Mascara

As you remove the wand away from your eye lashes, the transformation appears instantly.

Suddenly your lashes look thicker, longer, and darker.

But, this change is not brought on by magic.

Mascara — the cosmetic used to darken and define eye lashes — has been around for thousands of years. It can be traced back to at least 3400—30 BC, when the Egyptians wore kohl, made of ingredients such as soot, copper, lead and burnt almonds, in a circle shape around their eyes.

However, times have changed since Ancient Egyptians used this form of mascara. The mascara formula we are familiar with today came in to existence in 1913 by chemist T.L Williams. He mixed Vaseline petroleum jelly with coal dust to create a lash darkener. The tube mascara and wand applicator that is most commonly used now wasn't invented until the late 1950's.

Applying mascara has become a part of some people's everyday routines. With the aid of mascara, eye lashes can change to brown, black, to even deep emerald green! So, what exactly is in that tube that changes and plumps up lashes so dramatically?

What's in the Tube?
The composition of mascara consists of an emulsion of oils, waxes and water. Mixed in the water are  protein component,  vegetable wax component, and vitamin component. These ingredients could vary depending on what brand you buy.

• FACT 1: To make mascara waterproof, balance the oil and water-soluble ingredients. This gives it a resistance to water, but doesn't make it too difficult to wash off later.

Ever wonder how mascaras can give you that longer, fuller lash look? This is because they contain nylon fibers that cling to lashes like mini extensions.

How Mascara is Made
In the production of mascara, the waxes and emulsifiers are mixed together in one vessel and the water soluble ingredients are mixed in a different vessel. Once the
waxes melt, the pigments — the chemicals that provide colour — are added.

•  FACT 2: Carbon and iron oxides provide black, brown and red colours, while chemicals ultramarine blue provides blue and green shades. Only natural colours and inorganic pigments are used in mascara.

When both the portions are sufficiently heated and mixed, they are combined together to form the final product.  A homogenizer device is used to disperse the pigments in a uniform consistency.

When completely mixed, it's time for the product to be transferred to a filling machine where a set amount is pumped into each bottle. The wand or brush is then inserted into the bottle and a machine caps it shut.

The Science of the Application
There's also a science involved in putting on the perfect amount of mascara. A metering ring is built near the opening of the tube with the purpose to scrape off the excess mascara so the brush has a controlled dosage. This makes it so just the right quantity gets to each tiny hair fiber so you achieve your desired effect every time!

Question: When Should I Throw Out Mascara?

Answer: Mascara is one makeup product in your bag that you want to keep tabs on. It's a breeding ground for bacteria. Most mascaras with a tube & a wand have an antibacterial agent in them that last about 6 weeks making you safe for at least a couple months & likely safe up to 4. You risk eye infection the longer you keep the product. If you notice the smell changes or the texture changes, throw it out. It's not worth it.