G’morning, ladies. Last night on my evening run I got to thinking about things I just can’t get enough of, like…
…friends who *really* listen, good sports bras, well-written books, and, well, mascara. 🙂
Mascara may have been on my mind because earlier yesterday I received this email from Lindsay:
Maybe you’ve done this at some point, but I was wondering if you could do a post about your favorite mascaras. I have really oily eyelids so I have a hard time finding mascaras that stay put.
I don’t want to just go in blind and end up losing $20 on a tube I’ll never use. That happens too often than I care to mention! …Though my friends seem to love it because they get all the barely-used hand-me-downs for free. Maybe I should find some new friends? Help! (With the mascara dilemma, not the friends.)
Lindsay
Hi Lindsay,
Here are some of my favorite mascaras. I’m partial to ones able to handle hot days, workouts and oily eyelids without melting away, and many of them are classified as either waterproof or water-resistant.
I go through mascara phases, sometimes preferring waterproof varieties (my current phase), sometimes tinted, and sometimes I just want uber-dramatic, long and full!
- Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara ($22) — “Most thickening mascaras will clump into little mascara globules, but not Smoky Lash. It applies smoothly, even after multiple layers, almost like it’s seducing my lashes. It’s the James Bond of mascaras — smooth but deadly hot.”
- Tarte Lash Hugger ($18) — “Lash Hugger may not pump up the volume, but I think it’s still a good performer — and really excellent when you consider its eco-friendly nature. It delivers longer lashes, won’t clump and keeps a curl for hours. If you’re looking for an environmentally responsible mascara, look for its purty purple tube on your next trip to Sephora.”
- Elizabeth Arden Ceramide ($20) — “A single coat of Ceramide mascara thickens my lashes without leaving them looking fake or unnatural, and two coats produces long, fat, defined, party-like-a-rockstar lashes.”
- Stila Lash Visor ($12.50) — “I wore one coat of Lash Visor to the gym last night, and after my sweaty struggle with the stair stepper, my lashes still held the curl and showed good thickness and length, with very little smudging, too.”
- Shu Uemura Precise Volume Mascara ($23) — “If you crave long, can’t-miss-me lashes like I do, get thee a tube of Shu Uemura’s Precise Volume Mascara ($23)! Using it lately I’ve achieved some of the longest, most defined lashes I’ve seen on myself in a while.”
- Tarte Bottoms Up Mascara ($14) — “It’s a water-resistant (not quite waterproof) black, and even though I’ve only been using it for a week, I’m already hooked. *I LOVE* how this mascara makes my eyes look bigger and more alert, like I’m actually awake, even when I’m dog tired.”
- Urban Decay Skyscarper Mascara ($22) — “I’ve been looking for a deep black mascara with a matte finish, and Skyscraper Multi-Benefit fits the bill. Three coats equal deep black, visibly enhanced lashes that still feel soft to the touch.”
Ladies, what’s your favorite mascara? Are you partial to basic black and waterproof, or do you yearn for something more? 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Hey Karen!!
I looked at your list and was AMAZED that the Exceptionnel de Chanel was nowhere on it!!!!!! 🙁 I swear by it, and I know you can “write sonnets” about it too 😉 so what happened…? But anyway Lindsay I think that we can all give you our recommendations but you might still have to be a little cautious about trying a mascara, because the effect depends so much on natural lash length and volume too, causing one fantastic brush to be easy/difficult to handle for 2 different people! That said, my two favorite mascaras are Exceptionnel de Chanel and Fresh’s Supernova (the one in the black tube). Happy mascara shopping! 🙂
DiorShow Iconic Mascara!!!
love this!
I hate to say it but I’m really liking Lash Blast(Covergirl) in waterproof. I don’t love the tip of the brush for the tiny corner eyelashes, so I cut the tip off and I love it even more.
I also really really like Stila Lash Visor. A whole bunch.
For days when waterproofness isn’t a necessity I like MAC mascara X and zoom lash layered on top of one another. Zoom first, X second.
I have very oily eyelids. Which is funny since the rest of my face is so dry! Here are some of my favourites:
Clinique Lash Power or High Impact Curling: since these are both tubing mascaras… they stay put! Until warm water gets in contact with them. These are my go-to for my everyday look.
