Mascara is one of the most difficult color cosmetics to formulate. There are some variations in the ingredients, but when all is said and done, the real secret to mascara is the brush. Cosmetic producers rarely patent their mascara formulations, but almost all patent the brush prior to the launch of new mascara. Innovative brush technology can camouflage even the worst formula.
The most important factor in mascara formulation is the film that gets deposited on your lashes. The film is based on emulsifiable waxes such as carnauba (yes, the same as the car wax), beeswax, or candelilla. All mascaras include some combination of esters, emollients, moisturizers, antioxidants, and preservatives. Water-resistant mascaras deposit a tightly bonding polymer film that seals the lashes to survive high humidity, a swim, or a good cry. This bonding action is also difficult to remove (See Removal Techniques below.) and is the primary reason you develop broken, sparse, or stubby lashes. It is best to restrict waterproof mascara to the beach, sad movies, weddings, and funerals. Mascara coloration is usually due to iron oxides, inorganic pigments, or Carbon Black (D&C Black#2). For years cosmetic companies fought each other to produce the blackest black, but FDA approval of Carbon Black (fine particles of purest carbon), allowed every manufacturer to achieve an intense black black. Mascara color is not limited to black or brown. Intense blue, purple, burgundy, or green are becoming increasingly popular. Subtle colored mascara is often recommended for a more youthful appearance. Colored mascara can be a nice change for variety, for the evening, or just because. It is best to avoid colored mascara in the workplace if you want to present yourself as a professional. In the end, you cannot go wrong with black.
Mercury in mascara was a recent concern but it has since been removed from the majority of mascara products. Mercury was used because it is antimicrobial and a good preservative, extending the life of the product. Mercury accumulation in the body is poisonous and can cause neurological symptoms in adults and slow brain development in children and fetuses. Federal law currently allows eye products to contain up to 65 parts per million of mercury as a preservative, most often seen under the name of thimerosal. Err on the side of safety. Any product that lists thimerosal as an ingredient should be avoided. And while we’re talking about preservation, mascara is the one product that should be replaced sooner rather than later. The nature of delivery lends itself to contamination. Recommendations range between three weeks and three months. While six months is acceptable for some brands, we prefer a four to eight week limit. These are your eyes we’re talking about here.
Mascara application should be the last step in your eye makeup routine.
Never go to bed wearing eye makeup. Your face ages three days every time you go to bed without removing your makeup. The least of your problems would be waking up with raccoon eyes. The worst of your problems would be infection or puffy, red, swollen eyes caused by mascara entering your eyes. Mascara left on lashes overnight increases breakage and lash fallout. Keep lashes conditioned and the eye area smooth and firm by removing all makeup and applying appropriate eye treatments. We especially recommend Lash and Brow Enhancement Serum, Essential Eye Crème, Night Line Relief Serum, Rosehip Serum, Carrot Repair Serum, and Rice and Olives Deep Cleansing and Facial Serum
Rice and Olives Deep Cleansing and Facial Serum was especially formulated for the eye area (and along the way we discovered it is also a wonderful overall cleanser and facial antioxidant serum). It melts away even heavy mascara, requiring only gentle massaging of lids and lashes. Gently wipe away the emulsified cosmetics with a wet face cloth. Repeat process for stubborn spots.
White Tea Cleansing Milk is gentle enough for eye makeup removal and includes highly antioxidant white and green tea to condition skin while cleansing. Always use a wet face cloth to remove any facial cleanser.
Eye makeup is often drying. After cleansing, apply creams or serums to condition the total eye area and prevent wrinkles, discoloration, puffiness, or droopy lids. Use Lash and Brow Enhancement Serum at night for healthy lashes and brows and to encourage fullness.
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