Custom mascara is a worthwhile makeup item that all makeup artists and enthusiasts must have in their makeup bags. It is an item that allows you to define your eyes and add volume and length to your lashes. The latest custom mascara trend has seen mascara come in different colors, formulas, applicators, and methods of removal.
This post will discuss:
- Mascara and its benefits.
- The different types of mascara and ingredients used.
- How to customize mascara, including color and properties.
- Choosing the best custom mascara and more.
1. What is Mascara?
Modern mascara comes in different formulas and levels of customization, from liquid to powder to cream. It is among the most essential products used by the majority of makeup artists and consumers to define and volumize eyelashes. Makeup lovers apply mascara to give the eyelashes volume, length, shape, curl, and color.
Brief History of Mascara
The history of mascara is traced to ancient Egypt, where ivory and bone were employed in applying eyelash ornamentation. The original mascara was frequently made with lead, kohl, guanine, and burnt almond ash. Egyptians used the early mascara for beauty as well as protection against evil spirits for the eyes.
Greece & Rome (1000 BCE – 400 CE) also practiced early mascara. Contemporary mascara became popular in the early 1900s century when Thomas Lyle Williams created the first US-sold mascara. Thereafter, the first waterproof mascara was found in the 1950s.
Also, Revlon came out with the first spiral-tip wand tube mascara in 1958. Colored formulas were launched for the first time by Revlon two years later. Max Factor’s No Color Mascara, a clear mascara, appeared in the 1980s.
The 2000s continue to witness the launch of customized mascara and different formulas for lengthening, volumizing, and thickening.
2. Types of Mascara
● Thickening or Volumizing Mascaras
Thickening mascara is designed to deliver fuller and thicker lash-like eyes. Thickening mascara has a thickening formula that includes heavy pigments that make the lashes thicker. Thickening mascara suits individuals with thinning and sparse eyelashes, whether long or short.
● Lengthening Mascara
Lengthening mascara is a type of mascara that is made to add length and make the lash longer by separating out the lash. The lengthening mascara wand has comb-like and thicker plastic bristles, which help the deposit formula to be evenly distributed to all lashes. Lengthening mascara is usually best suited for those who have short and undefined natural lashes.
● Telescopic Mascara
Telescopic mascara is another type of mascara that provides a deeper length and lash-by-lash separation of lashes. Unlike most lengthening mascara, the telescopic mascara wand has a flat, flexible side with short, comb-like bristles. The comb side separates lashes for a clump-free finish, while its flat side lengthens lashes by up to 60%.
● Tubing Mascara
Tubing mascara is a mascara formula that creates the effect of lashes being longer, which is, at times, compared to lash extensions. It has a stiff-bristled brush typically used to separate and apply the product evenly lash to lash. The tubing mascara is made up of polymers, so the structures will remain intact the whole day.
It can be removed gently with warm water and cleanser; hard rubbing is not required.
● Waterproof Mascara
Just like tubing mascara, waterproof mascara may be used to produce a long-wearing lash effect that will neither smudge nor flake. They are the perfect choice when it is hot outside because they do not come off without having to use special oil-based removers. Waterproof mascara should be applied thinly to prevent clumping the product onto your lashes.
● Fiber Mascara
Fiber mascara is a type of mascara that uses very thin fibers, typically nylon, silk, or rayon. These are applied and cling to the eyelash for a dramatic look capable of giving lengthening as well as thickening effects. It thus suits those who have thin and short eyelashes.
● Curling Mascara
Curling mascara, as the name implies, is used to achieve a natural curl of the eyelash. It is thicker than the regular types of mascara—hence, it holds the curl.
3. Ingredients Used in Mascara
● Beeswax
Beeswax is among the primary ingredients of honeycomb-based mascaras. Beeswax is a thickener and hardener agent that also provides product smoothness.
● Castor oil
Castor oil plant is an oily fatty acid and is employed as a mascara thickener. Castor oil also conditions and moisturizes the lashes.
● Paraffin wax
Most cosmetics make use of this soft wax, which is petroleum-based, as a moisturizer. Similar to most waxes used in mascaras, its main role is to enable the color to stick to the lashes.
● Carnauba wax
Carnauba wax, which is also obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm, occurs naturally in most Brazilian states. It is a plant-based substitute for most animal waxes in most mascaras because it is plant-based.
● Iron oxide
It is used in the cosmetic field as a coloring agent to create black, yellow, and red pigments. The ingredient is used to color brown and black mascaras. It can be of natural or synthetic origin—the latter is more prevalent in cosmetics, though, since natural-origin iron oxide is more likely to be adulterated by impurities.
● Carbon black
Carbon black is one of the color pigments found in mascaras, and it’s black.
