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Shopping for mascaras can be a pretty daunting task, especially since there are so many variants available. From ones that can lengthen and volumize your lashes to tubing ones that can give you feathery lashes (and are easier to remove, thanks to its tube-like polymers), there's definitely no shortage of mascaras you can try.
READ MORE: The Best Tubing Mascaras To Use For Feathery, Smudge-Proof Lashes
However, if you're looking for something new, you might want to look into changing up the wand and applicator of your mascara. Enter: Mascaras with a steel wand. Compared to regular mascara applicators made with silicone or fiber bristles, steel wand mascaras have—you guessed it—stainless steel applicators that will make it easier to separate your lashes and deposit pigment evenly.
Below, I break down the key differences between the two wands. Keep on scrolling further for a shopping list at the end to get you started! ;)
What's the difference between regular mascara wands and steel mascara wands?
Regular mascara wand
- Uses different materials. The OG mascara wands usually come with silicone, plastic, or fiber brushes—all meant to create different lash looks.
- Made for beginners. Most mascaras with regular wands are accessible and easy to play around and practice with.
- Caters to specific lash goals. Aside from being made with different materials, OG mascara wands also have specific shapes that can create different lash looks. Some examples include a curved wand for a fanned-out curl, an oversized wand for maximum volume, and a tapered cone for dramatic outer lashes.
Steel mascara wand
- Offers lash precision. Since it's smaller and thinner than regular mascara wands, steel combs are able to get in even the harder-to-reach areas of your lashes, like the inner and outer corners, without smudging.
- Avoids clumps. While regular mascara wands may often hold an excess amount of pigment out of the tube due to the nature of its bristles, steel ones deposit just the right amount onto your lashes since the combs don't hold much pigment.
- Gives the look of naturally fanned-out and feathery lashes. The metal coil makes it easier to separate your lashes since the bristles are usually closely set together.
- Can be sanitized. Did you know that you actually have to clean your mascara wand before using it to avoid clumping? (Yep, I only learned that recently, too!) While it can feel sayang to wipe away the excess in conventional mascara wands since there's always a LOT left on the wand, you won't feel the same with a metal one since it always has the right amount of pigment, plus it's easy to polish with a wet wipe before using it.
SHOP: Mascaras with steel wands for separated, feathery lashes
Canmake Tokyo Metalook Mascara
If you're going to trust anyone to make mascara, it would have to be the Japanese—they really know how to make good ones! This newest one from Canmake Tokyo boasts a sleek, thin wand with closely set bristles that can separate your lashes with ease. Its oil-based formula also promises to be run-proof and can withstand sweat, sebum, and water. It's available in two shades: Black and Brown.
Canmake Tokyo Metalook Mascara, P790, Shopee and Lazada
READ MORE: I Tried A Mascara With A *Steel* Wand For The First Time, And I Have Some Thoughts
Judydoll 3D Curling Eyelash Iron Mascara
If you're looking for a more relatively affordable option that is easily accessible, give this one from Judydoll a try. This Chinese beauty brand is known for its soft eyeshadows and hydrating lippies, but we think its mascara also deserves a nod. Its steel bristles can define each lash and its formula is long-wearing and won't transfer to your lids or undereyes at the end of the day.
It has two available wands: Classic (straight) and Curling (curved). There is also a Precision wand that is shorter and curved that's perfect for your lower lashes. All variants come in Black and Brown.
Judydoll 3D Curling Eyelash Iron Mascara, P398, Shopee and Lazada
MilleFée Metal Brush Mascara
If you're looking for another Japanese mascara to add to your rotation, it's worth giving the Metal Brush Mascara from MilleFée a shot. Its formula contains fibers that can lengthen your lashes, while its 360° metal brush can separate and define each hair. It's available in four fun colors: Black, Natural Brown, Pink Brown, and Blue. The brand also sells its own mascara remover for it—a testament to how long-wearing it is!
MilleFée Metal Brush Mascara, P1,100, MilleFée official website
Neogen Dermalogy Extra Volumecurl Metal Maxicara
This mascara from Korean beauty brand Neogen has been making rounds on TikTok for its distinctive pointed packaging and gold steel wand. Its formula is light and hydrating, which means saying goodbye to lashes that lose their curl after a few hours. In fact, the brand boasts that it can last for up to 33 (!) hours. It's available in two colors: Black and Brown.
Neogen Dermalogy Extra Volumecurl Metal Maxicara, P2,654.94, YesStyle
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