The Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Best Mascara Wand

Creating different lash looks has never been so easy. Head to the drugstore and you’ll find every type of brush right at your fingertips! From brand to brand, there’s countless variations of mascara brushes that will give your clients long, full, and dramatic lashes. But have you ever looked at a mascara wand and wondered what exactly those bristles are designed to do? Well, wonder no more. Consider this your definitive guide to mascara wands. Read on to find the mascara brush for your best lashes ever!

The Comb Brush

If you’re looking for definition, find a mascara with a distinct comb-style brush. Combs add definition to the hairs by separating each individual piece. Lashes that have a tendency to clump will reap all the benefits of a comb brush: say goodbye to excess mascara that makes lashes stick together. The great thing about mascara combs? The diversity! There are tons of different comb styles—just as there are for actual hair. If you’re looking for separation, find a mascara brush that is a one-sided comb. Pull through from root to tip for length and beautifully separated lashes. Or, if you want defined lashes but don’t want the clumps that comes with fuller brushes, find a brush that is comb-styled all the way around. This keeps lashes separated and gives more definition than a single-comb mascara brush will. Pro tip: When in a pinch, use your lash comb in your makeup kit to separate lashes! Product recommendation: Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Angel Mascara

The Curled Brush

For those who prefer a gorgeous curl to their lashes, go for a curved mascara brush. The curl on the brush helps to shape your lashes as your apply your mascara. As the mascara dries, your lashes keep the beautiful curled shape of the brush. We know that curling our lashes makes them appear longer and more dramatic, but sometimes curling can be a nightmare (with all the pulling and pinching). So, why not save yourself some time with this all-in-one brush? With curled brushes, you also have the choice of a comb-style or full brush mascara—best of both worlds! Product recommendation: Covergirl Clump Crusher Extensions Mascara

The Ball Brush

This style brush has made its rounds in the makeup industry, coming and going in popularity with different brands. These brushes tend to have a ball on the end of the wand that is used to apply mascara. It sounds strange, but they have potential. Not only is the round ball ideal for separating clumps out of your lashes, it can also be used to create length on the end of lashes or add definition to the roots. Since it’s small, this type of mascara brush is easier to control, allowing you to work in small sections until you’re satisfied.

The Bottom Lash Wand

Do you struggle with coating your bottom lashes without getting mascara on the skin under your eyes? You no longer have to worry about ruining your face makeup! Bottom lash wands are usually thin and short, designed to get to the root of your bottom lashes without catching on your skin. You can also easily reach the inner corner lashes of your upper lash line with ease. Yes, it does mean switching mascaras after you work your top lashes, but we promise the results are worth it! Product recommendation: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

The Thin Brush

Mainly for adding length to your lashes, thin brushes are easy to control and don’t overwhelm lashes with product. Thin mascara brushes are ideal for separating and lengthening. It’s easier to reach the inner and bottom lashes with less risk of getting mascara all around your client’s eyes. Thin brushes can help define individual lashes after using a thicker brush, allowing you to separate lashes without losing definition. Product recommendation: NYX The Skinny Mascara

The Hourglass-Shaped Brush

Perfect for sparse lashes, the hourglass shape with its dense bristles is perfect for building volume. The shape helps deliver mascara right to the roots of your lashes—coating and separating every lash for that va-va-voom look! Product recommendation: Yves Saint Laurent The Shock Volumizing Mascara

The Full Brush

This brush is no joke—if you want fully defined, voluminous lashes then this is the one for you. A full mascara brush has dense bristles and is usually quite thick. They’re great for creating dramatic eye looks and complimenting a cat-eye because they add so much volume to your lashes. The downside: full brushes aren’t as precise so they can be tricky to control. For an experienced makeup artist, however, this type of brush will give your clients those full, luscious lashes they’re dreaming of. Product recommendation: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara What’s your favorite mascara brush to use on yourself and your clients? Let us know in the comments and share your product recommendations!

Pair your favorite mascara brush with these must-have lipstick finishes for a flawless makeup look!