Amplify Yourself
If eyes do the talking, mascara is the microphone. These are shout-outs to our
favorite formulas across categories, whether you seek length, fullness, or a
smudge-free guarantee. Find one that speaks to you, then fine-tune your technique.
TEXT BY CLAIRE SULLIVAN
/ COUNTER INTELLIGENCE /
101
Indigo
The plant you know best as a natural fabric dye is now being touted as a skin
soother, cropping up in face, eye, and hand creams. And it’s a bona fide
psoriasis treatment: Studies have found that two compounds derived from
its leaves, indirubin and tryptanthrin, diminish red, dry patches and
inflammation. But the jury’s still out on whether indigo can relieve other
conditions that cause flare-ups, like eczema and rosacea, or deflate the
puffiness that contributes to skin aging, says Houston dermatologist Rajana
Katta. Until more research has been done, she says, “look for products that
combine it with other proven ingredients,” such as itch-relieving colloidal
oatmeal or skin-fortifying hyaluronic acid. —Elyse Moody
R AVE REVIEWS
Lash Tips
TIME IT RIGHT
Mascara is a magnet
for powders when it’s
tacky, so “always apply
it last, except for lips,”
says New York City make-
up artist Mary Irwin.
To keep it from transfer-
ring to your lids, use
your thumb as a shield
while putting it on,
says Los Angeles make-
up artist Sir John.
WEAR LAYERS
One coat looks natural,
but for more impact,
keep building. “Wiggling
it back and forth will
give volume,” says Irwin,
“and upward strokes
lend length.”
GO FULL-CIRCLE
Sir John suggests a
single swipe on the
lower lashes for oomph:
Look in the mirror
with your chin down to
detail those fine hairs.
CANCEL CLUMPS
Before the formula dries,
run a metal lash comb
through, says Irwin.
Martha’s
Pick
TRY: Fragrance-free Tatcha The Indigo
Cream, with Japanese indigo
and 2 percent colloidal oatmeal, a go-to
skin calmer. $85, tatcha.com.
- The Big Easy
Gel pigments give Maybelline New
York Snapscara its deep, quick-coating
color, and the wax-free formula makes
removal truly a snap—just splash
your eyes with warm water, no rubbing
necessary. $8, maybelline.com.
2. The Conditioner
RevitaLash Volumizing Primer and
Mascara has dual benefits: One side
delivers hydrating panthenol; the other
wields a water-resistant top coat with
strengthening biotin. $35, revitalash.com.
3. The Gentle Giant
Non-irritating and long-wearing, Burt’s
Bees Nourishing Mascara (Martha’s
choice) is a saving grace for sensitive
eyes. $13, burtsbees.com.
- The Drama Queen
For serious payoff, try the fluffy-bristled
Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara. Its
creamy formula creates fullness without
clumps or flakes. $25, lancome.com.
5. The Lash Hugger
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
is clingy in the best way: As it dries, it
encases each lash in a tube of inky
color that leaves no midday darkness
under your eyes. The coverings slip
right off when you cleanse—zero residue
left behind. $28, kevynaucoin.com.
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY PETER ARDITO MARTHA STEWART LIVING 57
