breakin' it down

Since I talked about how to find the right mascara for your lashes, and then the perfect primer to accompany it, I thought it might be helpful to now find the best mascara options, broken down by type/category.

Volumizing/Thickening:

Dior DiorShow Mascara, Maybelline The Rocket Volume Express, L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly

Lengthening:

d.j.v. beautenizer Fiberwig LX, Benefit they're Real! Mascara, Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara

(continued after the jump)



Curling:

Dior DiorShow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, Urban Decay Super Curl Mascara, Clinique High Impact Mascara

Defining/ Separating:

Lancome Definicils, MAC Studio Fix Boldblack Lash, Almay One Coat get up & grow mascara

Looking for 'One Mascara To Rule Them All'?
These mascara's will do everything: volumize, lengthen, curl, separate and make your lashes appear luscious!

Chanel Inimitable Intense, Sephora Collection Full Action Extreme Effect, Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara,
Rimmel Glam'Eyes Mascara, Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash

For Sensitive Eyes:
If your eyes are sensitive and irritate easily then you should look for labels that say: 'Hypoallergenic' and 'Ophthalmologist tested'. Some brands that really cater to the sensitive folks are: Clinique, Almay, Neutrogena and Olay. I think one of the best mascara's for tender eyes is the Blinc Mascara:

Blinc Mascara

It's a defining, natural-looking mascara that wraps around the lashes, forming little "tubes". Because of the wrapping technology there's virtually no shedding or black flecks under the eyes (hello contact lens wearers, are you excited about this yet?!). And it's a smudge-proof, long-wearing mascara, that remarkably comes off with water. The only moment that takes some getting used to is seeing the tubes come off your lashes- they can individually peel right off (making you think it took half your lashes off with it. It didn't). Just continue using a gentle makeup remover and be amazed at how lovely your lashes look and how happy your eyes feel.  

A note on color:
No one can ever go wrong wearing a black mascara (unless maybe you're albino and then, only then, would I recommend a lighter color). I've heard people tell me they want a brown or black/brown color, or they don't want black because it won't look natural. I hate to break it to you but you're not wearing mascara to look natural, otherwise you would wear nothing. Also, black/brown is so dark, it basically looks black so why not just wear black? I have blonde hair, pale skin and barely noticeable eyelashes without mascara but I love black because... isn't that the whole point of mascara? You want to be able to see your lashes?!


A note on waterproof mascara:
If you're at a wedding, funeral or some other occasion where you know you will tear up, waterproof is a must. But if you're laying by the pool or beach? NO. There's no reason to wear mascara, or makeup really, if you're going to be sweating and rubbing chlorine out of your eyes.

But what if you really need a waterproof formula but love your current non-waterproof mascara? Time for these guys:

Bare Escentuals Locked & Coated waterproof topcoat, Anastasia Lash Genius, Ulta Raincoat Waterproof topcoat

All of these mascara's are clear topcoats that waterproof any ol' mascara. I have personally tried the Anastasia at a funeral, where I did cry, and it worked wonderfully- no issues at all! I was still able to wear my favorite mascara without worrying about looking like a football player trying to keep the sun out of my eyes.


**I know this is a lot of information and I hope this helps you figure out what could work with your own lash-needs. Do you have any other favorites that I didn't list here (and trust me, there are a lot I couldn't fit here)?