Each year, I fall prey to glossy ads of the new “it” mascara. Truth is, most of those long lashes are faux and have been digitally enhanced; yet still I’m seduced by the ads. With so much new technology in mascara these days, I wanted to see which ones really work.
So the best mascara? There is no real answer as everyone has an individual lash preference. Maybe you like the natural look, or maybe you crave more length with volume. No matter what your lash desire, there’s a mascara for you in any price range!
I can’t possibly list all the new mascara I have test-driven so I here are my new favorites.
Diorshow Iconic Mascara ($30 Saks Fifth Avenue) The newest in the Dior family, the Iconic mascara features an oblique cut brush that allows you to precisely coat each lash one-by-one, creating a long, separated fan of lashes with 100 percent smudge-proof results. This mascara was made for Fashion Week runway shows and then was made public later. Fabulous.
Diorshow Black Out Mascara ($24 Saks Fifth Avenue). My committed love. An extreme-black mascara gives your lashes a little more oomph and a lot more drama. Intensified by ultra-black, kohl pigments, the formula glides on smoothly and draws each lash out to show-stopping lengths. Best for girls who that want the “Playboy Bunny” lash effect without the fuss of false eyelashes.
CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara ($7.99 Walgreens) I really love this stuff! Lash Blast both lengthens and gives unbelievable volume to the lashes. The rubber wand may have something to do with the effect. It is one of the most unique drugstore mascaras and is a winner across the board. Even when taking your time to apply, this mascara doesn’t clump. Great new style brush, lots of volume and no clumping. An absolute steal!
Chanel Exceptionnel de Chanel-Intense Volume and curl Mascara ($30 Saks Fifth Avenue) Innovative six-sided brush delivers intense volume and curl as promised. No clumps, no flakes and a cool little brush that coats each and every lash. The revolutionary brush design makes it easy to get close to the root of the lash and to catch the fine baby lashes in the corners.
Lancome Oscillation Mascara ($34 Saks Fifth Avenue) The vibration takes a little getting used to, especially when placing it at the base of the lashes; the tickle is a bit startling. The application is a little tricky as you have to press a button and apply at the same time but it was worth the effort. Instantly my lashes looked longer and multiplied in number. The wear was outstanding.
L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes ($10.99 Walgreens) I stopped by Walgreens to do some price checking and Barbara Glenn, Senior Beauty Advisor for the Walgreens on Magazine Street, sold me on this mascara. (Did you know Walgreens is the one of the few drugstores left that sends their cosmetic sales team to product knowledge classes?) Well, kudos Barbara, you know your stuff – this is one great mascara! This mascara has the new “tubing” technology. Tubing mascara is slightly wetter and when it dries, the lacquer shrink-wraps around each lash, giving “360-degree coverage,” As more of the polymer is brushed on, the tube builds up and out, like the structure of an icicle to add length. The emulsion is water soluble, immune to smearing; sensitive types with easily irritated eyes or fragile lashes will appreciate the formula’s easy-off aspect.
The Balm Two Timer Mascara ($20.95 EarthSavers) This mascara has two brushes in one convenient tube, comprised of a volumizing wand and a defining wand. Before a night out, I applied the volumizing formula first and to my surprise the brush applied a generous amount with one swipe but didn’t clump. Then I applied from the definer side; a thinner brush that lengthens and separates to creating a plump natural look. A bit of advice: you’ll definitely need makeup remover to take it off, as water simply won’t do the trick. That’s a small price to pay for lashes that really are “The Balm!”
Long, luscious lashes can easily be yours – now, go flaunt those gorgeous peepers.