Oh yes Grace, puh-lease report your expert mascara findings on your fancy beauty blog. Welllll, I will. I know there are SO many incredible beauty blogs and YouTube channels out there that give you some serious detailage on lots of products and if I'm not careful I can get sucked into those for HOURS on end. Anyway ... after reading lots of reviews and listening to your awesome suggestions I tried out five different mascaras and I thought it'd be fun to let you know what I thought of each and every one. Or I could talk about my disdain for organizing baby/toddler clothing. So ... I think the lesser evil would be talking about finding the perfect mascara that gives great length and volume and doesn't clump and take off half my lashes after one application and changes Sebastian's bombs. Yes, let's do it.
Here's what went down ...
1. Maybelline New York Volume' Express The Rocket -
likes: initially I really loved this stuff because it did throw on a lot of volume with not a lot of fussy applications.
gripes: after a few days of wearing it (and showering in between wears, I swear) I noticed that it would clump pretty badly and my lashes would eventually break even after just a few hours. Maybe I have brittle lashes but it's probably my fault for not specifically using makeup remover every night (or ever) and only washing my face but I won't be taking the time to remove my eye makeup anytime soon. If you're a dedicated eye makeup remover person -- you might love this stuff.
2. Maybelline New York Volume Express Colossal Cat Eyes -
likes: this was my go-to for a long time because I love the curved brush and it lasted several hours into the day and looked pretty freshly applied even after I'd spent a long morning sipping champagne and throwing back bonbons.
gripes: um, I got bored? I think the colder weather made it start flaking easily and I got the itch to try something new.
3. Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara Black -
likes: this was Natalie's top pick several months ago and so I ordered the travel size because it's pricey. I loved it because it didn't clump or look spidery and delivered in the length and volume department.
gripes: BUT only after applying three coats and waiting for each coat to dry in between applying said coat did I achieve the perfect lash and as much as I'd love to dedicate that much time to my face painting ... my charges always have other plans.
4. Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! -
likes: everyone RAVES about this stuff so I had to see what all the glow sticking was about. It is pretty impressive .... volume for days after just one coat.
gripes: but holy clumps. It clumps and crunches badly and takes my lashes with it if I dare to wear it for more than a few hours so I only wear it on super special occasions (so almost never I guess) if I'm only going to be out for the evening before I turn into a clump pumpkin. Again, maybe I just have brittle lashes or something.
5. Maybelline Full 'N Soft - (WINNER!!)
likes: a different Natalie swears by this stuff and she always had the BEST lashes in college so why didn't I try it sooner? I don't know. Is a six dollar mascara the answer to my prayers? Mostly! The thing I love about this is that it doesn't get crunchy - you know what I mean. I can apply a couple of coats (even though one does just fine) and still - full and soft. Crazy. And Simon even asked if I was wearing extensions .... it's that great in the length department.
gripes: none, really. If I can find a mascara that offers a teeeeeny tiny bit more volume with zero crunch ... I'm all over it.
Anyway, I'll keep testing because it's fun and sometimes I have so much time on my hands I just take a little dip in my big fat vat of boredom plus the kids are very concerned about my lash length and volume. I always love hearing your favorites ... especially if yours is up there and you disagree with me because I can assure you that I'm rarely right.
Here's what went down ...
1. Maybelline New York Volume' Express The Rocket -
likes: initially I really loved this stuff because it did throw on a lot of volume with not a lot of fussy applications.
gripes: after a few days of wearing it (and showering in between wears, I swear) I noticed that it would clump pretty badly and my lashes would eventually break even after just a few hours. Maybe I have brittle lashes but it's probably my fault for not specifically using makeup remover every night (or ever) and only washing my face but I won't be taking the time to remove my eye makeup anytime soon. If you're a dedicated eye makeup remover person -- you might love this stuff.
2. Maybelline New York Volume Express Colossal Cat Eyes -
likes: this was my go-to for a long time because I love the curved brush and it lasted several hours into the day and looked pretty freshly applied even after I'd spent a long morning sipping champagne and throwing back bonbons.
gripes: um, I got bored? I think the colder weather made it start flaking easily and I got the itch to try something new.
3. Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara Black -
likes: this was Natalie's top pick several months ago and so I ordered the travel size because it's pricey. I loved it because it didn't clump or look spidery and delivered in the length and volume department.
gripes: BUT only after applying three coats and waiting for each coat to dry in between applying said coat did I achieve the perfect lash and as much as I'd love to dedicate that much time to my face painting ... my charges always have other plans.
4. Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! -
likes: everyone RAVES about this stuff so I had to see what all the glow sticking was about. It is pretty impressive .... volume for days after just one coat.
gripes: but holy clumps. It clumps and crunches badly and takes my lashes with it if I dare to wear it for more than a few hours so I only wear it on super special occasions (so almost never I guess) if I'm only going to be out for the evening before I turn into a clump pumpkin. Again, maybe I just have brittle lashes or something.
5. Maybelline Full 'N Soft - (WINNER!!)
likes: a different Natalie swears by this stuff and she always had the BEST lashes in college so why didn't I try it sooner? I don't know. Is a six dollar mascara the answer to my prayers? Mostly! The thing I love about this is that it doesn't get crunchy - you know what I mean. I can apply a couple of coats (even though one does just fine) and still - full and soft. Crazy. And Simon even asked if I was wearing extensions .... it's that great in the length department.
gripes: none, really. If I can find a mascara that offers a teeeeeny tiny bit more volume with zero crunch ... I'm all over it.
Anyway, I'll keep testing because it's fun and sometimes I have so much time on my hands I just take a little dip in my big fat vat of boredom plus the kids are very concerned about my lash length and volume. I always love hearing your favorites ... especially if yours is up there and you disagree with me because I can assure you that I'm rarely right.
I've been waiting for this post!! Just went on a hunt for a new mascara and stood there in the aisle debating how quickly you might respond to a tweet/email/social media cry for help on what to buy. Now I know for next time!
ReplyDeleteHo-kay. So I didn't comment on the original mascara debate because...I don't know why. I have one that I love and swear by but there were just so many suggestions flooding it! It's Maybelline Falsies (in brownish black waterproof...but whatever floats your mascara-eyed boat). Not the flared one and that's not because I dislike it, I've just been so set on the regular one that I haven't ventured out and changed. Its a magenta tube with aqua writing. It too has the curved brush like the Colossal (tried in the past), but it does not do the crunchy crunch They're Real! does (got it once in a birthday gift from Sephora). No clumps, lots of volume and length, UNDER 6 dolla bills and one coat will do but I usually do a few. :) I love this product review and I really love mascara...if I had to choose one item from my makeup bag-it would always be mascara!
ReplyDeletecan you elaborate? i have been using l'oreal voluminous and it's clumping on me occasionally. also the formula is super goopy so i'm curious what the brush sitch is like with this falsies stuff? thoughts?
DeleteAre you using a lash curler?
ReplyDeleteOh thanks for the review. I am always looking for a better mascara. so the maybelline full n soft, it didn't smudge later under your eyes? I may have to try this if they have a waterproof formula!
ReplyDeleteThey do have a waterproof.
DeleteOhhh my current mascara is on its last leg (okkkk it was on its last leg months ago..) AND I have a sitter tomorrow and a trip to target on the agenda! I will be giving a few of these a go!
ReplyDeleteThis post made me think of this video I just watched: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WM9QcX5DP0&feature=youtu.be
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking the vid + the mascara winner = holy gorgeous long lashes!
Hee-hee - good thing I didn't run out and buy the Rocket Volume one....! I love when other people test stuff and just tell me what to buy. Makes my life SO much simpler!
ReplyDeletethis is my standby as well though naturally that doesn't stop me from buying a different tube every other time and then being disappointed. Glad to know internet strangers also endorse this one!
ReplyDeleteI wear mascara maybe twice a week?... but i am going to try out the recommendation. trying to be more make up friendly.
ReplyDeleteI have approximately 22 tubes of mascara currently sitting on my dresser. They all clump or flake or make my eyes water. So tomorrow I am off to Walmart to purchase Maybeline Full "n Soft. Can't wait to try it. Thanks for the recommendation. you have never steered me wrong.
ReplyDeleteNever tried the winner- I'll have to give it a try. I loved clump crusher but now I think it's making my lashes break. Ugh I hate using make up remover. Nobody got time for that
ReplyDeleteYES! #5 is the only mascara I've used for years, and I love it. Glad to know I'm in good company! :)
ReplyDeleteUsed #5 for years (12-15?) and have always loved it! Tried others and always go back - good choice!
ReplyDeleteI love you forever for doing this. I was just thinking it was time for me to budget a bunch of money and buy as many mascaras as I could to have a show-down. And now I don't have to.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews! Love hearing what real people think vs. beauty editors pushing latest/greatest. If you are just dying to try another lol...Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara Black. It's like $3 at Walgreens, very dark black, one coat volume and length, and not crunchy. It lasts all day with no fall out, too. In fact, if I'm honest here, I um sometimes don't wash it off and it's still noticeable the next day.
