How To Choose The Right Mascara
With the million different kinds of mascaras out there, it can be difficult to make a pick. So read on to find out more about what’s available and what they do.
* Thickening/Voluminizing formulas are great for those who have skimpy lashes. I adore L’oreal’s Voluminous and Maybelline’s Volum Express for maximum volume.
* Lengthening formulas are great for those with thick lashes but want a little length. Pick one with a “precision brush” for maximum length and definition. L’oreal’s Clean Definition Telescopic Mascara is my all-time favorite.
* Curling mascaras claim to lift your lashes and maintain the curl. Personally I find this a gimmick – all you need is a good eyelash curler.
* Color mascaras are fun if you want a different look. While some of them come in crazy colors to make your eyes pop, most come in muted colors meaning you can wear them during the day without screaming crazy lashes.
Navy blue – makes the whites of your eyes appear brighter
Burgundy – great for a natural look and makes green eyes pop
Brown – great for those who find black too “harsh”
* Clear mascaras are only good if you want a natural look. All they do is add a *little* definition – no volume or length. You can also use them to tame your unruly eyebrows.
* Waterproof formulas are great for those who:
1) have sensitive eyes
2) sweat a lot or live in humid places
3) will come into contact with water
I do not recommend wearing waterproof mascaras on a daily basis because I find them more drying than regular formulas and harder to remove.
So what mascara is the best? Personally I find that using different formulas together works a lot better than using one that claims to do everything (and yes that means wearing more than one mascara at the same time). For me, I like using Rimmel’s Lash Maxxx with L’oreal’s Voluminous on top for long, thick lashes. Color-wise, no matter what hair/eye color you have, I would suggest black. I know some people find it harsh but to me, nothing beats dark, fluttering lashes.
Read my mascara reviews to see what other mascaras I recommend.
Mascara vs False Lashes vs Lash Extension
I have been getting a lot of e-mails and requests regarding this topic so here is a comparison of the three. Hope you guys find it useful!
| Pros | Cons | |
| Mascara | * widely available * a tube can last up to 3 months * cheapest * easiest to use | * problem of smudging/flaking/clumping * needs to be removed at the end of the day * constant use can cause lashes to become dry and brittle |
| Fake Lashes | * can provide a subtle to really dramatic effect * can be customized for different styles and lengths * no smudging/flaking/clumping * minimal damage to lashes * a pair can last up to 2 weeks * relatively cheap | * application requires practice and time * needs to be moved at the end of the day * risk of falling off if not glued on properly |
| Lash Extension | * looks most natural * can last up to 4 weeeks * can be customized * no smudging/flaking/clumping | * most expensive * needs to be done professionally at a salon * results can be uneven * cannot be used with oil-based removers |
So what’s my favorite you ask? If you look at the list of pros and cons, you probably would have guessed it – yes false lashes! I used to use mascara every day (L’oreal’s Voluminous was my HG) but it made my lashes really brittle and they kept falling out. So I gave fake eyelashes a shot and all I can say is I will never go back to mascara. I wear Ardell falsies on a daily basis and I have never been happier. I also tried Ardell’s lash extension kit. I totally loved the results but it is just too high maintenance. Read my review here.
CoverGirl Lash Exact Mascara Review
We all know picking a mascara with the right brush is very crucial to getting long, lush lashes. And lately, companies like CoverGirl and Max Factor have all been coming out with mascaras with “advanced, flexible brushes” that claim to reach out to every single little lash, base to tip, corner to corner.
To see if this claim is true, I testdrove CoverGirl Lash Exact. I have been using the mascara for almost 2 weeks now and guess what? I really liked it. The plastic bristles picked up every single little lash that I didn’t know existed. Plus unlike traditional brushes, this one does not make my lashes clumpy and I do not have to comb them. It also did not flake on me nor smear onto my undereye area. I will definitely stock up on this during my next trip to the drugstore.
Read more Mascara Reviews!
