How To Get Thicker Lashes With Mascara

Do you ever wish you woke up with naturally gorgeous, full lashes that turn heads and get you noticed? With the right mascara and application technique, you can easily amplify lackluster lashes for serious impact. From understanding how mascara achieves its volumizing effects to choosing products that specifically target thickness, this comprehensive guide shares professional tips for dramatic yet flattering lashes.

Why Your Lashes Matter

Framing and accentuating the eyes, lashes have a major influence on facial features and makeup look. Experts suggest lashes follow the “halo effect” – thicker lashes make the eyes themselves seem larger and brighter. Celebrities like Demi Lovato, Jennifer Lopez and Penelope Cruz are known for their exceptionally long, full lashes that magnetically draw attention.

Cosmetic companies constantly promote mascaras that promise extra volume and extreme length for good reason – the demand continues to rise year over year as full lashes persist as a top trend. In fact, a survey by Mintel reports that over a quarter of women use an eyelash curler daily while 55% regularly wear mascara. Another report on cosmetic surgery trends found 20% growth for eyelash enhancement requests in recent years.

Clearly achieving thicker, bolder lashes remains high priority – it’s not just celebrities and makeup addicts amping up their fringe. Even drugstore mascaras today offer buildable volume and lush length with right application. Why invest sometimes hundreds monthly on lash extensions that need fills every 2-3 weeks when you can DIY amplified lashes daily?

With how pivotal lashes are for bright, wide-eyed beauty, maximizing what you naturally have deserves some strategy and practice. When done correctly, adding visible thickness to lashes brightens both the eyes and entire face instantly. Continue reading to discover pro techniques for gorgeous lashes that will become your new signature.

How Mascara Works

The wand applicator picks up the waxy, thick mascara formula and deposits it onto lashes. Key ingredients like waxes, oils and polymers coat each lash hair, using their thickness to add extra bulk and plump up sparse areas.

Key Ingredients

Waxes like carnauba and beeswax give mascara its waxy consistency, allowing it to evenly adhere to lashes. Mascaras with a higher wax content help build thickness and volume compared to drier formulas. They also prevent clumping better with a thicker, creamier texture that separates lashes.

Oils such as mineral oil, lanolin oil and olive oil act as conditioners and emollients. They help smooth and soften lashes to prevent brittleness and breakage which is especially helpful when removing waterproof mascara. Oil ingredients also enhance spreadability allowing product to glide easily from roots to tips.

Polymers are film-forming agents that wrap around the lashes to literally thicken each strand, providing fuller appearance. Most mascaras use either acrylates or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) based polymers with synthetic rubber polymers supplying the most dramatic amplification effect. They also lengthen the lashes by preventing clumps.

Compare thickening formulas, which contain more emollients and waxes, to lengthening mascaras that focus more on polymers to extend and prevent clumping without adding as much visible density. For uber-full lashes, look for a mascara marketed as both “Volumizing” and “Lengthening”.

How Brush Shape Impacts Effect

The engineered design of the mascara brush itself also plays a key role in building thickness and length. Types like curved brushes lift and curl lashes, helping deposit mascara into hard-to-reach corners for fanned out fullness. Curves also comb through densely packed lashes better preventing clumping.

Conversely, rounded or fuller brushes excel at packing on maximum bulk and intensity in fewer strokes. Staggered bristles ensure every hair gets thoroughly coated root to tip. Thick brushes sometimes spread too wide for bottom lashes though.

Spiral and cone shaped brushes also build impressive thickness while evenly separating every tiny lower lash for eye-opening effect. They conform nicely to lash line curvature with perfect bristle density.

For attached combs, teeth deposit mascara between lashes avoiding spidery results. Flexible combs also comb out any existing clumps seamlessly. So while the formula focuses on thickening and lengthening, brush shapes enhance the end result.

Choosing the Right Volumizing Mascara

To build volume at the lash line for that wide-eyed look, look for a mascara specifically labeled as “volumizing” or “thickening”. An all-in-one formula will both thicken and lengthen for most dramatic effect. Products targeted for density will state “builds volume”, “instant fullness” or “amplifies lashes” on the packaging.

You also want to pay close attention to the mascara brush itself – thickness comes from full, dense bristles designed to maximize thickness in just a couple strokes. The thickening bristles on L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara maximize lash separation to evenly coat every hair while curved brushes like Maybelline Lash Sensational lift and plump as they comb.

Tips for identifying effective volumizing formulas:

• See product name descriptions specifically stating volume building properties
• Look for a fat, full brush to thicken lashes
• Max density comes from mousse-like and cream-gel textures
• Vitamin-enriched mascaras nourish lashes over time

Avoid drier, clumping formulas by checking reviews beforehand. Using a waterproof formula also holds curl better assisting thickness. Just ensure gentle removal preventing lash breakage.

Top-Rated Volumizing Mascaras

1. Benefit Cosmetics BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara

Cult-favorite Benefit BADgal BANG amps lashes to epic proportions with 36-hour smudge-proof wear. The gravity-defying formula instantly builds daring volume even without an eyelash curler. Custom slim brush adheres close to lash line filling gaps for sexy drama. Fans love the intense black finish and how it stays in place all day.

