So I figured my first post back I would get your teeth wet with a universal topic that everyone can relate to. Naturally, I would choose MASCARA,  because even the most low-maintenance babe owns one or two or ten. But lets be serious – if you are reading this you are NOT low maintenance. I know, I know, we all like to think we are, or we CAN be if we need to be.

Personally, I like to think I can be both. Like, I am totally low maintenance on mornings  I wake up 10 minutes before I need to leave the house. This unplanned chaotic ritual usually consists of a quick rinse, A do it all moisturizer, Verb dry shampoo, smooth ends with this secret weapon, makeup consists of concealer, cream blush (used as lip too),  ALWAYS mascara and last but not least a spritz of a stellar fragrance. Then I’m released into the wild… (YES this is low maintenance in my world)

*ALWAYS PACK A PURSE NECESSITIES BAG FOR WHEN YOU HAVE TIME TO GO BABE!!
The goal here is to give y’all some guidance in the mascara department. I’ll be the first to say I haven’t tried them all, but I have tried enough to know I will not steer you in the wrong direction. Most importantly, no one is paying me to list, praise or review their mascara, so you get pure, unaltered honesty.

Personally, I like to keep a collection of mascaras, and rarely use the same one 2 days in a row. As my Dad would say, I like OPTIONS. Same way  I choose my outfit every morning, there is a look I am going for-and mascara plays a part in said ‘look’. Below, I have carefully awarded my top mascaras accordingly!

*As far as the ones I haven’t tried…I read a lot of blogs and reviews, so I included a list at the very bottom of those that I want to try and those that receive praise but I have a good feeling will fall short.  I also list the mascaras I’ve tried and disliked. I emphasize buying your mascara from a retailer that accepts returns in case you’re not a fan!

According to a study from Mint, the average woman spends approximately $15,000 on beauty products during her lifetime. Of that, $3,770 goes to mascara alone (I mean, it does brighten your whole face). (Mint,2015 market reasearch study) 

Compared to all other makeup, Mascara seems to be the most used product by women, siting Mascara usage remains high no matter what age; nearly nine in ten women ages 18 to 54 use mascara. (NPD Press release, Age Matters  When it comes to Makeup, Source: Makeup In-Depth Consumer Report) 

So more than likely you are either kinda or full fledged high maintenance and have likely purchased anywhere from 10-40 mascaras in your lifetime. Hell yes, slay bitches. You haven’t given up hope that there is such a thing as the perfect mascara…no quitters here!! or it could be that you’ll never be satisfied and are searching for a miracle. Its ok, me too.

The thing is, Mascara has the ability to completely transform your face, much like brows and concealer for that matter, haha, ok, but Mascara takes you from girl next door to BABE next door with come hither doe eyes. haha. true story.

I realized the importance of mascara when I was about 19 years old. I was at a boyfriends house for the weekend, throwing on some makeup before  a party. I come out of the bathroom  and he goes,  “damn girl – props, I felt like I was robbing the cradle 20 minutes ago, you just went from 12 to 22” Disturbing, yes, but all I did was two coats of mascara (probs some bronzer too, it was 2002) But that was it, mascara- (I used Loreal Voluminous back then) and I went from girl scout to BAE. lol. This is the same guy that told the chick at 579 that I was a thicky thick chick when trying to
figure out my size for a christmas gift. I was 100 lbs and a size 3. Great guy though. haha.

MORAL: wear mascara baby girls :)

Choosing a Mascara

It blows my mind that there are still such differing opinions when you Google best mascara. Like, who are these people that think benefit Bad Gal Lash and They’re Real are the best?? They’re fucking terrible! Oh and Maybelline in the pink tube being the holy grail- not anymore bitches! I’m sorry, but no, just NO. There are too many other amazing options now. However, we are all privy our opinions, I just can’t help but wonder…have these people TRIED good mascara?? I aim for Volume and length, are you lovely ladies going for crispy and sparse? seriously…. 🙂

I get that things that don’t work for me, others love, and vice versa. I am listing what works best for me, my personal faves, and I also take into consideration the feedback I get from those of you that I have given mascara suggestions. Again, I can’t stress enough, you might get excited and rush your pretty little fingers to sephora.com or nordstrom or amazon 1 click while reading this post, just keep your receipt, don’t be scared to return if you don’t love, and always choose a retailer that has a good return policy.

