Abstract

The age-old question of “is waterproof mascara actually waterproof?” has rarely been

tested and answered until now. However, articles have been written about the topic of waterproof

mascara such as an article written for Refinery29. (Brillson & Bromley, 2012). The main

question is if waterproof mascara is actually waterproof. The predicted results/hypothesis of this

experiment is that the high end waterproof mascara would be the most waterproof out of all of

the mascaras tested and that the low end waterproof mascara would be more waterproof than all

tested except the high end waterproof.

While testing the mascaras, the procedure went almost exactly how it was planned. Each

mascara was applied to three eyelashes, sprayed with water, dragged across a seperate piece of

copy paper, and the data was recorded. In total, there were four mascaras tested: two waterproof

mascaras and two normal mascaras. Each price range had two mascaras being tested, a normal

and a waterproof. The brands used were Covergirl and Lancome.

The mascaras differed vastly in streak length. The normal Covergirl mascara average

streak length was 13.3 cm and the waterproof Covergirl mascara average streak length was 18.3

cm. The normal Lancome mascara average streak length was 12 cm and the waterproof version

was 4.7 cm. The high end waterproof mascara is more waterproof than all other mascaras tested.

The low end waterproof mascara was the least waterproof mascara of all tested.

This is beneficial information to know that this high end waterproof mascara is more

waterproof than the low end one. Testing these different mascaras for their waterproofness

ability is good information to have so that while purchasing mascaras, people will know some

mascaras to buy and some to stay away from.

 Methods

On January 23, 2018 in a house in Atlanta, Georgia, testing the low end Covergirl

mascara began. When the testing began, two pairs of Ardell Natural Eyelashes were opened and

three eyelashes were placed on the back of a white board calendar. All of the Ardell eyelashes

used were the 110 Black Natural Lashes. After that, the Covergirl LashBlast Volume mascara

and the waterproof version of the same one were opened. Both Covergirl mascaras and both

Lancome mascaras were consistent in color, all being black. Then, the Covergirl LashBlast

Volume Mascara was applied to each of the three eyelashes on the back of the white board. Two

coats of mascara were applied on the underside of the eyelashes. After that, the timer on an

iPhone 6s was set 2 minutes the eyelashes sat for two minutes. When the timer went off, each

eyelash was sprayed two times with a spray bottle (an old rinsed out TreSemme hairspray bottle)

of room temperature tap water. One at a time, each eyelash was picked up and was placed on a

sheet of copy paper so that the side the mascara was applied to was face down on the paper. A

Q-Tip was used to drag it the full length of the 8.5 x 11 copy paper. The distance across the piece

of the paper that the mascara made a mark on is called the streak length. This was done for the

remainder of the eyelashes. Once this was finished, the eyelash was stuck on the paper and each

paper was labeled with the trial number and the length the mascara was on the paper. The length

of each streak of mascara was recorded on a MacBook Air laptop. Pictures were taken and the

materials were placed in a closet.

On February 4th, 2018 these measures were repeated with the two high end Lancome

Grandiose Wide Angle Fan Effect waterproof and normal mascaras. These two mascaras were
tested on the floor of the kitchen instead of the back of the white board. The procedure was done

the exact same way as the Covergirl mascaras.

The materials from this experiment are currently in a closet on the shelf and have not

been tampered with since the experiment.

 Results

All of the mascaras tested averaged different numbers for the streak length. The normal

Covergirl Lash Blast mascara averaged 13.3 cm, and the waterproof Covergirl Lash Blast

mascara 18.3 cm. The normal Lancome Grandiose Wide Angle Fan Effect mascara averaged 12

cm, and the waterproof Lancome mascara averaged 4.7 cm. The normal Lancome Grandiose

Wide Angle Fan Effect mascara markings were lighter than the normal Covergirl Lash Blast

Volume mascara, which were clumpy.