L’Oreal Voluminous Waterproof: Graduations, weddings, long nights dancing, and even naps–this stuff will not budge! A little bit of flaking, but I think that’s because I like to rub my eyes. It’s really easy to layer as well, for natural or more dramatic looks.
Hope this helps, Lindsay!!
Lindsay,
First things first, if you are looking for more of a high end mascara, now is the time to check out Sephora. They are promoting their “Sephora Favorites” boxes right now & they have one that incl all waterproof eye products – 3 mascaras, 2 eye pencils & eye makeup remover & then they have one that is just all their best selling mascaras. Great way for you to try out the brands without breaking the bank & the set costs $45 & under.
Secondly, I am a fan of drugstore mascaras all the way. I like to put my money into other high end makeup products & save when it comes to mascara. There are amazing drugstore mascaras out there that IMO beat out the high end brands & cost $10 & under. Some of my favorite drugstore brands are:
– CG LashBlast
– Rimmel Sexy Curves
– Loreal Voluminous
– CG Remarkable
– Maybelline Great Lash
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve gotten samples of high end mascaras before & have liked them, but just not worth the money for me personally when there is something comparable at a cheaper price.
But you girl, gotta go with what works for your eyes so if it’s a brand that is the perfect match for you than the cost won’t matter as long as you find your HG. Hopefully with all the MBB ladies suggestions you’ll be on your way to gorgeous lashes w/o all the hassle.
Good Luck!
i have a few i love but and all are pretty “sweat proof” i workout a lot and have oily lids – usually don’t have time to wash my makeup off before hitting the gym since i am usually running straight there from work so these are my suggestions:
1. chanel inimitable – my all time favorite but steep $$$ i have already lost 2 tubes of this and i cried each time 🙁
2. clarins wonder volume – for me i get length, curl and volume all in one without smudging with this guy
3. lancome defencils- this is a no fuss reliable mascara for me i always keep a tube of this around
4. too faced lash injection pin point – i have been toying around with this for a couple of days – i like the control i have with the tiny brush and its really black to me its easier than chanel exceptionnel but with similar final product
hope this helps
As far as sticking power goes, CoverGirl Lash Blast is the bomb! I don’t normally wear it b/c it just stays on too well! My everyday mascara is Clinique Lash Doubling, and it wears well, and is easily removed.
My everyday drugstore mascara is L’oreal Voluminous. It’s really hard to beat. My second fav drug store is Maybelline Sky High Curves.
My favorite high end is Lancome Defincils.
.-= Amy’s last blog post… Grace in Small Things, Part 24 =-.
NYX Doll Eye Long Lash (there is a volume formula too). Not easy to find in stores but easy to find online.
Also love Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes, but the NYX works better for me with zero flaking.
oh, I agree with you about friends and books:D
My favourite mascara of all times is DIORSHOW by Dior. Now I use Diorshow Unlimited ($24).It’s the best one for me because my lashes are not that long as I wish them to be:(
.-= Marina’s last blog post… Declaring Indigo by Lancome for Fall 2009. Official Information =-.
I know lots of people hate it but Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof is the only mascara I use (& I’ve tried Diorshow, Lancome, etc, etc). It holds a curl like nobody’s business.
Im in love with my DiorShow Blackout Waterproof! I bought it 2 weeks ago and so far I havent grabbed my standby L’oreal Voluminous…I think I might be handing that one down to my sister LOL It keeps my lashes curled, separated and gorgeously dark!
L’Oreal Waterproof Voluminous. It’s always been my favorite and no matter what, I always come back to it. I also have oily lids and this stuff will not budge. XD Plus, I have short, straight, and sparse lashes. After curling, this mascara makes my lashes look so thick and long, I love it! And the waterproof formula helps the curl last all day!
JMO, but I can’t fathom spending so much money on mascara. After all, it attracts bacteria easily or gets clumpy and you have to dump it in a few months anyway. I’ll always stick with drugstore mascaras.
Right now I’m loving BadGal from Benefit… I’ve been eyeing some Dior pretties but don’t want to drop the money on them right now.
As me again next month, and I’ll mostly likely have a new favorite 🙂
DiorShow! DiorShow! Definitely!
