October 29, 2007
The Great Mascara Road Test, Take One: Maybelline Volum’ Express
1. It smelled weird.
2. It was clumpy.
3. It was indeed waterproof, but it was also stiff and sticky.
Verdict: it went in the trash after two wearings.
I’m back to my Clinique free-with-purchase mascara (not waterproof, but it has a nice full brush and it makes my lashes look long and thick) and I’m combing through your suggestions.
I’m also dishing about what to wear for the holidays at BlogHer.
Now who else wants to suggest some mascara?
Edited to add: This was really Take Two; I started with the Dior mascara that I returned to Sephora (good work with the return policy, Sephora!) because it was smudging all over my face. Also, I am making note of your recommendations and will continue to report back.
Because god knows I don’t have anything better to do with my time.
Posted by Susan @ 9:15 am • better than Botox, other places
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October 29th, 2007 at 9:29 am, Jenny Says:
Have you tried soot mixed with vaseline?
My grandmother swore by it. Of course she also reused tin foil.
October 29th, 2007 at 9:29 am, Clara Says:
MAC X or Plush Lash formulas are awesome! Not waterproof, but the don’t flake and don’t clump.
October 29th, 2007 at 9:36 am, Jennie Says:
I need mascara suggested! I recently did a makeup overhaul and invested in some really nice things, but mascara was the one thing I didn’t purchase. I need a good one recommended. I’ve heard Dior is good, but where I heard that from is a mystery. Possibly Glamour. Possibly the receptionist. I don’t know.
October 29th, 2007 at 9:43 am, Kendra Says:
I’ve been on the mascara hunt too. I have tried a couple of the 2 layer ones (black over a white volume/length layer) but would not suggest any yet. I don’t have the guts to throw them out after 2 uses though, so I end up using them for about 6 weeks before I try again. Looking forward to your results!
October 29th, 2007 at 9:43 am, Molly Says:
I really like CoverGirl Lash Exact, but I use the non-waterproof kind.
October 29th, 2007 at 9:48 am, whoorl Says:
Cover Girl Lash Exact. Can’t vouch for the waterproof version, though.
October 29th, 2007 at 9:59 am, gena Says:
I am sorry it didn’t work for you. I have not had any of those issues with it. Maybe you got a bad one.
October 29th, 2007 at 10:11 am, Mandy Says:
My vote is any mascara that has the little silicone brush. IT does good on the lashes. Good luck!
October 29th, 2007 at 10:29 am, Shan Says:
OK, so I was just starting to think I really liked MY Maybelline Volum’ Express mascara. However, I do have the non-waterproof one. It is kind of goopy on the brush at first, but it makes my lashes look defined, more so than others I’ve tried.
October 29th, 2007 at 11:56 am, Heather Says:
i use covergirl remarkable washable waterproof mascara in brown/black. i love it. just be careful not to pump mascara, it introduces air into the tube and makes it yucky.
btw, my sister tried some on my recomendation. wore it to therapy, where she bawled her eyes out. she cried off her eyeliner and eye shadow, but not the mascara.
October 29th, 2007 at 12:10 pm, Jan Says:
Ditto the recommendation for the Volum Express, but not waterproof.
An aesthetician (hee — I’m sorry, I just cannot type that with a straight face) told me that waterproof mascara is clumpier and more likely to flake off into your eyes.
It you find something you like other than the clumpiness, I can recommend a teensy little eyelash brush. If I’m trying to go dark/long, I need more than one coat (blondest lashes ever, I swear), so I’ll apply, then comb through, then re-apply. The little comb really does define and remove clumps.
October 29th, 2007 at 1:07 pm, Belinda Says:
I tol’ you, L’Oreal Lash Out. It comes in waterproof and non, so be sure you get the right one. I have never found anything that competes with the “teddy bear” brush. My sister has also worn it for years:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/glennsden/1167021734/
October 29th, 2007 at 1:12 pm, Liz Says:
Rimmel! I have three of their mascaras and love every one. They make my lashes incredibly long and don’t migrate under my eyes. I have Volume Flash, Lycra Lash Extender and Xtreme Volume.
Best part, you can find them in Target too!
October 29th, 2007 at 1:25 pm, Rocks In My Dryer Says:
I am so glad you’re doing this, because in nearly 25 years of wearing make-up, I’ve never found a mascara I love. (Except that Electric Blue Cover Girl stuff from 1986. I was rockin’.)
