*In my humble and completely non-beauty-related-professional opinion!
Things I want a decent mascara to achieve:
1. The illusion that my lashes are at least slightly longer than their natural stubby state.
2. Added volume so that they don’t look as sparse as I sometimes feel they are, especially when I lose a bunch at one time and freak out about going bald.
3. As per the second point, a mascara cannot lead to excessive loss of lashes. I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life.
4. Not flake the f*ck out and spill black specs all over my face all day. My under eyes are dark enough, ya feel? I’m too awkward for tiny mascara clumps to be sprinkling onto my skin.
5. It must be waterproof in order to be long-lasting, but cannot be impossible to wash off. I can’t stand when a mascara won’t come off with my simple makeup removing routine.
I’m indifferent about slight mascara clumping. Sure, I don’t want it to look like I only have three fat lashes, but I also don’t need the illusion that I have no mascara on at all. I’m not ashamed of my reliance on the cosmetic. There’s no need to play hard to get with mascara. She knows she’s my #1.
In terms of application, I started using mascara primer a few years ago (thanks for the recommendation, Mom) and am forever changed. It helps keep my mascara on with vibrant colour and lots of volume. I find that it can dry the waterproof mascaras slightly (but protects my actual lashes from damage) so to wash it off, I gently use warm water and dab with my fingers to wet the lashes before using makeup remover and washing my face.
I know that mascara look, preferences, and even performance are quite varied, but below are some of my personal favourites.
LANCOME Grandiose Extreme
I received this little gem in a package from Nordstrom’s beauty counter when they opened in Vancouver and have been re-buying it ever since. The wand is quite small and curved with dual bristles but performs so well! It takes a few applications to get used to it, but the amount lift and curl achieved from this mascara is incredible! Use this one daily with the primer, of course.
SHOP THE LOOK: This Nordstrom set with primer and remover or just the mascara.
L’Oreal Voluminous Original
Give it up for the OG mascara of my adulthood. I started stepping things up and purchased the Voluminous primer to go with it and it’s amazing! This mascara is a great option if you’re on a tighter budget, even with the added primer cost, both products are cheaper than one tube of the other mascaras I’ve listed. It doesn’t quite measure up to my Lancome loves, but it does perform well for the cost and is a slightly more natural look than the others.
SHOP THE LOOK: Voluminous from The Bay or Walmart (US)
LANCOME Monsieur Big
I don’t know what kind of witchcraft Lancome does to make such amazing mascaras, but they get two of my four recommendations! Mr. Big is quite similar to Grandiose Extreme in terms of performance. The application is different though because it’s a chunkier wand. This is my go-to for a night out!
SHOP THE LOOK: The Standard Size or Mini Tube from Sephora
Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir
Look, I really wanted to add this to the list because I had a tube of the MJ Velvet Noir and remember loving it. I wish I’d taken notes at the time because now I can’t remember exactly what it was like but I know that I went through the entire thing and remember thinking I would re-buy. I should probably just grab a mini tube of it to get reacquainted.
SHOP THE LOOK: Sephora Mascara and Gel Liner Set or Mini Tube (great to test out with) or Standard Size
As I mentioned, I am no beauty expert, so if you have any recommendations I would love to hear them! I’ve seen positive reviews for some Benefit and Tarte mascaras, have you tried any? I’m super curious, it’s just always tough to veer away from what I know works. Also, I have tested out a few natural mascaras and so far none can even come close to the heavy mascara look I prefer, but if you’ve found any clean beauty mascara that adds hefty volume and/or length, please do pass that info along.
For me, clumping is a big turnoff in a mascara. Some of the earlier ones I have used have been very messy to use. I have been eyeing the Lancome one for some time. Thanks for putting out the reviews!
L’Oreal Telescopic is amazing. I have stumpy lashes as well and it gives amazing length!