Behind the Glamour: How Black Mascara Enhances Your Eyes and The Importance of Toxin-Free Formulas
BLACK MASCARA .... there is nothing like it for transformation and effect. But have you ever wondered how this product with it's magic wand works so closely to the windows of our soul? In this blog we will talk about the mystique of black mascara, the importance of avoiding toxins close to our water line and explore the pros/cons and simplicity of cleansing with water based formulas as well as the pros/cons of oil based mascaras, along with a little PFAS info thrown in for good measure.
How does mascara enhance our eyes
Definition: Framing your eyes lashes bring focus to the eye area - we communicate so much with our eyes that it is natural to want to bring attention to them. Even from a far the observers eye are drawn to the dark outline. 
Enhancing Eye Color: Black mascara frames your eye by providing a visual contrast between the lash and the whites of the eyes, creating a frame and so visually enhancing the natural color of the irises. Brown mascara deepens the eyelashes and brings attention to the eye area but in a more subtle way. Colour mascara's are fun but tend to throw off the viewer and so the effect is not as inviting but more visual and done well (incorporated in a whole make up ) they can be fantastic.
Volume and length : Black mascara formulas vary in their intention. Some use silica and other fibers to create volume others stay away from fillers to focus on length.
The importance of Toxin - Free Formulas Near Your Eyes
Lips and Eyes are the most vulnerable to absorption of PFAS or any toxins!!
Avoidance of Allergies and Irritation: the skin around our eyes is the thinnest of our body and very delicate. Toxins in mascara can cause allergies, redness, irritation and possible long term discomfort and damage.
Prevention of Eye Infections : mascara wands can be a breeding ground for bacteria and as they are used close to such delicate skin and the actual waterline, using a toxic chemical close to the eye can have long term negative results .
Prevention of dermal absorption : the skin being so delicate and the product being put on so close to the water line the chances of dermal absorption is probably higher in this area where the skin is it's thinnest.
The Simplicity of a WaterBased Formula Removal
1. Gentle Cleansing: water based mascaras comes off with warm water, they are gentle on the lashes and skin around your eyes allowing for effortless removal without pulling and tugging. The result is that the lashes don't get pulled out or stressed.
2. No residue left behind: without an oil base, water based mascaras do not leave a residue and so are far less likely to clog pores leaving your skin staying fresh.
3. Eco-friendly choice: many water based formulas are biodegradable, some like SAPPHO have tested PFAS NonDetect <10ppm and that makes them a good choice for those looking for environmentally friendly products
4. Waterbased formulas however are not recommended for those with watery eyes, or for use at weddings or funerals - they are 'happy mascaras' that will run with water and tears but if left dry will never smudge because there is no oil in the mascara to mix and transfer color to the oil on your skin. ie no racoon eyes.
Oil Based Mascaras
1. Oil based mascaras need oil for removal and if made with natural oils and butters can be made in such a way to be water- resistant - not water proof . These mascaras can be more voluminous than water based products and can last but also can smudge as the oil from on the lashes mixes with the oil on your skin. Check mamavation to see if there are any oil based mascaras that are testing non-detect for PFAS.
2. Waterproof mascara at this juncture is probably not a product one should be using - many testing very high for PFAS ( mamavation.com) for both yourself and the environment.
REFILLABLE - SAPPHO vegan mascara comes in a refillable reusable metal casing to refill with an inner tube when ready. All the plastic and the formula has been tested for organic fluorine and came out nondetct <10ppm . It took us making 4 wands to find one to test safely.
Your eyes are precious and what you put near them matters and as we learn more we become better equipped to make choices that enhance our natural beauty but also are healthy for us and our planet.