Some women (i.e. me) never leave the house with bare lashes. That flick of color, length and volume to the lashes helps bare eyes take on life. It is amazing how a few strokes of mascara widen eyes and give the impression of “done.” Even when you have a full face of makeup, mascara is essential – the final stroke(s) to a finished look. With spring came the release of new mascaras and collections composed of bright colors for summer with formulations that lengthen and increase volume, curl, tint and new waterproof versions of already beloved brands. The selection is enormous and daunting. Every time an eye is batted, there’s a new mascara promising to be “holy grail” status. As summer approaches, be lash-ready for anything from errands to weddings, festivals or the beach with one of the new mascaras on the market. Go big and fluttery, subtly tinted or wildly colored, or save face with lashes that can withstand heat, sweat and tears.
Covergirl SuperSize with Fibers (regular and waterproof): Great color (there’s a Very Black!), curl and separation for flutter. The waterproof version leaves lashes a little crispy and in need of an oil-based remover.
Maybelline Volum’ Express The Flasies Push -Up Drama: Cup-shaped bristles and a not-too-wet formula, help create curl without using an eyelash curler.
Guerlain Maxilash Volumizing and Curling Mascara: Stunning, thick lashes that hold a curl.
Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara: Bold volume and a great black color, it lasts all day with no smudging.
Smashbox Indecent Exposure Mascara: A buildable formula that lengthens
Too Faced Better Than Sex (Waterproof): Forget the cheeky name and enjoy its full, thick volume dispensed from a fat bristled brush – and it’s waterproof. It is a bit messy, but it works.
Chanel Le Volume in Limited Edition Ardent Purple: Longtime fans of the intense black will love the limited edition colors in the same great formulation that’s big on volume and length.
tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara: The narrow bristle brush drops that killer four-in-one mascara in a splash proof formula
Chantecaille: A good ol’ bristle brush wand dispenses thickening, curling and water resistant mascara with no flaking!
Benefit they’re Real! Mascara: Serious length and volume with a false lash effect for a lot of drama, and a spike rubber wand.
Tom Ford Ultra Length Mascara in Raven: It creates really long lashes and is a great summer pick.
Perfekt Lash Perfection Gel: A personal favorite, this creates fat, jet-black lashes with incredible length, no flaking and stay-all-day action. It leaves lashes soft and flexible, not dry and crispy.
L’Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara: A wetter mascara that creates seriously long, super black lashes.
It Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara: Yes to the volume and length and no to the super wetness of it … This mascara is best when it has dried out a bit.
Get It Off
Taking off mascara can be a struggle, and no one needs to be tugging around the delicate eye area. Here are favorites, both known and new, topping beauty-lovers' lists:
Too Faced Melt Off Cleansing Oil: Following the model of many Asian makeup brands, this swipe on, set and sweep off oil comes in a tube, like mascara, and really breaks down tough waterproof formulas.
Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover: Instant is the operative word. This is quick, gentle and leaves no oily residue.
Micellar Waters: Fans of these cleansing waters know that they’re great for removing non-waterproof mascara and everyday make up. Top picks are Bio Derma, Sephora’s Triple Action Micellar Water and from the drugstore, Simple Micellar Water in the bottle; skip the wipes.
