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A Complete Guide to the Confusing World of Mascara Wands

Plus, which one to use if you want to look more awake.
Mascara Wands For Perfect Lashes

For reasons that should be glaringly clear, most women would choose mascara as their desert-island product: Not only does it define your eyes which are supposed to be the window to your soul all all, but a good mascara can make you look like you actually slept well last night, even if you’ve been up all night Googling flu-like symptoms (just me?).

MORE: This Life-Changing Mascara Hack Will Make Your Eyes Look Bigger

And while we’ve long been told that the formula—waterproof, lengthening, volumizing—is what matters most, it’s really all in the brush. “In my years of mascara testing, I’ve found 100% that the mascara wand is the most important for getting the lash look you want,” says NYC-based makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci, who’s responsible for this gorgeous look. “It really doesn’t matter the formula: Every brush shape, size, and material will deposit product differently.”

MORE: Drugstore Smackdown: 5 Volumizing Mascaras, 1 Ultimate Winner

And of course, using a mascara wand that was made for volume when you really want length won’t be a total buzzkill on your look, but you’re cutting yourself off at the knees if you totally ignore the brush. Ahead, a primer on which mascara wand you should choose—and options to shop at every price point.

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