● Nylon, rayon and silk microfibres
They are usually used in a unique mascara called “fiber mascara.” They offer volume and extension to eyelashes by adhering to the surface of the lash. Because the fibers can bring about eye irritation, they aren’t advisable to be used for people wearing contacts.
● Glycerin
It makes it a most popular cosmetic ingredient. It is used to make the product adhere well to mascara, and it gives a silk texture. It is also conditionally good for hair.
The bad ingredients to steer clear of
● Parabens
Parabens also occur in some mascara to increase the life expectancy of mascara and to fight against microorganisms. Parabens are a noted endocrine disruptor in the sense that they play tricks on your hormones in the body and are also linked with cancer.
● Other Preservatives such as Formaldehyde, Thimerosal, and Imidazolidinyl Urea
Formaldehyde is also a preservative that is a known carcinogen. Imidazolidinyl Urea is a release of formaldehyde, which also causes cancer. Thimerosal is an amalgam of mercury that is believed to be toxic to the unborn fetal brain when pregnancy occurs.
● Synthetic Fragrance
Perfumes are sometimes used in mascara in an attempt to mask the smell of other chemicals or even to make it smell different. Synthetic perfumes can mask all types of dangerous chemicals, so it is safe to boycott.
4. Personalizing Your Mascara
You can personalize your mascara in many ways that best fit your lifestyle and style. You can personalize your mascara in many ways, as outlined below.
Personalization based on the wand or brush type
One easy way of personalizing your mascara is by choosing a mascara wand depending on the type of lashes, use, and ease of use. The following are some mascara wands and brushes for specific eyelashes and uses.
● Straight Brush
Straight brush is utilized to achieve a natural and defined look. Straight design helps to separate the lashes evenly for a clean and finished look.
● Spiral Brush
Spiral brush is perfect if you want lengthened & separated lashes. Their spiral bristles deliver a neat, evenly fanned-out look and are perfect to avoid clumping.
● Hourglass
Hourglass mascara brush performs best in achieving a curl and dramatic lash length. Since the rounded edges cover the outer and inner lashes, the tapering middle section centers the product on the center lashes.
● Thick & Fluffy
Thick and fluffy mascara brush performs best in achieving a thick and voluminous eyelash. The heavy brittles of this wand pack and cover products on the lash make it look voluminous.
● Comb Mascara Brush
Comb mascara brushes are excellent for individual lash defining and separating. They are particularly best for thin and sparse lashes because they enable the application of mascara in exact spots on every individual lash.
Personalization based on style, formula, and color
One more way you can personalize your mascara is by choosing a suitable formula, style, and color. Depending on your objectives, with the use of mascara, choose elements that will help in achieving the optimum result.
● Customize mascara based on color.
The major application of mascara is to make the eyes look beautiful. Black is the most preferred color among all other colors because it is a standard starting pigment offered by black iron oxide particles. However, colors like purple, green, and pink in mascara can be achieved through dye pigment or multi-coated interference pigments.
● Customize mascara based on formulation or properties
Mascara can also be formulated based on formula, ingredients, and type of mascara.
Waterproof mascara, for instance, has low water but high wax and silicone ingredients. Isododecane (an emollient and highly volatile solvent), Dimethicone, and Cyclopentasiloxane are some of the typical ingredients.
Smudge-proof mascaras are composed of film-forming components that deposit a flexible film around the lashes. Smudge-proof mascaras will prevent smudging as a result of natural oils or moisture but may not be waterproof.
5. Factors Influencing the Rise of Custom Wear Mascara
● The appeal of custom-wear mascara
An important factor boosting custom mascara is the appeal and attractiveness of custom mascara for several eye looks. Customers can apply mascara without stacking too many mascara products with the help of the custom mascara wand and formula. Manufacturers provide customers with custom-made mascara so people can pick a formula that best suits them.
For instance, to get a natural eye, you can get your mascara customized to be light for fixing contacts in place without piling. Complete lashes will enjoy tailored mascara with quality thick products and dense bristles that give dramatic eyes. For those who enjoy colored eyes, matching colors, such as purple, green, pink, etc., are available.
● Increasing Global Market Demand
One of the reasons that has driven the development of custom mascara is the increasing demand for personalized mascara. Most customers are always looking for new and high-performance mascara products that will make them look beautiful. Hence, manufacturers look for more innovative ways of meeting the increasing global market demand.
For instance, waterproof mascara used to be employed to achieve a long-wearing lash look that would not smudge or flake. This is problematic because waterproof mascara is impossible to remove without the aid of special oil-based removers. With custom formulation, you can have a mascara that is simple to remove with a warm water rinse—without rough rubbing.