I am currently trying Sephora. Don’t hate it, but don’t love it either.
October 29th, 2007 at 1:34 pm, Suzanne Says:
I think that Diorshow is the best out there…they do have a waterproof version, did you see it at your Sephora? http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml;jsessionid=XMPHOAGAGPABDLAUCJABXCQ?id=P99901&cm_mmc=us_search-_-GG-_-br%20dior-_-Diorshow%20Waterproof&_requestid=72754
I accidentally purchased it when buying my regular Diorshow the other day, that is how I knew of it. Can’t say enough about this mascara, the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve tried a million brands from cheap to expensive;)
October 29th, 2007 at 2:11 pm, okiemom Says:
One more plug for Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara. No flakes, smudges; lashes look long; washes off w/soap & water. And it’s cheap (
October 29th, 2007 at 2:36 pm, Susan Says:
Suzanne, the Diorshow was what I returned to Sephora, but I don’t think they sold me the waterproof version (mostly because it WASHED RIGHT OFF and also smudged everywhere).
But I loved that brush and would try it again. If I could get the Sephora staff to PAY ATTENTION when I was talking.
Argh.
Okay! More suggestions! Please!
October 29th, 2007 at 4:23 pm, slynnro Says:
In order of preference:
Fresh Supernova (BEST! BEST! BEST!)
DiorShow (for which your hate is well documented)
Lancome Definicils (I have liked all Lancome mascaras I have tried, except for the one with one of those complicated comb thingies)
Estee Lauder More Than Mascara (oldie but goodie)
Clinique Naturally Glossy
Have I mentioned that I have tried every mascara brand in the universe? Because I have. I am obsessed.
And have you bought a Shu Uemura eyelash curler yet? Because they are life changing.
October 29th, 2007 at 4:24 pm, slynnro Says:
Also, at the Northpark Sephora, home of all that is good and holy in this world, they have a handy dandy mascara display that has the brush in a clear display box so you can see and compare the brush styles because to me brush style is key to mascara satisfaction.
October 29th, 2007 at 4:26 pm, Caitlin Says:
I bought the waterproof Lash Exact and have been using it for a week, so far so good. I haven’t experienced any clumping or flaking.
October 29th, 2007 at 6:54 pm, Irene Says:
I use Lancome’s Definicils (http://www.lancome-usa.com/makeup/mascara/definicils-mascara.htm). It’s waterproof or water-resistant not sure which, but it never drifts under my eyes at the end of the day. AND, it washes off easily. It’s expensive but I love LOVE LOVE it!
October 29th, 2007 at 7:03 pm, Susan Says:
Okay, someone needs to talk me through using a lash curler. Because I own TWO (one for each eye? possibly) and have NO IDEA what to do with them.
So tell me: WHAT DO I DO WITH THEM?
October 29th, 2007 at 7:52 pm, Nicole Says:
I bow to Covergirl’s Marathon Mascara in black/brown. It is a light weight mascara but super duper waterproof which means no smudges. It does a fine job of highlighting my scarce lashes too. It comes off easy with make-up remover or soap & water. The best part is it’s cheap!
October 29th, 2007 at 9:25 pm, slynnro Says:
That pretty much requires an in person tutorial. Feel free to stop by after you go to the Northpark Sephora.
But really- it’s not as hard as it looks. Just gently place the curler over your lashes and press. With the Shu Uemura, it’s hard to mess it up. It works in a few seconds.
October 29th, 2007 at 9:39 pm, Elizabeth Says:
I thought MY Volum’ Express was the only tube that was stinky. It smells like I’m smearing moldy cheese all over my eyeballs. At least what I think it would smell like should I have the urge to do that someday.
October 29th, 2007 at 10:10 pm, Jaime Says:
Thought I would help so I just posted about my mascara. Good luck in your search.
oh…I need a new tube if you have a cheap one I will become the ginny pig. I don’t buy them if they are over 7.00. But I am always up for something new because I am fun like that.
October 29th, 2007 at 10:15 pm, Jamiee Says:
I too am on the mascara search…on another subject…doing nobloshoemo this year? I just bought two cute pair!!!!
