The Collins English Dictionary defines mascara as "a cosmetic substance for darkening, lengthening, curling, coloring, and thickening the eyelashes, applied with a brush or rod." The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) adds that mascara is occasionally used on the eyebrows as well.
The OED also references mascaro from works published in the late 15th century. In 1886, the Peck & Snyder Catalogue advertises, [Mascaro or Water Cosmetique- For darkening the eyebrow and moustaches without greasing them and making them prominent." In 1890, the Century Dictionary defined mascara as [a kind of paint used for the eyebrows and eyelashes by actors." And in 1894, N. Lynn advises in Lynn`s Practical Hints for Making-up, [to darken eyelashes, paint with mascara, or black paint, with a small brush.
