Mascara is a cosmetic product that people apply to their eyelashes to make them look darker, thicker, and longer. It comes in a small tube with a brush applicator, and the mascara itself is usually black or brown, though it can be found in other colors.

The brush has tiny bristles that coat each eyelash as you sweep it upward from the base to the tip. When applied carefully, mascara makes the eyes look more open and defined. Many people wear mascara for special occasions like school dances or family photographs, while others wear it daily as part of their routine.

Modern mascara was invented in the early 1900s, but people have been darkening their eyelashes for thousands of years using materials like kohl, charcoal, and even burnt cork.

Mascara can smudge if you rub your eyes or get caught in the rain, and some types are waterproof to prevent this. Removing mascara at the end of the day requires makeup remover or gentle soap and water, since it's designed to stay put once applied.