2. Tarte Maneater Voluptuous Mascara

For fluttery, flirty lashes Tarte Maneater Mascara works overtime to amplify thickness and length. Theglossy black formula plus full precision brush evenly coats adding intense volume. The flake-free formula also conditions as it builds leaving zero clumps behind. It earns perfect scores for separating, defining and darkening.

3. Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

At just $5 budget-buy Essence Lash Princess Mascara achieves falsie effects for a fraction of prestige prices. The dense conical fiber brush effortlessly volumizes and lengthens while nourishing vitamins strengthen over time. Fans confirm it layers beautifully without clumping or flaking off halfway through day. The cone tip also pushes lashes up for enhanced curl.

Application Techniques for Maximum Thickness

Now that you’ve selected the perfect volumizing mascara, proper application ensures your lashes reach their fullest potential. Follow these pro tips when applying your thickening mascara:

1. Curl Lashes First – start by ensuring lashes are curled properly with lash curler heated with a hair dryer for longer lasting effect and to better catch all the product
2. Wipe Wand – wipe excess product off applicator using a tissue – you want it coated but not overloaded
3. Wiggle at Roots – apply starting closest to lash roots and gently wiggle wand side-to-side to thoroughly coat bottom and top sides of every tiny lash
4. No Pumping – do not pump wand in and out – this causes clumps! Slowly sweep through lashes to tips instead
5. Multiple Coats – allow each thin coat to dry between 2-3 light layers rather than one thick wet coat for best separation
6. Comb Through – use a clean lash comb after applying if any clumping occurred
7. Reapply Later – refresh with an additional coat after a few hours if desired

With the right technique – sweeping through the lashes while wiggling at the base – you can achieve fanned out, thicker looking lashes. Go for three thin coats over one thick one for defined yet full lashes. This “ stacking” prevents spidery, clumpy results better than continually layering wet on wet.

To avoid clumping, do not rapidly pump the wand in and out of lashes which deposits too much product. Instead use slow, steady strokes to build volume with precision.

Common Application Mistakes

• Skipping lash curling
• Overloading the wand – wipe excess first
• Only coating mid-lash to tip missing important roots
• Quickly pumping wand – causes clumps
• Not letting product fully dry between coats

With the right consistency formula plus strategic application focused at lash line you will notice a dramatic boost in lush thickness and intensified fullness after just a couple coats.

Mascara Ingredients to Avoid

Some conventional ingredients commonly added to mascaras can actually irritate eyes or damage lashes with daily repeated use. Being educated on which to stay away from ensures your mascara achieves maximum impact safely.

Preservatives

Most commercial formulas contain parabens like methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben as a preservative. Problem is, parabens easily penetrate skin and mimic estrogen which can contribute to hormone disruption. The European Union has banned use of ispropyl and isobutyl parabens in cosmetics as an endocrine disruptor.

While normally included to extend shelf life without risking bacterial growth, healthier options exist. Natural preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate do not show estrogenic activity. Leucidal® Liquid by Active Micro Technologies uses organic white tea extract and natural plant-based leucidal to effectively preserve naturally too.

Chemical Irritants

Common irritants also found in conventional mascaras include propylene glycol, chemical dyes and synthetic fragrances which can bother those with sensitivities. Alcohol is very drying as well. Instead look for products with “hypoallergenic” clearly stated meaning they undergo testing showing reduced chance of reaction.

Pro tip: If eyes sting or water excessively when applying mascara, switch to a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula to avoid irritation. Discontinue use if reaction continues.

To avoid lash loss and damage, steer clear of these ingredients:

• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Fragrances
• Chemical dyes
• Alcohol
• Propylene glycol

Healthier Mascara Alternatives

Brands like W3LL People offer mascaras made from natural waxes and minerals with non-irritating preservatives as a safer option. Those prone to eye irritation should choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formulas from trusted brands that actively avoid harmful ingredients.

Complementary Makeup for Show-Stopping Lashes

Amplifying lashes with volumizing mascara naturally becomes the focal point of your makeup. To let your lush lashes shine, keep the eyes themselves more neutral and natural – an intense smoky eye competes too much reducing their impact.

Try these eye makeup ideas that pair perfectly with thicker, bolder lashes:

Soft lid with thin liner: Apply a shimmering champagne or light gold shadow across lids blending up towards brow. Line only upper tightline (inside rim by lashes) skipping bottom to keep eyes looking bigger. Finish with 2-3 coats black mascara.

Subtle sparkle: Use your ring finger to lightly press a rose gold or silver glitter topper shade onto lid centers only. Blend edges softly with a light matte brown crease shade. Skip any liner and apply volumizing black mascara focusing on root thickness.

Bronzed beauty: Sweep a rich metallic bronze shadow across lids and lightly into crease. Run dark brown pencil liner along upper lash line only. Apply waterproof black mascara to prevent smudging emphasizing thickness for wide-eyed sensuality.

