Mascara

Mascara (ital. mascara, similar to maschera = mask); mascara is a cosmetic product for tinting and visually emphasizing the eyelashes. The eye-catching effect of mascara is due to the fact that the natural lashes become thinner and lighter towards the tip and thus appear shorter than they actually are. By tinting the lashes, they become visible along their entire length. Furthermore, the additional layer of colour applied ensures that the lashes become thicker and therefore appear stronger. Sometimes mascara also contains artificial silk or nylon fibres, so that the optical effect is accompanied by an actual lengthening of the lashes.

Mascara belongs to the cosmetic products. Together with eye shadow and eyeliner products, they form the product segment of eye cosmetics.

Helena Rubinstein developed the viscous mascara commonly used today in 1957. Usually filled in a bottle, the mascara can be applied without preparation with a small round brush. Mascara can be applied to all lashes. The brush is moved from the base of the lashes away from the eye to the end of the lashes.

Many users prefer waterproof mascara to avoid the effect of "blurred eyes" during sweating, tears or intensive skin contact. The "water resistance" is achieved by keeping the water content of the mascara low in favour of silicone oils and paraffins. "Natural cosmetic" mascara generally does not achieve this effect with pure natural products.