Worth Considering: Primers

The most significant thing to mention is the primer I started using daily about 3 months ago that has totally changed my mascara game. Brace yourselves, its… DRUGSTORE!  For real, L’Oréal® Paris Voluminous Primer 300 Primer– the alternate gold standard in drugstore mascaras released a primer that kicks ass.  I find that it just makes every mascara that much better, not to mention, I find it acts as lash protector under mascara, sort of how heat protector for tresses works. My lashes seem more naturally full, I’m not loosing them as much from normal wear and tear with mascara, not to mention they seem longer, but I don’t think it actually ‘boasts’ that as a benefit. One thing is for sure though- I definitely see a difference in my lashes.

*Just purchased the CILS BOOSTER XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base, which is a favorite among primer lovers and I will admit its lovely- but nothing notably different from the Loreal. 

There are a lot of Primers out there, and many if not most are great, but because of the price point ($5.99), the Loreal Primer just works for me. I’ve always known eyelash primers serve a purpose, the link between primers and better application and overall effect is undoubtable,  but I always forgot to use them until I saw a blog post from some Victoria’s Secret model that swore by this primer for the same reasons I do. I wear mascara everyday- it just protects them from falling out, pulling and generally conditions, without making your lashes ‘wet’ leading to skid marks on your brow bone or worse- the noon undereye shadow! Loreal’s Eyelash primer is in drugstores, ulta and amazon. It’s a white tube – easy to find. I’ll admit, I get questioned about having fake eyelashes constantly since making it a staple. Cheap too! Such a stellar find!

*In images below, I applied the Loreal Mascara Primer alone and then with mascara. Left eye Too faced Better than Sex, Right Benefit Eye Roller Lash.

 WHERE TO BUY YOUR MASCARA

My go-to retailers are sephora, nordstrom, dermstore, ulta (more recently) and amazon. Keep an eye on Amazon, who poses the biggest threat to retailers, with an online market share of 35%, and 25% of households having an Amazon Prime subscription. They just make it so damn easy. I rarely don’t find what I am looking for. However, Ulta is best for discounts and sephora’s VIB program isn’t bad. All of the above accept returns.

The official Beauty Detailed Mascara List

This would have been an easy post a year ago, but I swear, in the last year the mascara game has shifted. I mean, I’m impressed, there are more options than ever and each seems to look and feel different. It comes down to purchasing convenience, effect, lasting power, ingredients, and smell. Again- I haven’t tried them all- but I am positive I can steer you in the direction of one you will love- if you don’t already- or  even better, provide a new backup!

WINNER: The Best of the Best

Too faced Better Than Sex  $23- seriously no contest. Its the effing best.

The holy grail of mascara. Targets length,volume, curl and ability to reapply- zero clump factor! Does it live up to its name, hell no, whats better than sex? But I guarantee you feel like the most bambi-eyed lady in the room. This should be in every babes mascara collection, without a doubt..

I am embarrassed to say this…but I haven’t tried their waterproof version that they released about a year ago… Better than Sex Waterproof. Word on the street is that it doesn’t flake or melt, however I never seemed to have that problem with the original.

Despite this being MY HOLY GRAIL, I do have other favorites… Mostly because I’m never satisfied and can’t stand using the same mascara 2 days in a row. read on…

Winner: Everyday mascara

Benefit Roller Lash $24

Benefit’s roller lash was actually one of the TOP 5 most notable makeup launches according to the NPD (new product development market research group).

This mascara really is outstanding– it separates and lengthens while plumping and volumizing just enough so that your 9am meeting will question if  you have lash
extensions but look real enough that they know you’re not wearing your fake lashes from the night before. #savage

Double Winner!!

Winner: The NEW favorite & Best Curling Mascara

Peter Thomas Roth- Lashes To Die For™ The Mascara $22

I am always game for a recommendation- my hair stylist/color expert QUEEN (same babe that coined dusty rose and beige pearl color) told me I need to try Peter Thomas Roth’s Lashes to Die For. I was stubborn and loyal to my faves- so it took me a while before I ordered it.  Best decision ever. Will never doubt her again.

This mascara conditions WHILE it transforms lashes. The ‘thicker’ formula magnificently plumps, lengthens, CURLS and separates without clumping. If that wasn’t enough- it’s buildable! The thickness which could be described as almost ‘tacky’ but in a good way allows you to MOLD the lash. I grab my lashes from the top with the wand and spin upward, much like how you grab hair when blowing out. Convinced? Have you already purchased while reading this? There has to be a flaw right? What could go wrong…oh flaking? NOPE! The consistency is nondrying and conditioning. Thank the mascara gods- its a MIRACLE!!! haha. but for real, this shit’s good.