Bold cat eye: Keep lids bare with soft matte nude shadow blended lightly into crease. Line top lash line with steady winged cat eye flicks using liquid liner. Apply black mascara to complement liner shape. Adds retro flair.

Muted mod: Pat shimmering copper onto lid centers blending out. Line only upper water lines with white pencil opening eyes up. Apply two coats black lengthening mascara to balance copper shimmer.

The key is keeping eye makeup simple, defined yet soft. Let the sweeping, thick lashes take main stage for maximum impact. Bold brows framed with clear brow gel also nicely complement eye-opening lashes.

Enhance Lashes Further

Take lashes tonext level bombshell status by sandwiching primer and mascara focus ed at the lash line. Start by brushing on lash primer directly along upper and lower lashes. This helps condition and protect while allowing mascara to better adhere.

After primer dries, follow immediately with your favorite volumizing mascara concentrating application at roots using a side-to-side sweeping motion. Define mid-lash to ends with lighter second coat. The primer fills in lash line gaps, mascara plumps up each hair strand.

White eyeliner or shadow bases on lower waterline can also help lashes appear thicker looking. Try nude pencil liner on lower rim as well. Avoid lining inside rims heavily on top or bottom – keeps eyes looking more awake.

For special events try individual false lash clusters just at outer top corners instead of a full strip. Far easier to apply than a full band, clusters seamlessly build outer volume missing from natural lashes. They instantly amplify eyes without compromising comfort.

FAQs About Achieving Maximum Thickness

Still have some lingering questions on mastering mascara application for envy-worthy lashes? Below find answers addressing common concerns:

How do I prevent mascara clumps?

• Clumping typically happens from overloading applicator with product. Before applying, wipe excess mascara off wand using a tissue then brush through lashes using light, feathery strokes working from base then outward.
• Adding too many coats wet-on-wet causes clumping as well. Let each layer dry fully before adding more avoiding thick buildup that sticks lashes together.
• Investing in a good lash comb that separates and defines is wise too. Brush through lashes after each coat removing any clumps instantly.
• When in doubt, less is more! Build volume gradually.

Does waterproof mascara damage lashes over time?

Waterproof formulas often use waxes and polymers that wrap tightly around lashes making it adhere better but also harder to remove. The intense scrubbing and tugging required can stress delicate hairs causing breakage over time. Here is how to remove waterproof mascara gently:

1. Soften mascara first – Apply eye makeup remover or micellar water onto a cotton pad. Press gently onto closed lashes for 30 seconds allowing oils to penetrate and loosen formula.
2. Never rub harshly – Now wipe pad downwards lifting mascara without pulling hard. Repeat steps until clean switching out pads as needed.
3. Follow with a conditioning cleanser – use a nourishing makeup remover or lash primer as final step to compensate for drying effects.

When should I throw out mascara? It’s tempting to keep mascara until every last bit gets used up but mascaras actually have pretty short shelf lives. The constant exposure to air and bacteria from wand makes them expire quicker.

Discard mascara after:

• 3 months for waterproof formulas
• 4-6 months for regular formulas

Signs old mascara should get the boot regardless of timeline:

• Dries out quickly requiring thinner
• Changes texture and becomes clumpy
• Applies grey rather than black
• You experience any eye redness/irritation

How do I grow my lashes longer?

While mascaras can only temporarily enhance what you already have, lash serums stimulate growth improving length over time. Many options exist both OTC and prescription containing peptides and active ingredients that condition lashes preventing fallout while extending length.

Best lash growth serums:

• GrandeLASH-MD
• RevitaLash Cosmetics
• Latisse (prescription)

Apply along the upper lash line similar to eyeliner every evening for 8-12 weeks seeing full improvements. Consistency is key for boosting length long-term. They can cause eye irritation so test sensitivity first and avoid contact lenses when applying.

Give Your Lashes a Luscious Boost

Adding visible thickness and intensity to lashes transforms regular makeup to red carpet worthy instantly. With the right products and techniques, achieving a lush boosted fringe is finally fuss-free even for makeup minimalists. Volumizing mascaras today allow buildable, clump-free fullness customizable to preference and occasion.

While false strip lashes work wonders for drama, expert application still takes considerable practice plus they feel uncomfortably heavy for daily wear. Lash extensions involve big investment for install and frequent fills making DIY mascara the affordable route to bomb lashes daily.

The key is curling properly first, then choosing a thickening mascara formula with ingredients targeting enhanced density at lash line. Application focuses on depositing product along roots while slowly combing through to tips creating fan-like fullness. Let each layer dry between multiple thin coats for amplified yet separated lashes.

With the right mascara plus some technique adjustments you will finally achieve striking lashes that beautifully frame eyes. No longer will you envy the lush batting lashes of celebrities and influencers. For under $10 and five minutes you too can self-apply va-va-voom fringe.

While lashes thin naturally with age, waterproof lengthening formulas prevent downward pointing and loss of fullness better. Consistently using lash serum conditions over time as well.

Go ahead, bat those gorgeous eyes and flaunt newfound lush lashes! Thicker, bolder fringe brightens entire face every time.