October 30th, 2007 at 4:12 am, stacy Says:
i just recently read your blog and i have two suggestions for you.
one: there is this mascara i recently bought called imju fiberwig mascara. It’s $22.00 which is very pricey for a mascara but it works great and also it’s like fake eyelashes once you put it on it makes your lashes longer and more full its smudge proof and you can easily wash it off. I have very watery eyes and it never smudges or runs down my face
two: Avon Mark Make it Big mascara. this mascara makes your lashes more full and doesn’t smear at all. I rub my eyes all day and all night and i never get the mascara smear i work for avon so i got mines cheap but the regular price is 6 dollars. and this 6 dollars is well spent
I recently bought the dual volum XX mascara thingy from walgreens and it made my eyelashes clumpy and gross. I don’t recommend drugstore mascaras but the two i gave you are great mascaras =]
October 30th, 2007 at 9:02 am, Kelly Says:
I am a recent convert to MAC’s Pro Lash. I think it was $11.00, no problems with smudging yet washes right off. Not my favorite kind of brush, yet it does not clump.
October 30th, 2007 at 10:43 am, Mocha Says:
Lancome’s Fatale is the absolute best, lushest I’ve ever used and I know my eye makeup. When that’s your best feature you work at maximizing it.
So worth the $20.
October 30th, 2007 at 12:19 pm, Busy Mom Says:
I, for one, am grateful for you doing all this work as I have the same problem with mascara.
Carry on.
October 30th, 2007 at 1:26 pm, Angella Says:
I use Rimmel. Which I buy at Wal-Mart. Because I’m so upscale.
Seriously though, I like it and no clumping!
October 30th, 2007 at 5:08 pm, The Cheap Chick Says:
I recently bought (and wrote about) Clinique’s Naturally Glossy for $14, plus tax. It is the only product I’ve found that doesn’t smear, flake, clump, or make me crazy.
However, it doesn’t make your lashes a bazillion times thicker, if that’s what you’re looking for.
October 30th, 2007 at 9:13 pm, Jaime Says:
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-use-eyelash-curlers
This video is for men……ya
LOL! It happens to be user friendly and explains how to very well. I use them everyday. However, I only use one and as far as I know you only need one?? Anyway let us know how it goes!
October 31st, 2007 at 2:44 am, Rachel Says:
I use the waterproof version of CoverGirl Lash Exact since I wear contacts on periodically and live in the Northwest where it happens to rain.all.the.time and swear by the stuff. It’s cheap enough that I don’t mind buying the Clinique Eye Make-up Removal to smear it off at night… because it’s that freaking hard to get off.
October 31st, 2007 at 8:58 pm, Amber Says:
Maybelline Volum’ Express or Sky High Curves mascara works really well. I also highly recommend Prescriptive’s False Eyelashes mascara. It is one of my all-time faves!
Also a trick that I learned was to wipe my mascara brush through a tissue before applying and that will stop the clumping.
I rarely use mascara any more. I usually take 1 of a pair of brown natural false eyelashes and cut it down the middle and apply to the outer corners of my eyes. Then I will sometimes apply Neutrogena Eyelash Tint if I want a darker color. At first it took some trial and error with the lashes. But now it takes me less than 2 mins to apply and my lashes are perfect all day and all night!
November 1st, 2007 at 2:35 pm, angela Says:
I really like Lancome Definicils (my favorite) & its not too expensive. If you are looking for drugstore mascara try L’Oreal Lash Out. I was really impressed with it.
November 1st, 2007 at 3:48 pm, CocoSB Says:
I have to defend the DiorShow, and reiterate the comments about a waterproof version existing. I have heard a few beauticians talk about waterproof chemicals being bad for your lashes in the long run though - and wonder if you have considered one of the lash bases (e.g. Paula Dorf Perfest Lash).
On the other hand Lancome is also great - but I keep forgetting which sample I liked the best
November 5th, 2007 at 7:30 pm, Suniverse Says:
I’ve worn Almay One Coat mascara for about 20 years now (jesus, has it been that long?). I trade off between that and the Clinique freebies, but it’s the only one I actually buy. I have the stubbiest eyelashes (they are almost non-existent) and I’ve actually had friends who have seen me without make up ask me what kind of mascara I use, it makes such a difference.
Triple Effect and Nourishing are waterproof and hypoallergenic, to boot!
Good luck with your search!