● Influence of Social Media and Beauty Trends
Social media has affected all industries in the beauty industry, including the rise of customized mascara. Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok beauty bloggers are to blame for this because they display different trends of mascara. Beauty bloggers try to replicate these dramatic styles by ordering customized mascara products.
For example, the trendy, dramatic, and colored eye look has driven the need for custom mascara to obtain such eyes. Businesses are selling their products via social media by partnering with influencers. Hence, we might see greater customization for mascara in the future.
● Focus on Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Sustainability is also an aspect that has been driving the development of custom mascara items over the years. There is a growing demand for sustainable mascara solutions, which compels manufacturers to create custom sustainable packaging and ingredients formulation. To target environmentally conscious clients, they create refillable mascara containers and cut down on plastic usage.
This trend on sustainability speaks to socially responsible customers while building brand reputation and loyalty. And we will see more sustainable and eco-friendly mascara products in the future.
6. Benefits of Custom-Made Mascara
● Customized formula
One benefit of custom-made mascara is enjoying the liberty of designing your formula. Custom mascara can offer you the liberty of designing your mascara products according to your style and choice. With that, you can work together with custom mascara manufacturers to help design products as per your requirements.
For instance, for colored mascaras, you can create a color that matches your foundation and other makeup by customizing the formulation.
● Customized Brush Designs
To get the desired best results for your eye looks, a brush or mascara wand is very much necessary. An individualized mascara wand will help you get perfection and desired looks, depending upon what you intend to achieve. Additionally, your choice of mascara wand can rely on your lash type.
For instance, if you happen to have straight eyelashes, get a made-to-measure curved brush to get an eyelash lift and a curl. You can also avail yourself of the advantage of customizing the wand handle for a beautiful and trendy look. Mascara wands can be made of plastic, silicone, rubber, nylon, and bamboo, depending on your choice.
● Color Matching
Another advantage of custom mascara is that it enables you to pick from a variety of different pigments of color. Unlike normal mascara, which is primarily available in black colors, custom mascara can provide you with the liberty of picking from a variety of broad colors.
● Enhance properties
Most of the properties of the mascara are determined by the formula of the mascara. Taking into account the properties of waterproofing, long-lasting, and smudge resistance, the bespoke mascara can be tackled. With a well-formulated ingredient, you can design any properties for the mascara that you wish.
● Tailored mascara bottle and packaging
Another benefit of opting for custom-made mascara is a customized bottle and packaging. You can opt for different mascara packaging materials and customization suitable for your brand name and logo. This can be good for your brand advertisement, recognition, and awareness.
7. How to Select the Best Mascara
Selecting the best mascara is based on so many considerations, including your lash type, eye shape, and desired look.
Selecting the best mascara according to lash type
● Short Lashes
Individuals with short eyelashes often feel that they are not doing their best. Even when they are doing their job, they still need a little more millimeter to catch the eye towards your eyes. To lengthen their lashes, short lash types need the help of very efficient products that adhere to them.
For such lashes, lengthening or telescopic mascaras with big bristles are ideal. These mascaras ensure precise application and space between the lashes.
● Sparse eyelashes
People who possess sparse lashes have sparse lashes that are not full, voluminous, or thick. Volumizing mascaras with a thicker formulation and densely filled brush are the best for people who possess sparse lashes.
● Straight lashes
Straight lashes never curve and provide a flat or downward appearance. You can use an eyelash curler to get your lashes looking up in a way that helps you achieve the desired curl. Use a curling mascara, which can also help curl and open your eyes.
Choosing mascara based on the lash type
● Round eyes
Individuals with round eyes possess eyes that are typically large and proportionally close in width and height. And where the white of the eye is visible above or below the iris. Select thickening or volumizing mascara that provides volume and is appropriate for the eyes.
● Almond eyes
Almond-shaped eyes are extremely versatile and can accommodate an enormously wide range of appearances. Almond eyes will generally be shaped oval with ever-so-slightly raised outer corners, with zero white showing above or below the iris.
● Small eyes
Others might believe that small eyes are harder to make a statement with, but not so. If you have small eyes, choose formulas that accentuate curl and lift to open up small eyes. You can benefit from curling mascara, which is more voluminous than standard kinds of mascara.
● Hooded eyes
If you don’t notice a lot of your eyeshadow when your eyes are open, you probably have hooded eyes. Hooded eyes are created by an additional fold of eyelid skin, which hides some of the lids. Use waterproof or long-wear mascara to prevent smudging.
● Deep-set eyes
Deep-set eyes are more deeply set behind the brow bone. Individuals with deep-set eyes would prefer curling and lengthening mascara, which may help to open up the eye space and create the illusion of pushing the eyes forward.
