Wednesday, November 28, 2012

magnificent mascaras: which one is right for you?

I have spent the last thirty-odd years searching for the perfect mascara, but just when I think I have finally found it, I go and change my mind.  True, I am inordinately picky, but I am not convinced that the Holy Grail of mascaras actually exists. On the plus side, this means I have tried a whole lotta different mascaras and I can attest to which ones are near perfect.  Or in other words which ones are BEST.  I can give you a list, but I must break it down into different types of mascara because what one woman may want in a mascara (ie.volume) another may want to avoid.  Of course there are some qualities we all cherish, such as no clump, no smudge, no flake, and I can truthfully say that all the following mascaras have passed my own rigorous testing of flake/smudge/clump.  So I will continue my search for the absolute most perfect mascara out there, but until then you can certainly be happy with any of the following:

IF YOU WANT BIG VOLUME:
Dior Show Extase Mascara (pronounced "ecstasy") is favored by many of the more glamorous professional makeup artists.  In most cases just one coat will do ya, but if you are an extremist go for more!

FOR SENSITIVE EYES:
Blinc Mascara coats each lash in a miniscule tube of non-irritating protective color.  This stuff will absolutely never smudge or budge unless you wipe it away with warm water on a cotton pad (note the gentle removal).  It gives a more natural look, so don't be expect anything too voluminous, but most women with sensitive eyes are grateful to have found this.

IF YOU WANT LENGTH AND CURL:
Lancome Oscillation Mascara is the ultimate.  At first I thought the oscillating wand was just a gimick, but after trying a free sample I immediately realized they were on to something.  For years I used this to make my lashes as long as possible - it truly took them to dizzying heights.  And no need for a lash curler here.

IF YOU WANT BASIC GIRL-NEXT-DOOR LASHES:
Buxom Lash is my favorite.  It gives a nice full look without a lot of drama.  And better yet it does it all without parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes or fragrances, sulfates, and phthalates.

IF YOU WANT IT ALL:  VOLUME, LENGTH & CURL:
it's two-way tie.  I am forever going back and forth between Chanel Inimitable and Benefit They're Real.
Chanel Inimitable is class all the way. Think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.  Two quick coats of this will give you just about all that you could ask for.
Benefit They're Real is pretty close to the perfect mascara in my book.  The only thing to keep it from perfection is that the tube dries up fairly fast.  Still, I buy it because even though I may not quite get my money's worth out of it, my lashes never look better.

*** Months later, I have found my perfect mascara - perfect that is, for volume length & curl.  It's Maybelline The Rocket Volume Express and my lashes have never looked bigger bolder brighter or more beautiful.  And I love to have found a drugstore brand that doesn't flake or smudge.  You gotta try it!