes at the inner and outer corners of the eye.

Classic brush with fine bristles

Before the advent of all kinds of curved brushes, the classic shape was held in high esteem among fashionistas. Externally, it is round and elongated, has a dense pile. Despite the fact that this form is considered a classic, it is not suitable for all girls. For example, owners of short eyelashes will find it inconvenient to paint over each eyelash and work out all the details. For those who are lucky enough to have long and thick eyelashes, mascara with such a brush is ideal; it will give additional volume and length.

Long silicone brush

This brush shape can be found in a tube with lengthening mascara. Manufacturers developed it specifically so that girls with short eyelashes and without an obvious bend could transform their eyes beyond recognition. Due to its small diameter, this brush perfectly paints eyelashes from root to tip, separating them and curling them upward. All other forms for short eyelashes are considered unsuitable; they will leave clumps, stick eyelashes together and smear mascara.

Curved tassel

This brush is characterized by long bristles on one side and shorter ones on the other edge. This shape perfectly curls and lengthens the eyelashes, placing emphasis on the outer corner of the eye. How comfortable it will be for a girl to use such mascara depends on the shape of her upper eyelid. For those with a curved eyelid, this tool is ideal and will help you get a beautiful curve without any problems.

Straight brush with silicone bristles

Oh, these lumps! They weigh down almost every girl. A straight brush with silicone bristles will help you get rid of the unpleasant consequences of applying mascara. Thanks to this brush shape, you can easily pick up the optimal amount of pigmented consistency - and no clumps on the tips. Suitable for: Very thick eyelashes.

By choosing the right brush, you will significantly reduce the time it takes to apply makeup and will definitely get luxurious eyelashes.

Figure-of-eight brush

The “Eight” mascara brush is designed for those madams who are used to getting everything at once! It promises 3 lightning-fast effects - extreme lengthening, elegant curve and lush volume. Villi of different lengths allow you to distribute the mascara as evenly as possible throughout the hairs. And if you rotate the brush additionally during application, you will achieve an impeccable result. Suitable for: all types of eyelashes, unruly ones.