Choosing the right mascara based on the desired effect
● Doe-eyed look
The doe-eyed look is trending these days when it comes to eye makeup and is one of the most sought-after trends on TikTok. It gives depth, softness, and glow to your eyes. To achieve the doe-eyed look, apply a heavy line on your upper lashes. Then, bringing it down to a brief, chunky wing on the outer corner.
8. Where to Purchase Custom Mascara
When purchasing custom mascara, it is important to seek a reliable and trustworthy platform. Fortunately, there are various trustworthy platforms where you may meet with manufacturers. The following are some popular online platforms where you can buy custom mascara.
● Alibaba.com
● Made-in-china.com
● Dhgate.com
● Globalsources.com
● Aliexpress.com
● Chinabrands.com
● Huntersourcing.com
● vogues.io
Tips on what to look for in quality and price
All of the websites listed above are among the best places to get customized mascara. However, you must be aware that not everyone acting as a manufacturer is trustworthy. That is why you should take your time while selecting the best firm to buy from.
The following are important guidelines to follow when ordering custom mascara:
8.1 Alibaba.com
- Buy from verified suppliers only
- Check if the seller has a “trade assurance” badge
- Ask for necessary licenses and certifications.
8.2. Made-in-china.com
- Confirm the manufacturer is verified and has a contact and physical location.
- Confirm that the supplier has the “audited supplier” badge on their profile.
8.3. DHgate.com
- Check past transaction details of the Manufacturers.
- Take advantage of DHgate buyer’s protections.
8.4. GlobalSources.com
- Evaluate manufacturers for the GlobalSource “verified Manufacturers” badge on the manufacturer’s profile.
- Evaluate for a third-party factory audit report from the supplier.
8.5. AliExpress.com
- Look for top-rated mascara manufacturers
- Read product reviews
8.6. Chinabrands.com
- Evaluate and work with mascara manufacturers with higher reliability scores.
- Evaluate for licenses and certification.
8.7. Huntersourcing.com
- Work with a trustworthy sourcing agent to evaluate supplier information.
- Evaluate if the supplier holds compliance licenses and certificates.
- Request for factory audits of the manufacturer.
9. Innovations in Mascara Technology
● Tubing Mascara
One of the latest developments in the world of mascara and beauty is tubing mascara. Tubing mascara is a type of mascara that creates the effect of having longer lashes, just like lash extensions. It is developed with a hard-bristled brush that is typically used to spread the product evenly on the lashes.
What’s special about the tubing mascara is that it gives a natural look that is smudge-proof and long-lasting. It may also be washed with warm water without rigorous rubbing. The tubing mascara comprises polymers that create “tubes” around each lash, holding the lashes in place all day.
● Fiber Lash Mascara
Fiber lash mascara is another new beauty trend. Fiber mascara employs very thin fibers, typically nylon, silk, or rayon. These are applied and adhere to the eyelash for a dramatic appearance that can give lengthening as well as thickening.
Hence, it is the best option for thin and short lashes. Fiber lash mascara is natural, sweat-free, smudge-free, and waterproof.
● 4D Mascaras
4D Mascaras are also gaining popularity with the majority of mascara enthusiasts and beauty lovers. Because it has various uses, 4D mascara is ideal for the majority who want longer, thicker, fuller, and heavily pigmented eyelashes. These mascaras are waterproof, long-lasting, and ideal for any type of event.
In addition, 4D mascaras are also smudge-proof, flake-proof, effortless to use, and hypoallergenic. After use, you are certain that your mascara will not dry out or clump.
10. Future Trends in Mascara
● Advanced Natural and Organic Formulation
New products that adapt to changing customers’ needs and tastes are driving a substantial revolution in the sales of mascara. Personalized mascara is being improved by these innovations, which also coincided with larger movements towards sustainable and health-focused cosmetics. We should expect even more advanced formulations featuring organic and natural components.
These formulas, beyond enhancing the eyelash, might deliver caring benefits to the eyes.
● Vegan and Cruelty-Free Mascara
Consumers are increasingly becoming conscious of animal welfare issues and want to support companies that are concerned about these issues. The majority of companies are now looking to create mascaras that are cruelty-free and free from animal products. This will encourage them to produce more eco-friendly mascara products.
This trend is voiced in the growing demand for vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics, which is part of a broad trend toward ethical consumerism.
Conclusion
Custom mascara is changing the beauty industry by offering consumers various customization options. With custom mascara, you can create your formula, customize the mascara wand, choose suitable matching, and enhance functionality.
Explore and invest in personalized mascara options to give your eyes a desired look effortlessly.
