Mascara

Lately, I've been thinking about my friend's evaluation of mascaras in her blog, about a year ago.  I loved it, and am going to expand/do one of my own.  

Currently, I own seven mascaras.  I love them all, and they have their own special place in my heart.  Some need to be tossed soon, and I probably won't replace them, because even I acknowledge that owning eight mascaras is a little much.  I think three or four could be enough! :)

Let's dive in!  (and in NO particular order)

Yves St. Laurent Volume Effect Faux Cils

$30 at Sephora

This mascara is the end all to end all.  It grabs EACH lash, coating it with the perfect amount of mascara, and providing the illusion that you have mile long lashes.  It provides a bit of volume too, and lasts ALL day.  I was told about this by a friend, and it will always be one of my options.  My only dislike was that it dried out more quickly than others.  They say that you should toss the mascara after 3 months or when it starts smelling....whichever is SOONER.  I'm not sure this will last 3 months...maybe just 2.

Benefit Bad Gal Lash  

$19 at Sephora

You want volume?  You GOT IT!  This is a great mascara for volume, but not a heavy lash.    It gives the va-va-voom without the clumps.  I've been using this for years, and it ALWAYS performs.   If you've been shopping only at the drugstores for your makeup your entire life, this would be a great first 'nice' mascara to try!  If I had to pick a dislike, it would be the brush is longer and wide, and you have to be careful when trying to get the little lashes on the side of the eyes.

Cargo Texas Lash 

$20 on Cargo website

VA VA VA VA VOOM!  You won't have to apply a second coat with this one.  Lots of volume.  Sexy, Texas lash is what it is.  Buxom.  :)  It applies a LOT of mascara instantly.  Love it.  Lasts all day.  Doesn't dry out.  At all.  Be careful though, it has the potential to clump!

Christian Dior DiorShow Waterproof   

$24 at Sephora

My favorite waterproof mascara.  Comes in several different colors.  Recently, I wear this almost every day!  It is the ULTIMATE triple threat!  Volume, Lengthening, and NEVER smudges.  I have full on cried and this stuff doesn't budge AN INCH.  Be careful where you put it though.  If you smash it against your face while applying it, you have to use waterproof eye makeup remover.  This will last even through a shower.  

Imju Fiberwig Mascara 

$24 at Sephora

Another mascara you will never see me without.  This is a very light formula that I use over my regular mascara.  It actually has fibers in it, along with the mascara, to attach to the ends of your eyelashes like extensions!  It provides volume and length (volume only when used over a regular mascara).  You can put as many coats as you want on, and the lashes just get longer and longer.  Washes right off!  Japan is my new favorite country for mascara design.  They have embarked upon a brilliant product.

I don't typically shop at the drugstore for ANY cosmetics.  I don't think.  However, there are two mascaras I love.

CoverGirl Lash Blash Waterproof (orange tube)

It's a great mascara.  Period.  Tends to have a little flaking after 8 hours or more of wear.  BUT, it is most definitely waterproof, and has a GREAT plastic, flexible brush.  I have never experienced any clumping and it gives me a lot of volume!  It's a little difficult to reach the tiny lashes because of how big the applicator is.  If you REALLY can't wrap your imagination around spending $20 on a mascara, this will be the one for you.  

CoverGirl Lash Exact 

It's a simple product and provides consistent results.  Nothing fancy, nothing outstanding.  Grabs all lashes, and provides an even coverage.   Again, the same as the LashBlast brush, it doesn't clump (ever) and the applicator provides even coverage.  

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NOW that you've read all that....all these products (minus the drugstore ones) can be found at Sephora.  But, they can also be found at Ulta, and probably also on Amazon, and maybe even some department stores.  And, I most always use just the plain black.  ALSO!!!  If you don't like something at Sephora, you can ALWAYS return it.  No questions.  Even if you've already used it a few times.

NO woman should EVER go without a eyelash curler.  I haven't met a woman yet who SHOULDN'T use one.  :) :) :)  My favorite is the Shu Uemura. Yes, it's $19, but I NEVER go a day without it.  Even if you don't use mascara everyday, it brightens your face, and is a #1 "must do" to instantly make you look more awake. (You can also find others that are cheaper, but this one will never assault your face or pinch you!)

My favorite eye makeup remover is the Sephora house brand, FACE.  It's VERY gentle, not greasy, and takes off everything.  Make sure you get the waterproof kind, just in case you ever use waterproof makeup. (Shake before you use!)  I've probably tried 7 different kinds, and NOTHING even compares.  $10 at Sephora

Also, no one should be without an eyelash/brow comb either.  It combats clumping, and also keeps those pesky brows in check.  :)  

A little mascara, blush and lipgloss will instantly make you look perkier and polished.  Always a must, even if you're running out the door.  Remember, just because you feel like poop, doesn't mean you have to look like it!  Love your face, and it will love you back!:)