May 8, 2008
it was this or a boob job
I’m testing mascaras, again; the L’Oreal Lash Out has been working pretty well, except that it dries out after about three weeks and so I am constantly tossing the tube. On the one hand, it’s like six bucks at the drugstore, so it’s not a huge investment to buy a new tube every month, but it seems like a tube of mascara should last longer than three weeks.
I’m also experimenting, again, with water resistant but not waterPROOF formulas; I am still skeptical that there is a water RESISTANT formula that will actually stay on all day, but I am optimistic at heart. And I read in the new Lucky magazine that wearing waterproof mascara every day can dry out your lashes, which is NOT something I need to be worrying about.
At all.
Currently I am wearing Clinique’s High Impact Mascara, not because I have any insight about Clinique’s mascaras but because my mom recently bought so much stuff at the Clinique counter that they gave her THREE gifts-with-purchase, and she brought me one, and there was a mascara in the cute pink makeup bag. So after I read the dire warnings about waterproof mascara (it will make your lashes BREAK OFF! the horror!) I dug out this free mascara because why not? How bad can it be?
It’s not bad, really. Although by the end of the day, I do have a little bit of raccoon face going on. But since my day begins at 5:00 am and ends at like 10:30, it’s no wonder I have mascara on my face, is it?
Metalia has recommended Maybelline’s Define-A-Lash; she likes the rubbery brush, and I am charmed by the hot pink tube. She swears that she’s wearing it without any flaking or raccooning, and I believe her because she is a product goddess. So that’s on my short list as well.
Also! I bought a box of false eyelashes earlier this week! Because I’m not going to have a boob job, so I’m thinking that maybe longer, thicker lashes might be the key to eternal youth. But I’m a little unnerved by the fact that the lashes came with GLUE but not REMOVER. Should I be worried about that? How do I get the lashes OFF at the end of the day? Help me, Internet.
And recommend some mascara while you’re at it.
Posted by Susan @ 10:12 pm • better than Botox
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May 8th, 2008 at 10:23 pm, She Likes Purple Says:
I’ve tried a handful (some fairly expensive ones) and I always go back to Loreal Voluminous (Waterproof).
May 8th, 2008 at 10:26 pm, regan Says:
I really like CoverGirl’s Lash Exact Mascara.
But I also just read a review for Avon’s Super Shock mascara which is supposed to be like the Lash Exact but BETTER. My order with it just came in today so I’ll let you know how it goes.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:41 pm, Jenn @ Juggling Life Says:
I swear by Loreal Voluminous–but never waterproof. Then again, San Diego’s not known for its high humidity.
I’d love to hear how the false eyelashes work out–I’m tres intimidated.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:52 pm, All Adither Says:
I’m always attracted to the false eyelashes, but can just imagine one of them loosening and flapping around like a small bird. And then I would be embarrassed. As all hell.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:11 pm, McSwain Says:
What funny timing! I did a lipstick post yesterday, and just almost asked for a mascara recommendation in my comments. Now I don’t have to! I’ll just read here.
May 9th, 2008 at 6:41 am, Shan Says:
If anyone were ever made for false eyelashes, it’s me (blonde Norwegian coloring; invisible, tiny, baby lashes). But the glue thing….um. So scared. It all seems so Hollywood-y! I will be glad to absorb your wisdom after you brave the false eyelashes kit. Good luck to you.
I’m still searching for the perfect mascara too. I always get smudges under my eyes halfway through the day; then again, my days are spent waking early and then chasing two toddlers around all day long, often working up a sweat on a playground or with a hefty double stroller. I noticed a few weeks ago that, on a day I attended a professional conference and thus was not caring for wee children all day, my mascara did not smudge AT ALL. Hmmmm…..
May 9th, 2008 at 7:49 am, Tressa Says:
For everyday wear, I’m also a fan of the Loreal Voluminous. They just came out with a new version called Voluminous Naturale, which I am really loving. You get the volume without the clumps. It has one of those rubbery brushes, too.
For special occasions, I whip out the Dior Show, which is basically like putting on fake lashes. It doesn’t require a base coat, but it’s $25 and does start flaking after a while, which is why I only wear it for nights out when I’ve had a few two many cocktails to care about being raccoon-eyed by the end of the night.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:12 am, Robyn Says:
I have to tell you Mary Kay mascara impressed me. I am on my second tube. (I think it was more like 5 months to dry out). I was a clinique girl before.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:21 am, Shannon Says:
Have you tried Benefit’s BadGal Lash, this is amazing mascara.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:34 am, Penny Says:
How weird that I came to your site just now to look up what mascara you said is working because mine is giving me the raccoon eyes. Mine is Cover Girl’s Lash Exact. Hate it.
