The character of eyelashes and the choice of mascara in Korean women.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Skin care products based on the skin type and sensitivity have been successfully appealed in cosmetics market, but there has been few researches related with the character of customer in the field of make-up product including mascara. The aim of this study is to analyse and classify the eyelashes of Korean women objectively and to find out the relationship between individual eyelash character and expecting mascara-effect.

METHODS

For 50 Korean women in their twenties to thirties, 12 parameters related to shape of eyelashes were investigated using image analysis system with digital camera. The experimental data were compared with the subjects' perception and questionnaire to determine the tendency of mascara was performed on same panels. Subjects were classified and the relation between the shape of eyelashes and need for mascara was investigated by statistical procedure.

RESULTS

Average length of centre section (ALCS), covering ratio (CR) and curl-up angle (CA) were the numerical parameters that can represent the length, thickness and curling of subjects' eyelashes, respectively. Subjects were classified into 6 clusters (I approximately VI) by the similarity of above three parameters using cluster analysis method. Cluster I approximately III were characterized as the short and thin eyelashes with a preference for long-lash effect and complaint about staining of lower-eyelid in the use of mascara. Cluster IV approximately VI had the long and thick eyelashes with preference for volume-up effect of mascara and complaint about cleaving of eyelashes. Subjects had five sorts of preference patterns about mascara-effects and those patterns were highly related with the shape of their eyelashes.

CONCLUSION

Image analysis system and statistical procedure were the useful methods in characterizing the shape of eyelash and finding the objective criteria for classification of eyelashes. Because shape of eyelash turned out to be one of the most important factors that can influence the need and complaint of subjects about mascara in this study, the consideration of shape of eyelashes is recommended in the development of mascara which can satisfy the customers' demand.