And my fave drugstore brand is Covergirl Lash Blast.
For oily lids I would recommend Clinique lash power. I have a friend with oily lids who was very anti-eye makeup for the longest time due to smudging etc. I turned her onto shadow insurance and lash power and she loves both of them.
My favorite mascaras are hard to say because I love so many. Some favorites are Max Factor 2000 calorie extreme, Clinique Long Pretty lashes, MAC plushlash, Elizabeth Arden Ceramide.
The Exact Eyelights by Covergirl is preeeeeety sweet– I usually need to opt for waterproof since I don’t want raccoon eyes by the afternoon, and it works for me, as I have fairly oily lids too.
I don’t really notice the glitter/sparkle stuff they put in there, but it can hold a curl REAL well– a plus for my super straight lashes.
I like Estee Lauder mascaras! Their Zero-smudge really works, and I live in a hot tropical country! And my new current fav now is the EL Turbolash, not only for its water-resistance, but it really works to lengthen and thicken my short sparse lashes. Also curls them, though not so much. I think it’s quite techie thingy.
I have the Lancome Oscillation as well, but haven’t started using it. 😉
.-= Vonvon’s last blog post… My Introduction To "Kiehl’s Since 1851" =-.
Thanks Karen et al! This is really helpful! Lately, I’ve been working with Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash and Stila Lash Visor (on your advice from an earlier post, Karen) and I’m loving them both… But you know how it is, I’ll get bored with those eventually and have to find the next great, fun product. I think I’m going to pick up the Splash Stash (and maybe the Lash Stash too) at Sephora and see if I can find new favorite.
Thanks again! Happy Wednesday, all!
–Lindsay
Urban Decay’s Skyscraper is da bomb. One of my favs.. I also love Clinique’s lash doubling mascara too: it stays put with no major issues. I get wicked oily eye lids too so I always, always use DHC’s eyelash tonic before I apply the mascara. I cannot even begin to recommend using DHC! (Ever lovely lady out there should have a stash of this in their purse.) I also use it AFTER taking off my make up in the evenings before hitting the sack- it helps to moisturize and control oil overnight (like a night treatment). I believe you can snag one at some drugstores in the US, but you can easily buy one off of DHC’s website or ichibankao for the JP version (both are the same).
.-= marmar’s last blog post… animal abandonment is not okay. =-.
LASHBLAST!
Love love love. Such a fabulous mascara, I don’t even need to curl my lashes anymore. I read this trick somewhere and I swear it totally works (and I have short straight (but relatively plentiful) Asian lashes). Just roll your mascara over the top of your lashes, and then apply normally. As your mascara dries, it’ll crinkle up your lashes and pull them up like you curled them! Love this trick. Totes workable.
I really really love Lancome masacaras, but for the life of me, CANNOT get them to stop smudging. I love how they make my lashes look, but I always end up raccoon eyed, even waterproof! No such thing with LashBlast, so I always go back. I’m pretty fond of LashBlast LUXE too, I have to admit. For a non-waterproof, they hold up REAL WELL.
I HIGHLY recommend Rimmel London Sexy Curves mascara. It’s about $7. It is one of the best mascaras I have ever used. If you have a little bit more cash, I also recommend Lash injection by Too Faced.
make up for ever smoky lash!
.-= jojoba’s last blog post… Question/Thoughts: Dior Addict Lip Glow/Addict Ultra-Gloss/DiorKiss – Summer 09; Powder Eye Shadow & Brush Care; Makeup Usage =-.
The MAC dazzle lash mascara is the best in my opinion!
I love MAC PlushLash! Who doesnt love sexy full lashes?!
I’m not a fan of water-proofs, I find it a tad annoying to remove stubborn mascaras when I barely have time.
Oh yeah I always go for black mascara, since forever.
.-= HaNNa_HuLLaBaLoo’s last blog post… THEFACESHOP Essential Mask Sheet ‘hyaluronic acid’ =-.
Another vote for L’Oreal Voluminous (waterproof). I have very oily eyes and sometimes it does want to rub off a little where my eyelashes touch my face, but I use a little MAC finishing powder on my eyelids (after shadow) and can usually get at least to lunch hour, when I touch up my powder anyway.
