The key difference between eyeliner and mascara is that eyeliner is applied on the edge of the upper and lower eyelashes, whereas mascara is applied on the eyelashes.
Both eyeliners and mascara are frequently used makeup items to enhance the look of the eyes. They are available in different forms, and both often contain the same pigments and thickeners.
Since you apply them near the eyes, you should be careful about their ingredients and antibacterial agents. Antibacterial agents in most types of mascaras last for only 6 weeks. So you have to replace them after every 3 or 4 months. You should be aware of the smell and texture change of the eyeliners and mascaras. Moreover, if your eyes get irritated after using them, you must discontinue using them.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is an Eyeliner
3. What is a Mascara
4. Eyeliner vs Mascara in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Eyeliner vs Mascara
What is an Eyeliner?
Eyeliner is a makeup product that is applied to the contours of the eyes to define their look. Eyeliners can create various looks, from natural to more dramatic or exaggerated looks. In modern fashion, eyeliner is worn by both men and women.
Eyeliners were first worn by women about 5000 years ago in the Bronze Age. In those days, kohl, a lead-based mixture, was used by them. It was applied in some regions for cultural or ceremonial purposes; for example, in ancient Egypt, women used kohl eyeliner to protect their eyes from the sun’s glare.
There are different types of eyeliners like gel, wax-based pencils, powder-based pencils, liquid, shimmer, and cream eyeliners. These can be applied using various equipment like brushes, pens, and fingers. These are used to create different shapes of eyeliners like simple eyeliner, winged eyeliner, cat eyeliner, long liner eyeliner, glitter eyeliner, reverse winged eyeliner, smokey smudged eyeliner, multi-colored eyeliner, and double winged eyeliner.
All eyeliners have the same basic ingredients, pigments, and thickness. They have pigments like iron oxides for black and brown, chromium oxide for green, titanium oxide for white, and ultramarine for blue. They also have thickeners like natural gums, clays, and wax, which help the formula stick to the lids.
Before applying eyeliners, you can apply a layer of concealer or eye shadow on the lids of your eyes to prevent smudging. Then wait about 30 seconds before opening the eyes to prevent the transfer of pigments.
What is a Mascara?
Mascara is a makeup product that is applied on the upper and lower eyelashes to enhance their look. It is used to thicken, lengthen, darken and define eyelashes. There are various forms of mascara, such as liquid, cream, or powder. Out of these, the most common form is a semi-liquid form in a small tube with a round brush named a wand to apply. It was introduced in 1957.
Almost all types of mascara include the same ingredients, like pigments, wax, oils, and preservatives. There are also various types of mascara; colored, volumizing, and waterproof. Colored mascara is available in many colors; volumizing mascara has nylon or rayon fibers, and waterproof mascara prevents smudging. Some mascaras even have pro-vitamin B5, which is a conditioner.
When applying mascara, the wand should be drawn across the total length of the lashes. You should make sure that the mascara separates the lashes and that they do not lump together. This should be applied on both lashes, and if a second coating is needed, you should apply it after the first coat dries completely.
What is the Difference Between Eyeliner and Mascara?
The key difference between eyeliner and mascara is that eyeliner is applied on the edge of the upper and lower eyelashes while the mascara is applied on the eyelashes. Furthermore, eyeliners help to make the eyes look larger, whereas mascara helps to make the eyes look fuller.
Below is a summary of the difference between eyeliner and mascara in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Eyeliner vs Mascara
Eyeliner is a makeup product that is applied to the contours of the eyes to define their look. You can apply it either on the top lid, lower lid, or both. Eyeliners give a dramatic and pigmented look and make the eyes look larger. Mascara is a makeup product that is applied on the upper and lower eyelashes to enhance their look. They give a subtle natural look and make the eyes look fuller. So, this is the summary of the difference between eyeliner and mascara.
Reference:
1. “Eye Liner.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Mascara.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Liquid eye liner” Ludmiła Pilecka – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “A Close-Up Shot of a Person Applying a Mascara Makeup” (CC0) via Pexels