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COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Waterproof Mascara We gave it a perfect five out of five in every category, noting that the curved brush deposited the perfect amount of product, that it didn't smudge at all when we “cried” (a.k.a. placed saline drops in our eyes), and that it made our lashes look both fuller and longer.

It was during the Romantic era that cosmetics first came into use, although homemade substances and elixirs were still common. The first mascara was developed by Eugène Rimmel (yes, that Rimmel), a perfumer to Queen Victoria, and was primarily comprised of coal dust and Vaseline jelly.

The French discovered mascara during the conquest of Algeria in the mid-19th century, because the tribes of the highlands used it as a beauty product but also to protect themselves from various trachoma and eye diseases. The product that people recognize today as mascara did not develop until the 19th century.

The first traces of the use of mascara date back to ancient Egypt, around 3000 BC. Egyptian women used a"kohl" made of a mixture of animal fat, antimony and soot. So mascara was originally antimony powder.

Indeed, makeup in general was thought to have a protective function against evil influences as well as everyday annoyances like too-bright sunlight. The kohl-ringed styles of the time weren't just the predecessor to today's perfect cat eye look, but held their own power.

But it wasn't until the 1800s that the first commercial mascara hit the scene. Cosmetics legend Eugene Rimmel, a perfumer to Queen Victoria, developed a mixture of coal dust and petroleum jelly, which was sold in pancake form with an applicator that looked like a tiny modern toothbrush.

Women would use the poisonous belladonna to make their eyes appear more luminous in the 1800's. During this time, make up was made by pharmacists and would include ingredients of mercury and nitric acid. Actresses and prostitutes during the Victorian era were looked down upon because they wore make up.

Here are 6 simple tricks to prevent mascara from smudging. Cleanse Your Face (and Lashes) Apply a Primer. Use a Tri-Locking Mascara. Lightly Dust Under the Eyes — Never Bake. (Occasionally) Wipe Your Undereyes. Apply Mascara Correctly.

“After applying liner on your upper lid, go over it with a translucent powder using a fine liner brush,” says Quinn. For lower lashes, try using a sheer pressed powder along the lash line before and after applying liner for extra staying powder.