Oh, how we adore mascara. It’s the one product that can take your eyes to the next level in a single swipe.

But the thing is, it’s easy to default to the same product you’ve been using forever—you know, the mascara you’ve been loyal to since you first swiped it from your bestie's makeup bag in 7th grade.

Today’s formulas and wand designs are created for very specific effects, from length and lift to drama and fullness. Yes, the options can feel overwhelming at first glance. But once you grasp what different mascaras are designed to do—and how to apply mascara like a pro—a whole new world of looks comes into view, just waiting for you to wave your wand and arrive.

Mascara 101: Types of Mascaras and What They Do

Different mascara formulas and brush models are made to deliver different effects, so choosing one should be intentional.

Out in the wild, these are the mascaras you’re most likely to meet:

• Volumizing mascara – Volumizing mascaras are designed to build fuller, thicker, unapologetically plush lashes. They coat each lash generously, layering on depth and intensity as you swipe. Reach for this formula if nature gave you room to grow in the lash department—or if you’re craving a little drama.
• Lengthening mascara – Lengthening mascaras gives your lashes extra mileage. They’re formulated to grip each lash and stretch it skyward, adding length and definition from root to tip.
• Fanning mascara – A close cousin to lengthening volumizing, fanning mascaras focus on both volume and separation. Instead of thick lashes pieced together (a look in its own right), these mascaras spread out lashes for a feathery, fanned-out effect.
• Curling mascara – Curling mascaras are a blessing for anyone who’s on intimate terms with their eyelash curler and wants a little extra lift. They help lock in the curl of your lashes, making eyes appear bigger, brighter, and more awake. If your lashes tend to fall flat, this is their espresso shot.
• Tinted mascara – You can find colored mascaras in plums, blues, and even soft browns so you can remix the everyday to create looks that range from subtle to unexpected.
• Now that you’ve met your mascaras MVPs, it’s time to wave our wands and make some magic.

Get the Look: Full, Fluffy Volume

Dreaming of volumized and feathery lashes? We nominate BADGal Bounce fuller, fluffier volumizing mascara to help you get this big softie look:

1. Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the fiber side of your wand to lay down product; gradually sweep upward. This concentrates volume at the roots (where it matters most).
2. Flip to the plastic comb side of the wand to separate lashes. Apply 2 or 3 more layers for maximum impact, before lashes have fully dried.
3. To finish, bring the tip of your wand to the outer corners of your lashes to add extra density and a little lift.

Get the Look: Lots of Length

If you want lash length for days, reach for They’re Real! Beyond mascara and get to lengthening:

1. Using a light hand, brush on mascara with a brisk, slightly zig-zag motion from root to tip. Keep your strokes angled upward, extending your lashes to their full potential.
2. Turn your wand vertically. Using the top of the wand, feather product onto shorter lashes at the inner and outer corners of your lashline to lift and separate.
3. If you want even more length, apply a second coat only to the tips of your outermost lashes. This adds length to your lashes without weighing them down.
4. For a fresher, more elongated look, skip your lower lashes.

Get the Look: Fanned Out

For feathery, love-at-first-sight eyelashes, grab a fanning mascara like Fan Fest and apply like so:

1. Start with clean . Wiggle your brush upward and outward, following the natural curve of your upper lash line.
2. The goal here is even distribution, not heavy layering. Use a gentle touch and focus on separating as you apply.

Get the Look: Curled Lashes

When you’re going for wide-eyed lashes, grab a curling mascara like Roller Lash.

1. Apply the mascara from the root upward, lifting as you go.
2. Concentrate the product on the centermost lashes. This will give your eyes a rounded, doll-like shape.

Get the Look: Statement Lashes

Grab BADGal BANG! in Wild Plum, Power Blue, or Rebel Brown, and go for it:

1. Using quick, wiggly strokes, apply the mascara from root to tip.
2. Use the top of your wand to lengthen and intensify the pigment at the tips of your lashes.

Get Dream Girl Lashes with Benefit

Whether you’re playing with bold, electric blue lashes or swooning over a fluttery, flirtier fringe, switching up your product and experimenting with how to apply mascara is one of the best ways to instantly refresh your look.

Benefit mascaras offer the full spectrum of possibilities. Explore all your options by shopping the collection and meeting your new looks.

Sources:

Tan, A. (2024, January 23). The most vibrant coloured mascaras to add to your make-up arsenal, stat. Vogue. https://vogue.sg/most-vibrant-coloured-mascaras/.