The average length across a piece of paper was the longest for the Covergirl Lash Blast Volume
Waterproof mascara (18.3 cm, sd=11.6), the next longest for the Covergirl Lash Blast Volume
Mascara (13.333, sd= 3.329), then the Lancome Grandiose Wide Angle Fan Effect Mascara (12
cm, sd= 6.6) and finally the Waterproof Lancome Grandiose Wide Angle Fan Effect Mascara
(4.6 cm, sd= 5.5). Each mascara was tested three times. It was applied to three fake eyelashes,
each of which was tested once.
 Claims

The data of the waterproof and normal high and low end mascaras showed that the high

end waterproof mascara is more waterproof than the other types of mascara tested.The average

length across a piece of paper was the longest for the Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof

mascara (18.3 cm, sd=11.6), the next longest for the Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara (13.3

cm, sd= 3.3), then the Lancome Grandiose Wide Angle Fan Effect Mascara (12 cm, sd= 6.6) and

finally the Waterproof Lancome Grandiose Wide Angle Fan Effect Mascara (4.7 cm, sd= 5.5).

The hypothesis was partially correct because the waterproof Lancome mascara was more

waterproof than the rest of them.

Contrary to expectations, the low end waterproof mascara was the least waterproof of all

of them. It was believed that the low end waterproof mascara would be more waterproof than all

other mascaras tested except for the high end waterproof mascara. That is not what ended up

happening.
 Discussion

The data does not completely support the hypothesis written. The data showed that the

waterproof Covergirl mascara was the least waterproof, followed by the normal Lancome

mascara, then the normal Covergirl mascara, and finally the waterproof Lancome mascara. The

hypothesis was based off of an experiment conducted where the waterproofness of mascara was

tested (A proposal of a standardized, 2016). In this experiment, 20 pairs off false eyelashes were

used. The mascara and eyeliner was applied and the eyelashes were then dunked in water. The

eyelashes were given twenty minutes to sit and dry. The results were determined to the scale of

greater than or less than 50% waterproof removal ratio (WPR). The waterproof mascara was

<50% which makes it waterproof and the normal mascara was >50% which makes in non

waterproof.

The Lancome waterproof mascara was expected to be the most waterproof and it was.

The Lancome normal mascara was expected to be the next most waterproof, but it came in third.

There is a big difference between these two Lancome products, a 10.5 cm difference in

averages.. The Covergirl normal mascara was the second most waterproof. The Covergirl

waterproof mascara may have been the least waterproof due to a product mix up at the factory or

a change of ingredients in the product that did not work out. The waterproof Covergirl mascara

has Tall Oil Glycerides and ​Pentaerythrityl Hydrogenated Rosinate which may have contributed

to the lack of waterproofness despite being designed to make the mascara more waterproof.

(Covergirl rep Phylicia, 2017). I could not find differences between the ingredients of the

Lancome Grandiose Mascara and the Waterproof Lancome Grandiose Mascara which is strange

because one is waterproof and one is not.

 While testing the mascaras, taking the temperature of the water and the room was

forgotten. This may have changed the results slightly, but most likely did not. It was not thought

of to test the mascaras on the same day on the same surface with the exact same conditions. One

day, two of the mascaras were tested in a room where the fan may have been on which could

have dried them faster, therefore changing the results. The other day the experiment was

conducted, the two mascaras were tested in the kitchen without a fan.

Dragging the eyelash with the mascara on it after it had been sprayed and sat for two

minutes across a piece of paper did not seem like the best possible method because the eyelash

would stick to the paper. However, there did not seem to be any alternative way to test them

successfully. Immersing the eyelashes in water and then testing the mascara a different way is a

better idea. Using a natural mascara and waterproof version of the natural mascara as well would

be ideal to see how the ingredients work differently and if the ingredients matter in the way the

mascara works. Having more trials and more mascaras would show the differing of ingredients

and would show the way different price range mascaras work.

Makeup fans would love to know this information before investing in a mascara. Once

someone learns this information, it may spark their interest in makeup science, which would be

an interesting career choice Also, this could prevent someone from buying a mascara that does

not work. People who wear makeup know that makeup can be expensive, so researching a

product before buying it is always a good idea.Waterproof mascara is a popular topic, and there

is information about it on Refinery 29 (Brillson & Bromley, 2012). According to Natalie from

Gee Beauty, when seeking a mascara it is important to determine where it will be worn so that

the best possible one is selected. For example, go waterproof if you are attending a long event, a
sporting event, or if you have allergies so it will not run. Knowing what conditions to wear

normal mascara under and when to wear waterproof mascara is important to some people.