ReplyDeletemy next mascara will t otally be that one.
ReplyDeletei like that you're calling it crunch. makes sense.
I understand the dilemma! Almay triple effects is my absolute tried & true favorite. I do have naturally decent eyelashes but people do ask if I am wearing falsies when I wear this mascara. Plus, it makes me feel better that I am coating my eyelashes with chemicals when there is a bit of vitamins thrown in there as well :)
ReplyDeleteI understand the dilemma! Almay triple effects is my absolute tried & true favorite. I do have naturally decent eyelashes but people do ask if I am wearing falsies when I wear this mascara. Plus, it makes me feel better that I am coating my eyelashes with chemicals when there is a bit of vitamins thrown in there as well :)
ReplyDeleteThe BEST mascara I've ever used is Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume! The only one I've ever tried that NEVER flakes or clumps or ends up on your face! SO much volume and length with one coat. It's worth the $24 because it doesn't dry out in the tube and it conditions the lashes so they don't break off!
ReplyDeleteLoreal Voluminous until I die. Or get richer and can spend more on mascara. But, it's perfect...for me. Also, I never post on people's blogs, but couldn't help myself in sharing my favorite mascara.
ReplyDeleteYup.
DeleteI second this! Grace, seriously try this. I need to know how it compares to the Maybelline Full and Soft now. I love the Loreal Voluminous!
DeleteI am so glad you did this post!! I am a mascara addict! As in I have about 11 tubes of that nonsense in my bathroom right now. I have been a fan of the loreal voluminous for a long while now. But I also like the benefit one that you were not too much of a fan of. Maybe I like it because I layer loreal on top of it? Maybe? Anyhooo I will be picking up your fav next time I go on a target run.
ReplyDeleteThank you! L'Oreal (I think it was L'Oreal) stopped making my favorite ever mascara a couple of years ago and I have been searching for a replacement since. I have been WAITING for this post! I will be trying your winner for sure.
ReplyDeleteOooooh...so I've been a die hard L'Oreal Voluminous user for umm like half my life but you've peaked my interest in maybe trying this Maybelline stuff just for kicks. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been mentally writing out my well thought out complaint to Maybelline for months now so thanks for this great forum for me to unleash my frustration. WHYYYY did they get rid of their mascara's with the black and white side? I have very thin eyelashes, long but thin and flip I've wasted so much money trying to go through their range and find a good mascara.. I'll try the one you like, its the absolute last chance I'm giving Maybelline before storming their head office and demanding my old mascara back, cause holy crap mascara is expensive in South Africa and I don't love having to keep replacing one crap mascara with another one.... phew, thanks thats been eating me.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried Blinc? I bought mine at Sephora. It coats around your lashes and washes off with water -- they come off like little spider-leggy tubes with just a tiny bit of rubbing. I loved the They're Real effect until I tried to get it off -- that stuff is like tar! (I had 3 kids in less than 4 years -- no time to add de-makeupify steps!)
ReplyDeleteI have to throw props in for Blinc as well. It gives great volume and I defy anyone to find a mascara that's easier to remove. However, my favorite budget mascara is by Prestige Cosmetics and it's called "my blackest lashes." I've only ever seen it at Ulta but it's around $5 and it's incredible. Not the fancy tube technology as Blinc, but I tend to get very allergic to mascaras and it's literally the only drugstore price mascara that I can use.
DeleteIf you're not big into spending a lot of time with eye makeup removers, Clinique's Lash Doubling Mascara might be your next best friend. It's not a super volumizer, but it comes off pretty easily--almost entirely with warm water alone. I like it because I need makeup that will stay put for a 14 hour shift. This stuff doesn't give me raccoon eyes by the end of the day, but doesn't need to be scrubbed off either.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh, thank you for doing this. I need a new mascara that is momisinafreakinghurry approved.
ReplyDeleteL'oreal Voluminous Lashes in my go-to. I've tried 15 other mascaras, always thinking "There must be something else better!" but I always go back to L'oreal. (I actually wrote a review on my blog a couple weeks ago... http://fainthueofgrace.weebly.com/1/post/2013/10/five-favorites-things-i-use-every-day.html)
ReplyDeleteAfter spending a small fortune on mascara at Sephora and always being dissatisfied with what I bought, I tried Cover Girl Lash Blast. I really like it. It separates, adds volume, and doesn't clump or irritate my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI was too lazy (and broke) to try a bunch of dif mascaras. Yay! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI bought Revlon lip butter after Hallie recommended that, and loved it. I'll probably take your advice on mascara, thanks for doing the dirty work for us.