Tried Exceptionnel de Chanel for a week and was pretty impressed with that, but I didn’t like it $23 more than the L’Oreal.
Make Up For Ever’s Smoky Lash does everything but my taxes..no joke! Very nice volume and length, and doesn’t irritate my eyes. Couldn’t ask for anything better!
Diorshow or L’Oreal Voluminous for sure
.-= Anh’s last blog post… an update and an upgrade =-.
I have tried, oh how I have tried to love drugstore mascaras but they always make my lashes crunchy or they flake, smudge SO my favorites are worth the investment. Here’s goes–
Dior Iconic/ Diorshow
Chanel Intimatible and/or Exceptionale
lindsey, let me tell you, i am in the same boat as you – my mascara used to smudge on me like a mofo until i found this unbeatable combo – dior iconic extreme (extreme is the waterproof version of the mascara) w/the shiesedo mascara base underneath as a primer). this combo will definately set you back a few $$ – $23 for shiesedo and $27 for dior, but honey, let me tell you, all i really need are these 2 makeup products to complete me!
p.s. i hit up local nordies rack and they has a bunch of the shu uemura volume exact marcaras in blue – soooo fun and *extremely waterproof*. i put it on w/my shiesedo base and it did not budge until i soaked my lashes with the clinique makeup remover (the purple one) – btw, that blue mascara made my normal ‘sexy’ smokey black eye totally ‘rocker sexy’ – i didn’t even know i had it in me – who’d have thunk?!? 🙂
I absolutely love Maybelline Full ‘N’ Soft, and yet it rarely seems to get much press! It is incredible – by far the best I’ve ever tried, and I have tried plenty. Random people ask me what mascara I’m wearing all the time, and I get to brag on my dear old (cheap!) Full ‘N’ Soft!! 🙂
I love Maybelline Full ‘n’ Soft Waterproof! It conditions my lashes, but at the same time it curls, lenthens a bit and SERIOUSLY thickens! It’s super black too, and it won’t smudge or flake. At eight dollars, it’s a steal!
Tips for best results outta this mascara:
-Press hard at the base of the lashes with the brush, and get as close to the case as you can
-Apply mascara in sections: The outer lashes, the middle lashes and the inner lashes (apply mascara to the inner lashes using the tip of the brush, applying vertically)
-If you get clumps, run the horizontal brush lightly over your lashes to remove them.
Enjoy your new-found, GORGEOUS splashproof lashes!
i have l’oreal voluminous, you should try it in water proof! its a great mascara
My absolute favorite of all time is Diorshow Blackout. However, I also really like Rimmel Sexy Curves. For waterproof, I just use Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof. It doesn’t do much for my lashes, but it has amazing staying power. I remember reading in a magazine a few years back about clear waterproof mascara topcoats. It sounds like a great idea, does anyone know anything about these?
I’ve always wanted to try Diorshow but I still can’t get myself to spend the money. I’ve always been a drugstore mascara girl. I’ve been using CG Lash Blast in waterproof. My eyes water alot due to my contacts so I need something waterproof. After I’m done with my Lash Blast, I’ll probably go back to my OG favorite, Max Factor. Got to stock up before they disappear forever.
Also, the Talika Eyelash Lipocils is actually working for me. I was skeptical at first but I saw JulieG713 (of YouTube fame) due a video on it, so I was willing to try it after seeing her results. I’ve been using it for almost a month now and I’m noticing that they are a bit longer and less sparse.
dior diorshow iconic l’extreme waterproof!
also, blinc kiss me volumizing mascara is good too.
I’m actually quite blessed in the eyelash department so can get away with using cheapie Natural Collection (one of Boots own brands – everything’s less than £2.50) mascara or whatever one came in my last GWP. In fact, I find some mascaras too good – I end up looking like some hideous drag queen panto cow hybrid (no offence to drag queens or panto cows!). I would also buy Max Factor Masterpiece Max and Maybelline Colossal – both have mega staying power on me although I’m not sure if either are available in the states so feel free to shout at me if not!
L’Oreal Voluminous in Carbon Black baby!!! ORRR Maybelline Define-a-lash!