If a follow up experiment with unlimited money, time, and resources was available,

testing the waterproofness of eyeliners would be interesting. Testing more mascaras of different

value, such as a $1 dollar store mascara and an expensive designer mascara would be interesting

as well. Also, testing how these mascaras actually wear from day to day. For that, there would

need to be another way to test the amount of mascara that comes off. It would be interesting to

find out if the results would be different on actual eyelashes being worn all day than on false

ones having mascara on them for two minutes.

 Appendix
Science Fair 2017-2018
Experimental Project Proposal
1. Name of principal investigator (you):
McKenna Ching

2. Name(s) and credentials of adult collaborator(s):

Ms. Williams who is a 10th grade chemistry teacher at Galloway.
Phylicia who works for the Global Consumer Affairs department at Covergirl.

3. Contributions of adult collaborator(s):

In one or two sentences, briefly summarize how each collaborator contributed to this
project.
Ms. Williams and I discussed the ideas of hydrophobic and hydrophilic. She also suggested that I
use a thin layer chromatography, but later decided that it was too advanced.

Phylicia from Covergirl responded to my request for information about the Covergirl Lash Blast
Mascara.

4. Below, write an introductory statement including:

a) (1-2 sentences) What are you testing? (include IV and DV)

b) (1-2 sentences) Relevance: Why does anyone care/how is it relevant to real life?

c) (1-2 sentences) Context: Describe a related experiment from your research.

You can write about each of these items in any order.

Your statement should be well-written (grammar and spelling).

There should be APA-style parenthetical citations for b) and c). ​Click here for formatting
guide and examples​.

I am testing the waterproofness of mascara and what makes it waterproof. The

independent variables are the mascaras I choose to test and the dependent variable is
the waterproofness of the mascara as measured by the amount of mascara that comes
off with water. This is an important topic that people care about because it will show if
waterproof mascara is actually waterproof compared to normal mascara. For people
who are swimmers or athletes and wear mascara, this would be useful information
(Brillson & Bromley, 2012). A related experiment from my research was an experiment
where there were 130 people who wore mascara. Out of these people, 19% had
eyelashes fall out and 31% had eye irritation (Rajani, et al., 2013).

5. Independent and dependent variables

If you plan to assess more than one of each, add as many rows as needed.
independent Mascaras used
variable

dependent Mascara that comes off/waterproofness

variable

6. Baseline control
The baseline control provides a baseline of data that you compare your results to.
Baseline/comparison control I am going to test multiple mascaras for their waterproofness.
(what are you comparing your The baseline control will be false eyelashes without mascara.
results to?)

7. Hypothesis
This should be a testable statement that indicates the IV, DV, and usually baseline control.
It should be concise and clear.
The high end waterproof mascara will be more waterproof than the high end normal mascara, low
end waterproof mascara, and the non waterproof mascara. The low end waterproof mascara will
be more waterproof than the low end normal and high end normal mascara, but not the high end
waterproof mascara.

8. Other variables
What might interfere with your results, and what can you do about it?
You need to do your best to ensure that only the variable you are testing (IV) is responsible
for your results.
a. One way to do this is to be sure that a variable is the same for all your test groups.
These are called ​standardized variables​.
 b. Another way to ensure something is not interfering with results is to test it. This
would be a ​control group​.
c. Sometimes it is not possible or feasible to eliminate the effects of a variable. These
are called ​extraneous variables​. You need to identify these, and acknowledge their
possible impact when you analyze your data.

In the table below, list variables and factors that you want to ensure do not interfere with
your results. Indicate if it is a standardized variable, control group, or extraneous variable.
Add as many rows as you need.
What is the What will you do about it? Is it a standardized
problem? variable, control group,
(the variable) or extraneous variable?

Coats of Apply a certain amount of coats per each eyelashes, Standardized variable
mascara even if they look different. I will try to use the same
applied/force level of force when applying the mascara.

Temperature I can take the temperature of the water every time Standardized variable
of water before I test the mascara.

