Currently I'm using Smoky Lash by Make Up For Ever. Initially, I loved it. Not only did it give my lashes serious volume and length, it darkened them perhaps more than any other mascara I've tried. But now that I've been using it about two months, it flakes off constantly. I'll take out my compact for a lipstick touch-up and discover little black flecks underneath my eyes and all over my cheeks. Not so attractive anymore. Plus, a few hours later it isn't even apparent that I'm wearing mascara at all. This was great the first month, but I definitely wouldn't buy it again. Next!
Earlier today I picked up L'Oreal's Telescopic Explosion mascara. The customer reviews on Target's website made this mascara seem a bit lackluster; people seem to be kind of ambivalent about it. Then again, the original Givenchy (which, fun fact, is pronounced jee-vaun-shee, not give-en-chee) version has similar reviews on Sephora.com, so I wanted to try it out for myself.
First impressions? It takes me FOREVER to apply mascara. I put on at least two coats, sometimes three, and reducing the wand to 1/4 of a regular mascara wand is certainly not going to save me any time in the mornings. But it's perfect for reaching those tiny lashes toward the inner corners of my eye that are so difficult to get to. While other reviewers warned against clumpy, spider-y eyelashes, my actual result isn't like that at all. It did clump at first, but my eyelashes eventually separated and curled and lengthened as promised. Some friends watched me apply it and were amazed at the difference it made; the effects seem to last, too. Overall, it's not bad, and for $7.99, it's pretty good. The time issue is what concerns me more than anything. We'll see how it goes.
UPDATE: Okay, I'm not sure what happened but applying this mascara for the second time was AWFUL! I definitely experienced the clumping...it looked like I had exactly four eyelashes. It did not curl, it did not lengthen, it did not do anything but make my lashes look like short little stumps. I'm really disappointed, especially after getting such great results last night. I'll try it one last time (maybe it just takes practice and technique?) but if my eyelashes look like that again, this mascara will have to be abandoned.
As much as I love trying new mascaras, there's one formula I always go back to: Rimmel's Sexy Curves. Everything about this product is wonderful, from the applicator to the packing to the formula. It flawlessly does all the things a mascara is supposed to do. It lengthens, curls, and when I wear it I'm frequently asked if I have on false eyelashes. One coat looks good, two coats look better, and three coats look amazing. I liked Sexy Curves so much I ended up trying all of Rimmel's mascaras. If you're looking for a truly great drugstore mascara, buy Rimmel. I was pleased with them all, but Sexy Curves still remains my absolute favorite.
Are you a mascara addict like I am? What are some of your favorites? Which mascaras would you never spend money on again?
I am almost constantly trying new mascaras, and I'm pretty sure I've found success, but who can be sure when they're always coming out with new stuff. =/ For a long time, I used Maybelline's Colossal Volum Express, and while I liked it a bit, when I was selling Avon for a while there, I tried almost every one of their mascaras, and while they weren't all great, they were all better than the former. However, my absolute number-one fave that I just can't see being beat is Maybelline Intense XXL Volume+Length Microfiber Mascara. It's got a white primer that lengthens, then on the other end is the mascara that colors it black. It makes my lashes so long, they brush against my face when I look up =o
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