I think it’s called MaxFactor Lash Perfection Volume Couture in the states, here it’s called Masterpiece Max and I love it! I have never repurchased the same mascara as many times as I have with this.
I use Almay Triple Effect Nourishing Mascara in Black. It comes in a waterproof formula too! I’ve never loved any mascara as much as I love that one!
Lash Stylist by Maybelline. It has a comb type brush and you will be amazed at how long and full your lashes look!
Hi Ladies:
Gotta say Loreal Voluminous and recently discovered the Chanel Exceptionnel is really great but I’ve been thinking of Max factor 2000 calorie because everyone raves about that one.I also love the Loreal Duoble Extend because it doesnt run and you just rinse it off with warm water, translation:no racoon eyes!.
I say Covergirls Professional Super Thick Lash. One of my major qualms about mascara is those that clump and with this one, there so absolutely no clumps. It’s wonderful and I think way too many people don’t know about it.
The light of my life, err.. eyes, would have to be Lancome Definicils. I always make sure to have a tube lying around. I have extremely oily eyelids and Lancome Definicils never smudges, it stays put through 100+ dry heat (good ol’ Arizona). It even stays put through my very rigorous P90x workouts.
MUFE smoky lash mascara clumped like crazy on me. the worst clumping ever. but it does give lots of volume AND it’s super black!!!
what about diorshow? it’s a little bit hard to take off but it never smudges (and i have oily lids too)!
I second the vote for Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara. While it isn’t waterproof, it has stood up to many weddings without budging. But you better buy it in bulk, as MF is leaving the US in 2010.
I also love the way Stila Lash Visor (waterproof) looks and holds on, but it takes forever to get the stuff off! Any tips to remove Lash Visor?
mmmm-so many to love! my favorites are:
*tarte lash hugger-all purpose, all around great
*Fresh firebird-great for a natural look, not too showy, a good causal everyday mascara. I know a lot of people aren’t fans-they say it doesn’t “do” anything. But I am blessed with pretty long, dark lashes already so for me it’s perfect.
*shu basic-when I want/need waterproof
*Fresh supernova-my go to for vavavavoom mega dark, thick lashes! LOVE. but hate the price
*lumene blueberry curl-when I need an inexpensive yet dramactic one.
Lindsey,
If you want to go high end..then try Dior Show ( I like the waterproof one).
But I have been recently sticking to Drugstore brands..you have to throw out mascara pretty frequently (every few months), so it makes sense to spend less. I love Lash Blast ( I agree with Christina’s reply)..it is pure eyelash love. I also like Full n Soft and Loreal Volumious (Carbon Black and the Original..Naturelle is pretty good too)..
Hope that helps!
. Estee Lauder “Magna Scopic” Mascara;
. Cover Girl “Lash Blast”;
. Dior Show Iconic.
Blinc Kiss Me is, hands down, the best mascara EVER!!! I rub my eyes about 200 times a day, I have oily skin, I swim, I cry… NOTHING will take this mascara off except warm water and gentle rubbing! I can’t go back to regular waterproof mascara because taking it off with makeup remover is so annoying compared to rubbing it off in the shower like I can with Blinc. Seriously, I have been using the same tube for 6 + months and it is still good. It NEVER runs. The BEST MASCARA EVER. Just try it.
I’m loving Benefit’s BadGal right now as my everyday mascara, but I do find that humidity+sweaty face = some minor smudging by the end of the day.
My fall back mascara is definitely the Wash-Off Waterproof mascara by Avon. It’s glossy, lengthens my lashes like none other, never clumps, and doesn’t smudge for anything – and it’s only $1.99 online right now! The only thing that would make it better is if it gave me the same volume as BadGal…
Hey Lindsay and Karen! A mascara that I find to be great in the smudge-proof department is Clinique Lash Power. I have an oil slick for a face and this mascara doesn´t flake at all on me. Actually pretty hard to take off. And it’s not such a budget breaker at U$S 14…Hope it helps, and good luck in your search!!!
Drugstore:
•Maybelline Define-A-Lash- It sumdges a bit, but super long and fantastic lashes!
•Rimmel Glam’ Eyes- Best layered over a lengthening mascara for va-va-voom effect.
