The 3 Types of Mascara Everyone Needs

by Shelby Kimbrough

Published Dec 6, 2013

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We all have our beauty staples. The lipsticks, eye shadows, and mascaras we reach for almost automatically, morning after morning. Not unlike a timeless pair of black pumps. But—just like donning the same shoes day-in and day-out—wearing the exact same products everyday is, well, boring. Even if you do tend to stick to basics for everyday, it’s nice to be able to switch things up for special occasions, right? When we asked Viviana Martin, the Pro Artists Relations Manager for Kevyn Aucoin, if that principle extends to something as basic as mascara, she said responded with a resounding Yes. “Clean and natural mascara for day is best; for evening, I like more of a drama lash,” she says.

Alternating between a more natural and a bolder mascara is a good way to keep your eye makeup from looking and feeling monotone. Martin recommends stocking your kit with at least one everyday mascara and one that’s reserved for special occasions. But you don’t have to stop there. Go ahead and throw in a colored option, or a pair of sparkly, pink falsies—anything that makes you feel glamorous! A three-mascara wardrobe, we think, is justifiable for everyone. (But if you’re a pro, you might need more—check out this guide.)

1: Everyday Wear

Look for mascaras labeled “volumizing,” “lengthening,” or “curling,” but steer clear of waterproof formulas. “Waterproof mascaras are typically heavy, which can dry out lashes and lead to clumps if used daily,” says Martin. Her go-to for everyday: The Volume Mascara by Kevyn Aucoin, which yields thick, shiny lashes that last all day.

More picks: Kevyn Aucoin The Curling Mascara, Korres Provitamin B5 & Rice Bran Mascara, Inglot Cosmetics Perfect Length & Define Mascara

2: Special Occasions

Special occasion and evening mascaras are all about the drama. Choose formulas that combine two or more benefits (like “volumizing and lengthening”) to make eyes pop. For evening wear, Martin uses The Essential Mascara by Kevyn Aucoin to give lashes length, volume, and curl, or layers The Essential with The Volume for extra oomph.

More picks: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, Dior Waterproof Diorshow Mascara, Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara** **

3: Just for Fun!

Colored mascaras are a great way to add a pop of color to your look, and there are lots of wonderful options out there. Martin likes bold greens, purples, and blues—shades that really stand out on lashes. One of her favorites right now is the new Rimmel Extra Pop Lash which comes in green, turquoise, purple, and black.

More picks: Inglot Cosmetics Colour Play Mascara (in green, blue, purple, navy), Dior Diorshow Mascara in Azure Blue, Anastasia Hypercolor Brow and Lash Tint (in blue, pink, and violet)