Winner: Tried and True, Lancôme Mascaras

Lancôme Definicils $27.50

Lancome Definicils is easily a tried and true winner in my book. The effect is subtle, well defined lashes, a little less dramatic than Benefit’s Rollerlash. The color is dark and potent, but not too overdone. This is like, Sunday brunch where you need to look fab but not Saturday night sex eyes. I envision using this mascara with almost overly concealed undereyes a shade lighter than usual, subtle eye brightener and VERY minimal liquid liner only on the top eye. Just lovely.

Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Volume Mascara $22

Lancôme Hypnose is right up there with Definicils, but creates more feathery looking lashes and is best used with a primer.  There is a great set at Nordstrom that includes their liner and makeup remover- which is another chart topper. I encourage a primer because I find Hypnose to flake quite a bit.

 MORE MASCARAS TO LOVE

The Almost Favorite: MTJ High Definition Mascara $21.80

I received this mascara in a glossy box about 6 months ago and was honestly blown away. The only problem- retailers haven’t picked it up yet. I purchased my second tube on eBay about a month ago. This mascara is incredibly buildable, every swipe creates more volume with rich color. Its texture is soft and creamy and application is easy, smooth and clump free. The silicone applicator (kinda looks like anal beads-sorry 🙂 allows eyelashes to be well separated and well lifted, without leaving clumps.Bottom line- IT DOES NOT SMUDGE, it separates and defines lashes PERFECTLY!! I would have made this my NEW FAVORITE- but because of issues with purchasing, I didn’t want to torture you ladies.

The Runner Up: Doucce Boombastic Lash $24

It brings the boom. Honestly thatstheir tag line. You should buy it for that reason alone. haha. The thickening formula and fat wand work together to coat lashes evenly and you are left with boom boom lashes. Wink. It flakes a tiny bit, but I haven’t used it with primer. Something tells me that would fix the issue. This is a really really great mascara- worthy of a try.

The Good For You Mascara:
W3ll People Expressionist Mascara, $24

Made of pure mineral pigments, it’s perfect for sensitive eyes without sacrificing fluffy lashes! Brush precisely separates and grabs the thinnest, shortest lashes by applying a precise amount of product with every application. Very nourishing and believe it or not, 100 Percent Natural Ingredients!! Eco babes rejoice!

The Best WAND: theBalm Cosmetics Mad Lash® Mascara $18

So, this here wand,  IS THE TITS. The curve, the tip, the thickness. The MASCARA WAND ladies, is what I’m referring to (wink). It’s even kinda bendy and the perfect size. They should make a mold of this and use it for every mascara. Bold Statement huh? The only thing better would be finding a bae with the same shaft qualities. Yup- I said it.

Tons of volume and lift, the tip is perfect for getting at even the tiniest of lashes.

The ex boyfriend: Diorshow $29

I used to LOVE Diorshow. I think its all I wore in college. Problem is the tube dries out so quick, which is annoying for a $29 mascara. Even so, its still a solid mascara. Volume and thickness are common traits. Just old news, and not worth my time, much like an ex.

The Fiber Mascara: KEVYN AUCOIN The Volume Mascara

This is one of those mascaras that creates tiny tubes around lashes. No chance reapplying, but a rich dark color and more volumizing than most waterproof mascara, which is when and why I tend to use this… beach, workout, watching the notebook.

Byrdie’s Top 5 Mascaras (courtesy of Rank&Style)

1. Lancôme Définicils High Definition Mascara ($28) Lovely.
2. Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara($32) HATE
3. Estée Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara ($28) Hmm- worth trying
4. Buxom Lash Mascara ($20) HATE
5. Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara ($32) Definitely worth trying *

Elle’s top 10 Mascaras

• Lancome Hypnose Good- but not worthy of the #1 spot
• Maybelline Falsie Push up Angel- own it, not impressive
• Urban Decay Perversion HATE
• Rimmel Wonderlash Lift me up Hmm, might be worth trying
• Loreal Telescopic Origional Hmm, might be worth trying
• Benefit They’re Real HATE
• Charolette Tilburry Full Fat Lashes Definitely worth trying!!!!
• Covergirl Lashblast length HATE
• Lancome Grandiose Always trust Lancome Mascaras

 Dying to try:

Guerlain ‘Cils d’Enfer – So Volume’ Maxi Lash Mascara $32.00

Have Yet to Try, heard good things…

UNIMPRESSED

These Mascaras that have a lot of hype, but fall short in my book.

• Nars audacious
• bareminerals- all
• lorac pro
• benefit they’re real and benefit bad gal lash
• urban decay perversion
• smash box full exposure
• Tom Ford extreme
• Tarte lights camera
• Stila huge extreme lash