Pricey:
•Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara- This stuff is le bomb. Never smudges, stays on all day even though its not waterproof, and looks hecka amazing!
•Lancome Definiceles (ahaha i killed the spelling of that word)- Amazing length and volume, but “fades off” my lashes
•Stila Lash Visor- Lasts forever and a day, and is cheap as heck!
Without a doubt, Mabelline Define-a-Lash. There are three “formulations.” The green tube is lengthening and very nice. The dark red tubes add volume (a little more oomph) – one is waterproof. The price is right. I have tried all the expensive mascaras, and none can compete. These mascaras separate lashes, don’t clump, lengthen, and stay on all day. What else do we need?
My fave is Benefit Badgal! But I would suggest trying the lash stash from Sephora – they have a regular set and a waterproof set. That way you can try a bunch of different mascaras!
Honestly I think it is a waste to spend big $$ on high end, expensive mascaras. I’ve tried most of them and have found the same if not better results when using drugstore mascaras. Spend your money on foundation or something where there is a major difference in quality. Some of my favorites include Max Factor 2000 Calorie, Neutrogena Healthy Volume, Maybelline Define A Lash, and Loreal’s Volume Collagen, Voluminous and Telescopic
Benefit BadGal Lash in black —- $19
best mascara evrrr! fo real. i never knew mascara could be so good til i tried this one. pumps up my lashes so much it’s like i’m wearing fakes, and at the same time looks totally natural. it goes on clump free and separates lashes so i don’t even have to use a lash comb. just a few swipes and i’m good to go.
never tried the waterproof, and the regular one can smudge a little but a bit of powder under the eyes and it’s no problem.
love it in blue too! really brings out brown eyes. it also comes in a lovely plum shade that i’m dying to try.
OMG I think I am the only fan of Maybelline Lash Stiletto!
It rocks!
I also love
Myabelline Lash Stylist! That stuff is tough! LONG wear for sure!
I just got the new sampler from Sephora & so far I am liking the Korres Provitamin B5 & Rice Bran Mascara & also the Smashbox Bionic!
My high favorite is Anna Sui lengthening, it just makes my lashes so long and natural looking.
Low end would be Almay, it doesn’t do much but looks really natural with no smudges.
.-= Citrine’s last blog post… Summer Lemmings from Anna Sui, Guerlain and MAC =-.
I love clinique lashdoubling and high impact these days.
I also love diorshow 🙂
My HG mascara used to be DiorShow. Have been using it for a few years. But last December while at home, I was watching QVC & on a whim bought two tubes of the Mally Roncal mascara. Loves it! It’s within the same price range of the Dior one.
For drugstore, I like the Colossal one.
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… Troubled =-.
Maybelline Lash Stilleto! Best mascara I’ve ever used; stays put even after I’ve worked out and my lashes look long. I tried Clinique’s Curling Mascara to see if I’d like it better than Stilleto…no way. On me, Clinique’s mascara is an absolute mess. It clumps my lashes terribly.
For high end, I am currently loving Fresh Supernova – it doesn’t clump! Even after using it for a couple of months 🙂 For drugstore, I like the basic Maybelline Full&Soft. It really does make my skimpy lashes look just a little bit fuller. I usually look for waterproof, but if it’s not an available option, then I just go for the regular one.
I am presently using the newest l’oreal lash builder.
I try a new mascara every 3 months- no favorites.
michele
I also have horribly oily eyelids (I have to layer two primers to get my eyeshadow to stay on!) and my absolute favorite is Kiss Me’s Heroine Long & Curl mascara. You can find it in Japanese shopping marts like Mitsuwa or Marukai. If you don’t have one close to you, you’ll be able to find it online. It curls, lengthens, thickens and defines AND it stays put ABSOLUTELY. I did a review of it here: http://capriciouscat.blogspot.com/2009/05/reviews-with-video-koji-soft-curve-lash.html
If you don’t need your mascara to do so many different things, I really liked Maybelline Full & Soft WP. It just darkened my lashes, but it was oh so easy to use. Unfortunately, it did start smudging ~9 hours in, but nothing a q-tip can’t fix.
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… FOTD featuring mail from Mona! =-.
