Smudge-proof formula: It goes without saying that you should seek out a mascara formula that won’t smudge, bleed, or run when an unexpected rain shower (or cry session) crops up. Each of the mascaras on this list has been rigorously tested to withstand showers of all kinds.

Eye cosmetics containing kohl, kajal, al-kahal, surma, tiro, tozali, or kwalli often pose a lead poisoning risk. [27] Products containing kohl, kajal, surma, and similar materials are illegal color additives in the United States as defined by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, section 201(t). Trying to find the best mascara for your lashes can feel like a daunting task; so many launches, so many questions... what's the best high-street mascara, what's the best for short lashes? Is it worth paying more for extra volume and length? Which waterproof formulas really withstand a hot summer's day, or even a few lengths in the swimming pool, but still come off easily with eye make-up remover?

How to choose the right mascara for you?

Mercury in your eye?". CIDPUSA. 2008-02-16. Archived from the original on 2010-01-05 . Retrieved 2009-12-20. a b "Rubinstein, Helena, Dec. 25, 1870-April 1, 1965". Notable American Women: The Modern Period. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. 1980. In 1933, a woman known on court records as Mrs. Brown consented to have her eyelashes permanently dyed. [17] :20 Unfortunately, the product, Lash Lure, used para-phenylenediamine, a chemical extremely toxic to the body, as the dyeing agent. [17] :23 At the time, cosmetics were unregulated by the Federal Drug Administration, and the dangers of paraphenylenediamine were unknown. [18] Within hours of the treatment, Mrs. Brown began experiencing severe symptoms of stinging and burning eyes. By the next morning, Mrs. Brown's eyes had developed ulcers which oozed and had swollen shut. [17] :22 Use of Lash Lure resulted in blindness in Mrs. Brown and fifteen other women and also caused the death of another through a bacterial infection. [19] It was only after the Lash Lure incident and several others like it, documented in Ruth deForest Lamb's book entitled American Chamber of Horrors, that Congress granted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the right to regulate cosmetics in 1938. [17] :24 Max Factor waterproof mascara creme in a tube with a brush, 1960 The name Mascara was likely given in reference to the city of that bears the same name since in the mid-19th century, the French discovered antimony powder during their conquest in the old city of Mascara in Algeria. [8] The nomadic tribes used it as a beauty product but also to protect themselves from various trachomas and eye diseases. [ citation needed] Mercury, as thiomersal, is widely used in the manufacture of mascara. In 2008, Minnesota became the first state in the United States to ban intentionally added mercury in cosmetics, giving it a tougher standard than the federal government. [28] Mascara-coated eyelashes

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry. She has tested countless washable and waterproof mascaras, including several on this list. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

Top tips for making the absolute most out of your mascara

Smudged mascara has also become a symbolic way to show depression in photographs, such as the famous "Bleeding Mascara" [ clarification needed] or "crying mascara" trend on social media. These references can carry deep emotional resonance and significance. Drug Store News (August 9, 2016). "Leading mascara brands in the U.S. dollar sales, 2016 | Statistic". Statista . Retrieved 2017-11-27. Among the many oils used, linseed oil, castor oil, eucalyptus oil, lanolin, and oil of turpentine are found frequently. Sesame oil is also commonly used. [9] Waxes usually found in mascara are paraffin wax, carnauba wax, and beeswax. [9]

Flemming, Katherine (August 2006), "Technology: The History of Mascara", FASHION Magazine, St. Joseph Media Though it’s tempting – not to mention incredibly satisfying – to pump your mascara, don’t. This causes it to dry out fast, as it allows air into the formula. To get the most from your mascara, it is so important to place your wand at the root of your lashes,” explains Gboyega. “I always recommend using the wand in a zig- zag motion, ensuring that you are working up from the root of your lashes all the way to the tip.” And yes, that open-mouth-mascara-face is basically inevitable. KNOW YOUR ANGLES Arden, Elizabeth, Dec. 31, 1878?-Oct. 18, 1966". Notable American Women: The Modern Period. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. 1980.Arden, Elizabeth, née Florence Nightingale Graham", Chambers Biographical Dictionary, London: Chambers Harrap, 2007 The only con worth noting: Some online reviewers say that it can take several coats to achieve significant volume. However, we noticed fuller, elongated lashes after one swipe. It is more common to develop a stye, or commoner still, swollen eyelids. [23] Styes and swollen eyelids are better classified as allergic reactions. The allergic reactions can be stimulated by any of the components of mascara but is usually attributed to methylparaben, aluminum powder, ceteareth-20, butylparaben, or benzyl alcohol. [23] Kelli Anne Sewell is a professional makeup artist and founder of Makeup by Kelli Anne, a makeup tutorial platform.