Type of I will use the same brand and style of lashes every Standardized variable
eyelashes time

9. Robust results:
To generate meaningful results, you need to test many subjects and/or repeat your test
several times. Indicate below your plans for each, as applicable for your project:
Add as many rows as needed.
Sample size 3 different pairs of eyelashes per mascara.
(number of subjects)

Repeated measures
(how many times is the I am going to test each mascara 3 times.
test repeated?)

9. Subjects:
Who or what will you test? Do you need permission or help to use them?
If your project does not have living test subjects, write “none” below.
Add as many rows as needed.
Test subjects Help or permission from whom?

None None
10. Ethics:
Please put an x in the appropriate space below and complete the instructions that apply to
you:
I am testing people. I have completed the ​human subjects [link to your completed
ethics form​ (paste the link in this table, in column to the form here. Be sure it is in
right) your Biology folder]

I am testing non-human vertebrate animals. I have [link to your completed

completed the ​vertebrate animal ethics form​ (paste the form here. Be sure it is in
link in this table, in column to the right) your Biology folder]

X I am not testing people or other vertebrate animals

11. Safety:
If you are handling any potentially hazardous materials or tools, list them below and
indicate the safety precautions you plan to take. Add as many rows as needed.
If you are not using any potentially hazardous materials, write “none” below.
material Safety precautions

None None

12. Materials:
If you will need to acquire materials for your experiment (not for the display board), fill in
this table. Add as many rows as needed.
material where are you going to get it from? Approximate cost

Covergirl LashBlast Target, CVS, or Walgreens $9

Volume Mascara

Covergirl LashBlast Target, CVS, or Walgreens $9

Volume Waterproof
Mascara

Lancome Grandiose Sephora $32

Waterproof Mascara

Lancome Grandiose Sephora $32

Wide-Angle Fan Effect
Mascara

(4) Ardell Natural Target, CVS, or Walgreens $48

Multipack 110
 Q-tips Target, CVS, or Walgreens $3

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF MATERIALS​: $133

13. Testing Location(s):

Where will you conduct your experiment? Do you need permission to use the space?
If your project does not need a location, write “none” below.
Add as many rows as needed.
location option for testing permission from whom?

My house

14. Step-by-step plan

Be clear and detailed on each step of your planned procedure.
If you are using parts of a protocol you found in your research, you need to cite it (APA
parenthetical citation) as well.

1. First of all, I am going to take out six eyelashes and put them on the counter.
2. Take out the Covergirl LashBlast Volume mascara and the Covergirl LashBlast Volume
Waterproof mascara.
3. Apply two coats of Covergirl LashBlast Volume mascara to the three Ardell natural
eyelashes.
4. Leave the mascara on the false eyelashes for 2 minutes.
5. Spray the eyelashes with water two times on each eyelash.
6. Wipe the eyelashes with a q-tip the distance of a piece of paper.
7. Record the amount of mascara on the paper by taking a picture of it with my iPhone and
recording the distance it goes. Measure in centimeters and keep the papers.
8. Repeat this process steps #3-#7 but this time, apply two coats of the Covergirl LashBlast
Volume Waterproof mascara to the other three Ardell natural eyelashes.
9. Repeat this process with the Lancome Grandiose Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara and the
Lancome Grandiose Waterproof Mascara.
10. After this, I will record the data in my data table.

15. Time Frame:

In the Calendar below, identify probable dates for key procedure steps.
Note green marks Winter break and orange marks Excursion.
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat

8 9
Proposals
should be
approved

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 Test 24 Test 25 26 27
drugstore expensive
mascaras mascaras
and put
data in
chart

28 29 30 31 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12
Data is due

16. Data Table:

Part of design is knowing exactly what kind of data you will collect and being prepared with
 a data table for documenting it.
In your Biology folder, create a Google sheet and prepare it for your data (label the columns
appropriately to be ready to fill in your observations and measurements). Be sure to
consider:
a. It is a good practice to include dates, times, and locations in your table.
b. Also bear in mind the number of groups and repeated measures you have.
c. Generally you should have space for both qualitative and quantitative observations
Put the ​link​ to the google sheet in the box below:

https://docs.google.com/a/gallowayschool.org/spreadsheets/d/17zh3z5eNo-8R7bUqxe-L91c6k6dm
AGR3kILGo6SctWM/edit?usp=sharing

17. References:
Put annotated APA citations below for any works referenced in this proposal.
Annotated means you include 1) the type of source, 2) how you found it, and 3) a
meaningful sentence or two for each element of the CRAAP test. This annotation is the same
as what you did for the ​citations/annotations assignment​.

