From department store prices to Wal-Mart sales, mascara is a beauty must-have that many shoppers often have a hard time deciding upon. Cover Girl, MAC, L’Oreal, Lancome and more, what do they have in common, not the price that’s for sure. The common factor is that finding the right one can mean you’ve found a beauty staple that is crucial to nearly every makeup look you’ll try.
In reality the most important factors in mascara shopping are 1) Do you like the formula? 2) Is it water-proof or not? and 3) What is the brush shape?
The first question requires a little trial and error. Reading reviews of various mascara formulas can be very helpful. In the end, however, you simply need to try out the product and see how it holds up for you.
With waterproof vs. non waterproof mascara, you simply need to decided what the occasion calls for. Waterproof formulas tend to stay on longer and be more durable. And, of course, they’re waterproof. So, if you’re going on a beach vacation, or if you need a formula that will last through a wedding, you will probably want a waterproof version of your favorite brand. There are a couple drawbacks with waterproof mascaras however. If they flake, it’s then quite difficult to get the residue off from underneath your lower lashes. It doesn’t just wipe off easily like normal mascaras do when they flake. You also have to use a special eye makeup remover to get rid of the product completely when you’re ready to take off your makeup. Some formulas have also been known to dry out your lashes as well.
Most people prefer non waterproof formulas because they can be removed more easily – some come off with just water alone, and most come off with a gentle facial cleanser. We recommend that you find a formula or two that aren’t waterproof for regular use, but keep a waterproof mascara handy in case you need one for a special event or a trip to the pool.
Now the shape of the brush may take a little longer to decide on as it is essentially what will determine the look of your lashes. Here is what to look for: when a brush is wide and more round chances are it is going to hold more mascara and therefore apply more with each stroke. Brushes with bristles that are shorter or more separated are often good for brushing out lashes but do not leave much on your lashes and can take longer to apply. They also may not give that full and lengthy look like the wider brushes.
Finally, color is an important consideration as well. The good thing is that most formulas will come in your standard black and dark brown shades – some even come in quite a few versions of these shades. So, once you find the right formula for you, you can stock up on a few different shades. For everyday use, a good guideline is to choose a shade that is just two or three shades darker than your natural eyebrow color. Of course, for special occasions, or more dramatic looks you can use the color your look requires.
One last thing to remember is that under certain conditions probably all mascaras will start to flake. With this said, you do not want to buy the cheapest thing on the aisle as it may flake much easier but you certainly do not have to break the bank with a mascara purchase. Try a few different formulas in your price range and find the ones that work best on your lashes.
Guerlain Mascaras
Among the most popular products offered by Guerlain is their mascara. All of their mascara is well-formulated and features some of the most sleek and appealing packaging to be found on any mascara anywhere. The most coveted of all the Guerlain mascaras is the new Le 2 de Guerlain. Le 2 de Guerlain is an [...]
MAC Coupon Code: LASH510
Here is the newest coupon code for a free sample of MAC Cosmetics Zoom Lash mascara with any purchase. You will also get free shipping on your order. Just enter promotional code LASH510 at checkout at maccosmetics.com. Keep in mind that these offers expire after a period of time. We’ll update this post if we [...]
Eyelash Extensions – What to Expect
Eyelash extensions are a great way to get a glamorous eyelash look with little effort. Similar in theory to hair extensions, eyelash extensions are synthetic fibers that are attached to your existing lashes to make them look longer and fuller. This eliminates the very time-consuming step of curling your eyelashes and applying mascara every morning. [...]
L’Oreal Volume Shocking Mascara
L’Oreal’s new Volume Shocking mascara has been featured in recent tv ads, magazine ads and more. If you’ve wondered how this mascara stacks up against other drugstore brand mascaras like Maybelline’s popular Great Lash mascara, or new Lash Blast Mascara, this is a great chance to try it out on your own lashes without having [...]
Free Sample of Chanel Inimitable Mascara (UK Only)
This is one of Chanel’s new mascara formulas. Click here, or on the picture to your right. Then, click on “skip intro” and you’ll get to a page where you’ll be able to print out a coupon for a free sample of their mascara. This offer does not require any additional participation, surveys or purchases [...]
MAC: Opulash Collection
Release Date: May 27, 2010 (in stores) International: June 2010 THE BIGGEST, BADDEST, BOUFFANT LASHES EVER ARE MAKING NOISE WITH THEIR SEXY SWEEP… the most extremevolumization ever seen! Just like going to your hairdresser for the boldest Barbarella blowout you’d ever dare to wear, Opulash creates aesthetic extremes when it gets going, for a dramatic [...]
MAC Coupon Code: LASH310
Another MAC Cosmetics coupon code for a free sample of MAC’s popular Zoomlash Mascara. Enter code LASH310 when checking out at maccosmetics.com and you will get a free sample of Zoomlash added to your order. You’ll also get free shipping! Yay!
Free Sample of Stila Black Diamond Mascara
If any of you are planning on buying anything from Sephora soon, or if you just happen to love Stila Cosmetics, you’re in luck. For a limited time, you can get a free sample of Stila’s Black Diamond Mascara free with any purchase! Just visit Sephora’s site and enter code BLACKDIAMOND at checkout. The free [...]
MAC Coupon Code: LASH210
Get free standard shipping on your next order plus a free sample of MAC’s Free Zoomlash Mascara with any purchase. Enter coupon code LASH210 at checkout at maccosmetics.com.
MAC Coupon Code: LASH129
Enter code LASH129 upon checkout at maccosmetics.com and get a free mini sample of MAC’s Zoomlash Mascara. Enjoy!
How to Apply Mascara
[See the rest of our How to Apply Makeup series for beginners.] Although mascara is an essential item for any make-up bag, it tends to be the most widely misused product. Since mascara is the most essential makeup product for drawing attention to the eyes, it is important to correctly apply it. By following these [...]
MAC Coupon Code: LASH109
You can get a free ZoomLash sample and free shipping with any online purchase! Enter coupon code LASH109 when checking out at maccosmetics.com.
MAC: In the Studio Collection
Release Date: December 26, 2009 Dramatic, daring Lashes have been a chic and urbane part of the modern Artist’s persona since Edie and friends made it all happen Downtown, on block-print canvas or grainy 16-millimetre film. Multi-media, counter-culture, the ultimate cool. In The Studio is the epitome of the look updated, featuring new Studio Fix [...]
MAC: Double Dazzle Collection
Release date: April 30th, 2009 Sometimes it doesn’t take more than a little something for the lips and a little something for the lashes to dazzle the masses; this is the idea behind MAC’s new collection Double Dazzle set to release April 30th, 2009. With the tag team of lips and lashes in full force, [...]
Brrr! Cold Weather Makeup Tips
Have you ever noticed how much more difficult it is to apply your mascara and eyeliner when the winter chill starts to set in? Your mascara might be just a little stiffer coming out of the tube which makes a clean application near impossible. Or perhaps your eyeliner is much harder than usual and doesn’t [...]
MAC: Plush Lash Collection
Release Date: October 5, 2007 MAC’s Plushlash collection marks the release of their newest mascara formula, Plushlash: A new mascara with glamorous fringe benefits. Start with the v-shaped wand: one side coaxes lashes upward, while the other defines. Add its luxuriously intense, plumping, conditioning formula and you can see why we call it plush. A [...]
Fibre Rich Lash
Release Date: October 2003 MAC’s newest mascara formula: Fibre Rich Lash FIBRE RICH LASH Black – Black
Pro Lash Mascara
Release Date: July 2001 PRO LASH MASCARA Charcoal Brown – Deep brown/black Coal Black – Jet black
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