But maybe my mascara smears these days because I don’t wear all that powder I used to wear.? I’m 36 and powder is a big No No unless I want to look ten years older.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:36 am, okiemom Says:
Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara is the best non-waterproof I’ve ever found. You can get it at Target or WalMart (cheap), it lasts a long time, and unless you’re crying like a waterfall, it stays put. Washes right off with soap & water–no remover needed. You can get a straight brush OR a curved brush.I love it dearly & have used it for years. It is/was highly recommended by the woman who writes those “don’t go to the cosmetic counter without me” books…
May 9th, 2008 at 9:26 am, Anna Says:
CoverGirl Marathon Waterproof. Truly invincible.
May 9th, 2008 at 9:29 am, ali Says:
lancome hypnose.
you won’t be sorry.
i’ve converted all my friends
May 9th, 2008 at 9:45 am, princess s Says:
I love false eyelashes, that make me feel glamorous and beautiful (like those women on the mascara commercials). Hint on wearing them though: Apply glue to lashes, stick them on as close to your natural lashline as possible, and then apply you mascara. And you should have no problems getting them off at the end of the day just use your mascara remover.
Also, I love Mary Kay’s mascara, its FANTASTIC.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:53 am, Stephanie Says:
I have no mascara recommendation, as my eyes always water when I wear mascara, so I usually just avoid it altogether.
But you can have my boobs if you’d like. I could easily give you have of each side and still have enough to spare for at least two other women.
If someone can please figure out how this could be made possible, you would be a millionaire.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:54 am, Stephanie Says:
half of each side…I meant half, not have..damn these typos
May 9th, 2008 at 10:56 am, Sue Says:
I am also intrigued by false eyelashes. Keep us posted! I can see myself getting it stuck in not-quite-the-right spot.
And any advice on eyelash curlers? They give such a nice wide-eyed look, but I can never get it where it’s supposed to go. Are my eyes too deep set? I gave up before I put an eye out.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:58 am, heels Says:
To take false eyelashes off, you just, well, pull. They’re really not stuck on there THAT well. And using make-up remover first loosens them up.
There’s this belly dance dvd that I’ve seen a couple of times that shows some of the performers backstage. My favorite part is when one of them is pulling off her eyelashes and, in a very dramatic, sad/serious voice moans “I’m taaaking awaaaay the maaaagic…” Frigging hilarious.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:54 am, Angella Says:
If you have cash to burn, buy Lancome’s CIL Booster and Hypnose.
For drug store? I love Maybelline’s Full N’ Soft.
Both rock
May 9th, 2008 at 12:39 pm, SoMo Says:
Doesn’t mascara expired? I like the Lash Stylist. I do better with the comb than the brush. It separates the lashes better and I can get my own longer.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:15 pm, Little Read Hen Says:
I am a Almay devotee for day to day use. Its more expensive than your lower end grocery store mascaras, but not makeup counter prices by any means. It is pretty clump and run free, but needs a good remover to take it all off at night (I generally wear the waterproof variety.) I flirt with the idea of someday owning one of the really nice Dior-esq mascaras, but I’m afraid that I would use it so sparingling that it would dry out on me anyway. . .
May 9th, 2008 at 8:33 pm, Miriam Says:
I have just recently discovered “Lash Injection” by Too Faced. I have thin blonde lashes that barely show up - but this stuff works wonders. It puts “tubes” around your lashes making them thick and lush. It stays on all day, but comes off easily at night. I found it at an ULTA (SEPHORA) store near my house but it is also available at various dept stores. Enjoy
May 9th, 2008 at 9:18 pm, jonniker Says:
Straight-up Cover Girl Professional is the one I’ve sworn by since I was wee. And I’ve tried HUNDREDS since then, and still, I swear by it.
I actually liked Clinique High-Impact when I tried it. I still prefer my Cover Girl, though.
Funny thing is, mascara is SO personal. It’s worse than skin care — I can’t believe what works SO well for one person works so poorly for another. It’s amazing, because dude, it’s EYELASHES.
May 10th, 2008 at 2:17 am, Melissa Says:
Yeah, I know nothing about mascara. But hey! I see you’re the new lead blogger at parentdish! Way to go!
May 10th, 2008 at 2:43 am, Lisette Says:
I am a mascara addict - my lashes are dark, but blonde-tipped (I’m naturally blonde), so they look really short. I have tried everything you can imagine and because I get really sore eyes, and end up rubbing them, I’m always on the hunt for a smudge-proof one.
My favourites are Cover Girl Lash Extract (it does smudge a little) and Max Factor Master Piece Max (hardly smudges at all). Neither are water proof, but define so, so well. Mmm, lashes.
May 10th, 2008 at 11:11 am, miguelina Says:
I just have to pipe in and second the rec. for Maybelline Full and Soft.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:33 pm, Marie Says:
I don’t know which one of those you will be able to find in the US but the best we have around here are from Lancôme (Virtuose, with a curled brush) and Dior (Diorshow).
