When it comes to mascara, I'm more or less a believer in the classic trifecta Lancome-Lauder-Clinique. I've had mascaras from Chanel, Guerlain, Kanebo Sensai, Cle de Peau, Dior, YSL--- you name it, I've bought one at some point. But i always go back to my tried-and-true, and if I had to live with only one mascara brand for the rest of my life it would be Lancome (either Grandiose or Hypnose Drama. even Defincilis if I have no other choice). But I also test and occasionally buy other mascaras. Because they're there. Because I use them a lot. Because it's fun. And sometimes I get an unexpected surprise. Here are three mascaras I use a lot and enjoy, despite having zero expectations:
MAC Zoom Lash ($17. at the counters and maccosmetics.com)
This has actually been a regular companion for years. I received a free one with one of those endless MAC collections and the mascara was the only thing I actually kept. And have repurchased regularly since. It's a combination of a smooth, non-clumping formula and thin and very precise brush that works with my eye shape and help me give my lashes an even coat that creates the polished look I tend to favor.
Urban Decay Big Fatty ($20, at Ulta, Sephora, and the brand's website)
A conversation with a friend-
Me: You're going to laugh at me when I tell you how much I love this mascara.
Her: (staring at my new tube of Big Fatty) I'm going to make so much fun of you. For years.
Well, yes. You don't hear much praise for Urban Decay mascaras, and if memory serves me right there's a reason for that. But Big Fatty, despite it's annoying name, is a master volumizer. The big brush doesn't get out of control and the results are a lot more elegant than I've ever expected. I bought a full size after demolishing several GWP minis.
L'Oreal Miss Manga Voluminous ($7.99 at Ulta and most drugstores)
I just finished a full size tube that I used until the very last drop. While I'm not sure that I'll repurchase in the very near future, it's because I'm going through the content of my mascara drawer and using up items at a rapid succession with the goal to only have a handful of full size tubes and a bunch of samples. It's a pain to go do a freshness check every few weeks and my germaphobe ways have caused to me to get rid of some new/unused items in the past. But back to Miss Magna Voluminous, which I bought after mistaking a friend's lashes for the best and classiest falsies I've ever seen. No, it was this L'Oreal mascara, and it creates this effect through a tenacious and very thick brush that captures every last lash in one or two strokes. My lashes never looked quite like my friend's (genetics do count) but I'm highly impressed.
Photo: Barbara Stanwyck, 1929
I am a big fan of Loreal Mascaras, my holy grail favorite for 20 + years was Lash Out, now discontinued. My next favorite is L'Oreal Voluminous, it builds thick lashes and adds nice length without being freakish, no flaking or irritation either...
ReplyDeleteI'll add L'Oreal Miss Manga Voluminous to my 'must try' list. It sounds great!
Liz, I know that L'Oreal mascaras are among the very best. It's just that every time I'm actually faced with their enormous display I forget which was the one that was most praised that week. I need to start taking better notes.
DeleteI think Max Factor and Lancôme make the best. I have a sample of the new Nars mascara and ... I do not like it as it makes my eyelashes spidery and they stick together !
ReplyDeleteThankfully I did not pay $$$ for it! Nars is very $$$ in Australia .
I don't like NARS mascaras in general. And really miss Max Facror. They pulled out of the US about ten years ago, as did Helena Rubinstein. Both had fantastic mascaras.
DeletePractically the only "drugstore" makeup I own is from a brand from which I NEVER had any luck when I was still using "drugstore" makeup! But I really love Cover Girl Clump Crusher Extensions. I use the Lancôme mascara primer first, but then the CG stuff really looks great. Who'da thunk it? Oh, by the way, I try every high-end sample that comes my way, and still love the CG.
ReplyDeleteNoted! I don't think I've had anything by Cover Girl in many many years. Though I loved their 80s advertisement.
DeleteMy HG mascara is Guerlain's Cils D'Enfer (the regular one in the gold tube). My eyelashes are long, of average thickness, but the actual lashes are fine. Consequently, a fringe of feathery black lashes suits me well. Cils D'Enfer gives me just that :-) The mascara also gives me a bit of lift so I only bother to curl my lashes when going out for the evening. Because it is expensive, I stock up during Nordstrom's twice a year Mascara Madness event. It's still expensive for a product that I toss every 2-3 months, but it's the price I pay for a mascara that suits my preferred look, never raccoons or flakes, is easy to remove, and suits my eye shape. I love receiving mascara samples, but nothing has persuaded me to switch my loyality---yet! LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I have a sample/travel size of this one. I know what I'm testing tomorrow!
DeleteAgree about the Lancome/Lauder/Clinique trifecta, although I recently discovered a Maybelline mascara that's right up there: Volum'Express The Falsies Big Eyes. It pleasantly surprised me.
ReplyDeleteI love all the recommendations I'm getting here. Adding this one to my "to teat" list.
DeleteLove, love, love Big Fatty. It's my HG mascara but you NEVER hear about it so I was surprised to see it mentioned here.
ReplyDeleteEllie, think you and I are the only ones in the world. We need to stockpile.
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