ReplyDeleteI've been on the search for the perfect mascara for ages because it's the only thing that I wear every day no matter what and it makes a HUGE difference on me. My all-time fave was the Cover Girl orange tube (not the real name but, ya know...) but now I'm trying to switch over to all-natural stuff and it is HARD to find a good one that doesn't cost a million bucks.
ReplyDeleteSephora has (or at least had) a mascara sampler with minis of all kinds of awesome brands. It may get you addicted to a pricier one but it is great. If you're still searching, which it sounds like you're not. So for everyone else...
ReplyDeleteI was tempted by the full and soft while at the store today. I decided to give Great Lash one more try. I don't know why. It made my eyes itch last time. But, I am ridiculous and need to know if it was a fluke...
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU FOR THIS! I am so going to try it. I JUST bought some new mascara that I hate, hate, hate, so I'm really bummed about it. But next trip to the store, I am SO buying the Maybelline full and soft! (And I'm totally the same way about makeup removing.) So, thanks a ton!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite mascara of all time is the L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes that makes the little tubes of mascara that are super easy to remove (because I just wash my face at night and cannot be bothered with another step to scrub off mascara). All the non-waterproof mascaras I've tried have all smudged (dang short lashes and asian eyes which push my lashes down on my face when I blink so they smudge super easily) and all the waterproof ones were impossible to remove, even with eye makeup remover. Anyway, the L'Oreal Double Extend is amazing because it doesn't smudge and is a cinch to remove. I've tried multiple mascaras since then but I keep coming back, I LOVE IT FOREVER.
ReplyDeleteFull N' Soft is what I have been wearing for years and years. I keep straying, trying to find the perfect mascara, because as you sort of said, it could be better in the volume department. But I always go back because in the not clumping, not making my eyelashes break, not looking spidery department, it can't be beat. Although, I am currently trying out the Borghese mascara from....you guessed it, COSTCO. Is buying even my beauty products at Costco going to far in my love affair with that giant warehouse? Don't know, don't care. Anyway, so far I am really liking it UH LOT. I think the only problem might be that it doesn't last terribly long into the day? Not sure, I have only used it 3 times so far. I can report my findings after I have used it longer if you can stand to wait.
ReplyDeleteMy fav too! I've been wearing full n soft since high school and have never found anything else that I like even a tiny bit more.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Maybelline junkie and actually love both The Rocket and Falsies. They've been my go-to mascaras for a long time! I've never heard of their Full and Soft though, I'm definitely interested! Is it waterproof?
ReplyDeletehere's me WISHING I'd taken notes on this post :/ because I could not get my phone to pull up your page in target-spotty connectivity in ALASKA-so I had to forgo my momentous purchase of something completely different and out of my normal range of NOTHING on my eyelashes**sigh**
ReplyDelete"They're Real!" clumps so much because it dries verrrry quickly. Pain in the butt, I know. I throw a quick coat of that on, followed by a thicker mascara specifically a random too-faced brand one, and re-run the "they're real" brush through because the tiny bristles spread the eye lashes out much more easily.
ReplyDeleteThat sounded like a task and a half, so option 2: "perfékt" - it's white tube with green cap. It's the bomb, and questionably a miracle worker, but it comes with a price so I'll give you a tip. This mascara costs $28, BUT, I highly suggest if you're not part of the Beauty Brands reward program - get on it. There's a location in Brentwood, I frequent. Hair spray sale right now ($8.99 for stuff that costs 2-3x as much). The mascara sale should be in the summer - only $10 for the all these random expensive mascaras and perfekt was featured in both mascara sales last year.
Another tip - do not pump your mascara brush in and out a ton. Air bubbles will get trapped and your mascara will dry out.
"They're Real!" clumps so much because it dries verrrry quickly. Pain in the butt, I know. I throw a quick coat of that on, followed by a thicker mascara specifically a random too-faced brand one, and re-run the "they're real" brush through because the tiny bristles spread the eye lashes out much more easily.
ReplyDeleteThat sounded like a task and a half, so option 2: "perfékt" - it's white tube with green cap. It's the bomb, and questionably a miracle worker, but it comes with a price so I'll give you a tip. This mascara costs $28, BUT, I highly suggest if you're not part of the Beauty Brands reward program - get on it. There's a location in Brentwood, I frequent. Hair spray sale right now ($8.99 for stuff that costs 2-3x as much). The mascara sale should be in the summer - only $10 for the all these random expensive mascaras and perfekt was featured in both mascara sales last year.
Another tip - do not pump your mascara brush in and out a ton. Air bubbles will get trapped and your mascara will dry out.