There are many different brands of mascara, but perhaps the biggest debate is not which brand you should be using, but what type of mascara is better for your eyes: waterproof or non-waterproof?

Many women favor waterproof mascara, especially in the warmer months because sweat can make your makeup run. It’s also beneficial for women with naturally watery eyes, oily skin, or for those who want to hold their lashes in place, for example, if they are straight and you need to curl them, as this stronghold formula will keep them in place. Actually, the formula is the main difference between waterproof mascara and the washable stuff, and it’s also the reason why waterproof mascara is the least preferable choice of the two because it’s much harder to clean off, which could result in damage. On the other hand, non-waterproof mascara is lighter on the lashes and a much better product for everyday use.

Lashes are one of the most delicate hairs on the body, and HealthSnap claims that you can lose a few lashes in the scrubbing process. But whether waterproof mascara is bad for your eyelashes or not, largely depends on the way you remove it, and according to Southern Living, the rubbing on the sensitive skin around your eyes is going to cause damage.

However, if you think you cannot live without waterproof mascara, then Makeup has some suggestions for ensuring that your lashes don’t get damaged when washing off your mascara. The site suggests using a conditioning primer first, and a good remover, or simply forgoing waterproof mascara but then using a top coat over your regular formula.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that whatever mascara you use, it should be thrown away after three months — even if you still think there’s some life left in it. The reason for this is because of the bacteria culture that can be found in these products after daily use, Health Snap reports.

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