Mascara induced milphosis, an etiological evaluation​. (2013, September).

Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/centralk12/docview/1495922885/

385308D642B64BE3PQ/1?accountid=487

1. Academic Journal

2. I searched "mascara" on Proquest.

3. CRAAP

Currency- This was published in September of 2013. It was a lab, so

the information and results don't need to be updated.

Relevance- The information is a little bit advanced, but it was

interesting to read. It gave me an example of a scientific project done

with mascara.

Authority- There are multiple authors and their credentials are

 Listed at the bottom. They are all in the field of science. This was published in the

International Journal of

Trichology.

Accuracy- The information comes from scientists and has been

supported by evidence.

Purpose- The purpose of this is to let people know about how mascara can make one’s

eyelashes fall out.

Brillson, L., & Bromley, S. (2012, April 26). All you need to know about

waterproof mascara. Retrieved October 23, 2017, from Refinery29 website:

http://www.refinery29.com/waterproof-mascara-guide#slide-2

1. Website

2. I googled "waterproof mascara" or a combination of words like:

mascara, waterproof, what makes mascara waterproof, mascara ingredients,

waterproof mascara ingredients, etc.

3. CRAAP

Currency- This information was published in 2012, which was 5 years

ago.

Relevance- The intended audience is anyone interested in waterproof

mascara and the information kind of relates to my project idea. It is

 basically stating when waterproof mascara is the better option.

Authority- There are two co-authors and they do not seem to have

any qualifications. However, the information written in the "article" is

from a partner at a beauty company.

Accuracy- The information comes from Natalie ofGee

Beauty. There is no proof this information is true. She seems to be involved in the beauty

industry and her statements about waterproof mascara are not too scientifical, but are more broad

for a younger audience.

Purpose- This article does not seem too opinionated and the point

of it is to educate people about the basics of waterproof mascara.

Documentation of your work

 References

Averill, L. (2015, January 5). Is mascara dangerous? I talked to a medical expert to find out.

Retrieved October 23, 2017, from Bustle website:

https://www.bustle.com/articles/56351-is-mascara-dangerous-i-talked-to-a-medical-expert-to-fin

d-out

Brillson, L., & Bromley, S. (2012, April 26). All you need to know about waterproof

mascara. Retrieved October 23, 2017, from Refinery 29 website:

http://www.refinery29.com/waterproof-mascara-guide#slide-2

cosmetic. (2016, April 21). Retrieved from Britannica database.

Dautaj, J. (n.d.). How does waterproof mascara work? Retrieved from lovetoknow

website: http://makeup.lovetoknow.com/How_Does_Waterproof_Mascara_Work

Kadri, R., Achar, A., Tantry, T., Parameshwar, D., Kudva, A., & Hegde, S. (2013).

Mascara induced milphosis, an etiological evaluation.​ International Journal of

Trichology, 5​(3), 144-147. http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.125611 Retrieved from

https://search.proquest.com/docview/1495922885?accountid=4879

Parabens in cosmetics. (2016, October 5). Retrieved October 23, 2017, from FDA

website: ​https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/ingredients/ucm128042.htm
 Phylicia. (2017, September 29). [Personal interview by the author].

Kim, M., Seo, Y., Boo, Y., & Koh, J. (2016, January). A proposal of a

standardized protocol to evaluate waterproof effect of eyeliner and

mascara. ​International Journal of Cosmetic Science​. Retrieved from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=mascara+immersed

Riordan, T. (2004). ​Inventing Beauty​. New York City, NY: Broadway Books.

TARTE Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-in-1 Mascara. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2017, from

Sephora website: https://www.sephora.com/product/lights-camera-lashes-P111902

What makes mascara waterproof? (2009, February 25). Retrieved October 23, 2017, from

Popsugar website:

https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/What-Makes-Mascara-Waterproof-2804912

Williams, M. (2017, October 2). [Personal interview by the author].