If you really want to try some decent mascaras then try the Sephora Favorites Sampler –
http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P239212&categoryId=RVP
I’m still waiting for mine in the mail, but 11 mascaras for that price isn’t too bad. I’m looking forward to experimenting with this set – Hopefully it comes today!
Well, I tend to use drugstore mascaras since I really can’t afford to really feed my mascara addiction with department store tubes, and I’ve found several amazing choices. I use waterproof since it holds curl better (it dries faster).
Maybelline Full ‘N Soft (for natural looks)
L’Oreal Voluminous (for full, fluttery lashes)
CoverGirl LashBlast (for bold, dramatic looks)
I have oily eyelids and watery eyes so I always go with the waterproof version of the mascara. Here are some of my favorites for beautiful lashes with real staying power. Also, sometime I layer different mascaras on at the same time for a spectacular lash effect. Put on a lengthening mascara first and then layer a thickening on top. Fabulous! Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a good mascara primer. Some mascaras come packaged with the primer, like ones from L’Oreal and Maybelline. I like the primers from Lancome and Clinique.
Here goes:
L’Oreal Voluminous
L’Oreal Lash Out
L’oreal Double Extend
L’Oreal Shocking Volume (This one is shocking alright – it lasted me for 30 hours in the hospital emergency room and an overnight stay!)
Maybelline XXL Intense
Maybelline Lash Discovery
Maybelline Sky High Curves
Max Factor Stretch and Separate (Max Factor will no longer be selling products in the U.S. starting in 2010. If you like this one, you’ll have to stock up before it’s gone.)
Lancome Definicils
I have other mascaras that I like and I’m always trying new ones. Currently, I have about 20 on my “To Try” list.
Good luck and enjoy!
Used to use Stila Major Lash, but that doesn’t exist anymore so I changed to Dior Show Black Out. I love the Dior, but the price was so much better with Stila.
DIOR SHOW
hands down, for someone like me who has lashes that don’t curl or hold a curl from (even the Shu Umura) curler, it’s
1. chanel inimitable waterproof (for a nice subtle yet slightly dramatic look for the office)
2. chanel inimitable waterproof and lancome defincils regular on top for a more dramatic look.
3. lancome defencils on the bottom and lancome defincils regular on top for the most dramatic look.
Having the waterproof mascara as the first coat sets and holds the curl. Having the non-waterproof coat over that ensures that you get more volume without having the lashes be too stiff as they would be if you were only using waterproof for both coats.
I still love Benefit’s Bad Gal Lash. I’ve tried a ton too, and nothing gets mine thick like this. Have to say mine are fairly long, so I’m just looking for volume. Full disclosure – I start with a coat of Clinque’s High Definition mascara, since I’m so blonde it helps me get into the base of the lashes. 🙂
I use a combination of three mascaras:
After curling my lashes with the legendary Shu Uemura lash curler, I use Shu Uemura Precise Volume for the length, then I use Cover Girl’s Lash Blast to seperate, and then I finish with Clinique’s High Definition Lashes to add volume.
Then I comb it to get all the clumps out.
Always curl your lashes,
Then i use my old mascara- the dried out one o set my lashes- then use the new one
And voila’ – instant glamour!
Michele
I am studying!
Bye
These really stay put: Dior or Maybelline XXL curl(nice curl). I have the same oil problem. BTW, recently (for eyeshadow)I tried Too Faced shadow insurance and it’s wonderful.
I have two “can not live without” mascaras:
NARS Mascara in Black Orchid. I either use this on natural, low-makeup days or as the ultimate base coat.
Dior DiorShow Iconic Mascara in Black. This mascara gives me an intensely rich, dramatic look, and because I have somewhat oily lids the smudge-proof formula keeps my mascara in place ALL day.
I love mascara and always use a lash curler.
Right now I’m loving L’Oreal’s Beauty Tubes cuz they stay on great and come off cleanly.
I also have a video about chemical properties of mascara–perfect for teenage girl who hates science but loves make-up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmsZrm0Ss1E
.-= sciencegoddess’s last blog post… My "top model" doll has an author crush on Jonah Lehrer =-.
Hi Sciencegoddess,
Cool… thanks for the link to the video!