Mascara

When an oversize wand is involved, mascara application can turn into a big mess. That was until we tried the Revlon Lash Potion Mascara ($8). The Illusionist wand (yes, it has a special name) is made with varying levels of bristles. The smallest ones grab onto roots, and the lengthier sections help add height to your lashes. In essence, you're really getting multiple brushes in one. We wouldn't recommend using this wand on bottom lashes because of the hefty size, but on top lashes, you get that extra length in just a few swipes. The formula isn't too thick, so it's easy to build, and once it dries, lashes are still soft to the touch. Our main complaint: lashes got so long they left black smudges on lids (which is easily solved with a few extra seconds of dry time). But somehow that doesn't seem like a bad problem to have.

We saw bright pink lashes backstage at the Donna Karan Spring 2013 show, and now there are plenty of new colored mascaras hitting Summer makeup counter displays. From yellows and blues to pinks and greens, there's a wand for painting your lashes, too.

The L'Été Papillon de Chanel collection was inspired by the iridescent hues of butterflies' wings, and the limited-edition Inimitable Waterproof Mascara ($30) comes in a range of blues and a yellow shade. YSL's False Lash Effect Shocking Mascara ($30) debuted yet another color in the range, Jade Black, a deep forest green. And if you were hoping to re-create the pop of pink from Donna Karan, Hypercolor Brow & Lash Tint from Anastasia Beverly Hills ($22) should be your go-to tube. It comes in bright shades of pink, purple, and blue. And to really enhance your colored lashes, try rimming your eyes with a matching liner.

Clear mascara is one of those makeup products you might not use all that often, but it offers a little bit of something for everyone. At its basic level, clear mascara defines and separates the lashes, adding volume, the illusion of length, and a touch of brightening sparkle to the eyes. It also works to moisturize and condition eyelashes. But did you know that there are other ways you can utilize this multitasking wonder? It will all be crystal clear when you read more.

Does your lower-lash mascara always get smudged or clumped? Allure has all the tips for taking the guesswork out of under-eye enhancement techniques.

Ah, the lower lashes: They're so little, but they can go so wrong. Add a smidgen too much mascara and they clump. Two smidgens, and you've got scary spider-lash syndrome. The only people who seem to be able to pull this off are makeup artists, so we asked them how to apply bottom-lash mascara like a pro. (Or at least like a noncrazy-looking person.) Get their expert tips when you keep reading.

L'Oréal's Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara in Black Lacquer ($9) will make you notice lashes you never even realized you had. It's in part due to the formula, a blend of short and long nylon and rayon fibers, as well as the shape of a brush: long and slender with reaches-everything, minisized bristles. And when it comes to lengthening and volumizing, this impressive multitasking mascara does not fail to impress. Lashes are left looking longer, curlier, and thicker without clumpy or spidery results. And after 12 hours of wear, no flakes or smudges were detected. Word to the wise: wipe excess product for best results, and apply quickly. No second coat is needed for ultrablack lashes that look so polished and chic, they could almost be mistaken for fake.