When in doubt, go waterproof
Have naturally-teary eyes? Scibelli suggests switching over to a waterproof formula to ensure tears don’t cause streaking throughout the day. “Or you can seal your lashes with a second coat of mascara with a waterproof formula,” he says.
Dry-down time is key
If you just applied a coat of mascara, Scibelli recommends waiting until each coat is fully dry before applying another. “This ensures a clump-free, smoother finish,” he says.
Technique
As Spongebob once said, it’s all in the technique. Sure, he was talking about bubble-blowing, but according to Scibelli, following a proper technique applies to mascara, too. “I always like to comb the back of the lashes with the wand as well with any leftover formula on the brush to really work through any clumps and to separate the lashes more,” he says. “This will also help smooth the formula out for less future flaking.”
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but mascaras are another story. While some can be used across different lash lengths, thicknesses, shape, colors, and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience. For instance, a new, innovative mascara may feature an industry-leading formula, but if the wand still needs some tweaking to prevent clumps and webbing, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our review of the best mascaras, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts you interviewed for the piece — who all have different lash concerns, desired outcome (i.e., want length over volume), and whether one product was tested across varying lash types. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, ease of use, and value. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we can fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