I use one from Nivea but I’m quite sure they don’t sell their make-up in the US (which is too bad for you ladies because it’s the same price-range as Maybelline and really of very good qualities, their nail colours are to die for!)
May 11th, 2008 at 10:18 pm, dani Says:
The lashes come off very easily. Believe me. I’m still embarrassed about the halloween in college where I was trying to be all coy and flirt with a guy while he stared in horror as my eyelash fell into my drink and I swallowed it.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:14 am, Robin Says:
I must must must second the Lash Injection by Too Faced! I bought it for my wedding in January and it seriously is the best mascara EVER! It dosen’t come off when you rub your eyes or cry and it comes off so easily at the end of the day. I also bought some eyelashes for the wedding but I didn’t even need to use them after this mascara! And if you get it at Ulta and don’t like it, you can always return it…
Robin (from the bagel restaurant) :o)
May 12th, 2008 at 7:57 pm, sarah Says:
I’m hooked on mascara from the Body Shop. They stopped making the curved brush a few years ago which irked me but the product itself doesn’t flake, not clumpy, and i don’t get raccoon. However, I think a lot of raccooning happens because of the face shape.
Also, eyelash glue comes off in little stretchy strands or rubbery gobs.
May 13th, 2008 at 12:18 am, Rebecca Says:
I use Estee Lauder Projectionist. It is the best mascara I have ever used. Seriously. I wear hard contacts and it sucks more than anything to have mascara flake into your eye and this does not flake. My mom has the same problem and even more sensitive eyes than I do and she recommended it to me. Really, all the credit belongs to my cousin, though; she’s been using this for years and loves it.
I’ve had this tube for 6 months and am only now thinking I need to replace it because I have run out. I have tried every other kind of mascara out there and this really is great.
May 13th, 2008 at 4:30 pm, lesli Says:
I used to like CoverGirl’s Lash Exact Mascara but then didn’t; I don’t know what happened but it was great, then seemed to flake and smudge (not the same tube, new ones. I tried a few times.) Anyway, I went back to L’Oreal Voluminous (not waterproof) and I like it. I live in Louisiana, so… HUMID. I have thin blonde lashes and this makes them look thick but not fake, and it stays on fine despite humidity.
May 14th, 2008 at 11:13 am, laurakeet Says:
smashbox mascara is excellent as is cliniques.
smashbox makes a waterproof variety that is the most excellent waterproof mascara ever. looks light and fluffy but is like STEEL baby!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:35 pm, Susie Says:
Ok I’m just watching dvr’d Oprah and she is giving everyone the newest best mascara… Cover Girl Lash Blast. Bright orange tube. I guess when CG brought the makeup to Omagazine to review, they brought a scientist who talked all about “polymer migration” i.e. undereye smudging. Supposedly this doesn’t. Might be worth a try? $8 tube?
May 16th, 2008 at 7:37 pm, Susie Says:
Don’t you love that I’m watching Oprah, see mascara news and immediately think “Susan Wagner NEEDS TO KNOW!”
May 30th, 2008 at 3:10 pm, Amanda Says:
Sorry to burst your bubble, but Oprah is way off
I know, how sad - I love her! I bought that lovely bright orange tube because I thought Drew Barrymore looked SO great in the commercial - go ahead, laugh. . . I’ll wait. However, I’ve been trying it for about two weeks now and every night when I go to take it off (which requires waterproof remover, which I hate because it’s so greasy) I also have to remove little flecks of it from my eyeballs because it’s so flaky! It’s also very racoony.
I think I’ll try the L’Oreal Voluminous that everyone’s talked about next. Or maybe I’ll go back to Maybelline Unstoppable - which I’m now questioning why I stopped using in the first place, I had a reason. . . didn’t I?
June 9th, 2008 at 8:20 pm, Jessica @ A Bushel and a Peck Says:
I have used Cover Girl Professional (with the CURVED BRUSH, not the straight brush, very important) for over 10 years. I love it. Love it. Highly recommend.
June 11th, 2008 at 12:17 am, lengleng Says:
Dear all,
Call off the dogs on the search for amasing lashes with just a tiny tiny bit of mascara(the way I like it,natural).A must must try is enormous lash from www.longerlashesnaturally.com.It’s something I never thought would work but this time I believe in science has done wonders for beauty.My lashes are more than double the length and double the volume.It’s safe and non irritating and trust me if it didn’t irritate me it won’t irritant you,I have sensitive eyes and skin.I asure you girs will rave about it with your girlfriends once you see results.Besides it’s a 1 year guarantee if you don’t like it so why not??Good luck :)www.longerlashesnaturally.com