Health & Beauty

Mascara

• Posted By: Anna & Kristina

Longer, thicker, curlier lashes is the promise of many mascaras. We go to great lengths to find out which waterproof mascaras work best.

    BUYING TIPS

The Basics

• As a general rule, the color of your mascara should complement your hair color. 

• Black is good for a more dramatic look. There are a variety of different shades of black — they’re subtle, but it can make a difference.
  

• Application is usually what makes the biggest difference. Finding the right brush for you is more important than what goes on it:

• A curve-style brush gives you more lift.

• A comb-style brush helps separate and define your lashes.

• A smaller brush helps get to smaller areas to coat every lash.

• Big brushes deposit more color on your lashes but require a bigger tube.

• Larger tubes of mascara tend to dry out and clump faster. Most — if not all — mascaras dry out before the tube is empty.
  

• If you want curly lashes, invest in an eyelash curler instead of pricey mascara.

• If your mascara smudges, it may not be the product. Too much moisturizer or a greasy under-eye concealer can cause mascaras to break down.

Other Considerations

• Waterproof mascara can be a challenge to remove, which means it's harder on your eyes and lashes than regular mascara. Unless you’re constantly dealing with a moist environment, it’s best to only use waterproof mascara occasionally.

Be Aware

• All mascaras are basically the same formula, so don’t believe the marketing hype. Remember that cosmetics companies don’t need to substantiate claims like “thickening”, “lengthening” and “curling”.

• Don’t pump the wand in and out of the mascara. This lets more air in and causes the mascara to dry out faster.
  

• Mascara gets clumpy as it gets older, no matter what brand.

• Mascara is easily contaminated by bacteria so don’t share it, and replace it often (e.g. every three months).

   TEST CRITERIA

We wanted to find out which mascara could stand up to a regular day and to some extreme smudging situations.

We tested these waterproof mascaras:		BUY IT
Lancome: $26.00
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof: $5.99
Revlon Colorstay Waterproof: $9.59		--
Elizabeth Arden 2-brush waterproof mascara: $22.00

(Note: prices listed above are approximate and in Canadian dollars)

 

Smudge Test

We went to the waterslides, worked up a sweat at a hot yoga class, and shed some tears slicing onions wearing all of our test products. We found:

• All of our contenders had similar results, no matter the cost or brand. There was a bit of flaking, but no smudging.

Application Test

• Our testers were fans of the Lancome brush, but not the price

• Maybelline came a close second with an easy, effective application brush.

   OUR TOP PICK

We say buy cheap and replace often. Maybelline Great Lash is our mascara of choice.

 

 

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 Related Links:

• Eyelash Curlers
  
• Eye Makeup Remover
• Eye Cream
• Eyeliner
• Eye Shadow
• Lipstick
• Nail Polish

 

Have you got mascara or make-up shopping tips? Post your comments below, or send us your own smart shopping hot topics!