Hello hello! It feels like i’m on a roll these days, continuously blogging! Therefore while i’m in the mood to blog, I thought i’d do a post on my mascara collection along with mini reviews which I hope you find useful!
Currently I have 6 mascaras in rotation, cos a girl can’t just have one right?
As we begin todays mascara smackdown, a quick note that I’ll be following a sequence, where I will start with the brush design and then move onto formula etc.
First up,
Dior IT-Lash
The IT-Lash comes with a spiked elastomer (plastic) brush. It’s a reasonably slim, slightly longish style. Personally I hate big brushes as they are harder to apply with so this one’s just perfect.
The formula of this is on the thinner side and is great for those of you who have trouble with your mascara weighing down your lashes. This holds a curl well and keep lashes beautifully lengthened and separated without clumps. Sadly I don’t see much of the volumising action that it claims to have, but I really like this one for everyday use.
As far as removal is concerned, it’s pretty easy to get off. Just warm water does the trick. On occasion I also use Bioderma for removal as well.
Tom Ford Extreme Mascara
The sexiest packaging in my opinion. And incidentally the old school bristle brush does a good job making the lashes look sexy too.
The formula of this is denser and coats the lashes well for a thicker, lash look. Building up the volume is easy as this doesn’t set too quick and you have ample play time to keep adding more, more and MORE. I also love that this doesn’t clump and holds the curl pretty well to stay looking wide awake!
To remove, you can simply use an eye makeup remover. This one isn’t waterproof.
Le Volume De Chanel
The very first volumising mascara I truly fell in love with. I have been repurchasing it over and over and I believe i’m on my 6th now.
The brush of this is a plastic one with shorter bristles meant to create an eye opening effect. (Sadly I never see any such results as the weight of this mascara droops down any curl I had to begin with) The shape of the brush also seems to give trouble separating the lashes and they always cling together.
If you have naturally curly lashes this would work great for you. It volumises and adds drama for a very glamorous look.
Le Volume de Chanel isn’t waterproof and removes easily with warm water similar to the Dior.
Clé de Peau Perfect Lash Mascara
Features a curved wand with natural bristles. It’s designed to comb the lash from root to tip and create a nice separated and defined lash.
If smudging is a problem for you, this is your guy! The waterproof formula keeps lashes looking fresh throughout the day without any flaking or smudging. It’s even rub proof!
As far as volume goes this one isn’t really mind blowing, and it doesn’t build well either as it sets pretty fast. I also notice if I attempt a second coat, the lashes start sticking together and look spiky. It’s strictly a one (quick) coat mascara.
Looking at the positives, the real claim to fame is the longevity of it’s wear and that it works great with shorter, stubby lashes that are prone to smudging.
For removal I always use Clarins Express Eye Makeup Remover which works well with waterproof formulas and never irritates my eyes.
Helena Rubinstein, Lash Queen Feline Black
If it’s mascara, then Helena does them best! She has such an extensive range of mascaras, it truly is overwhelming and difficult to pick one! I ended up with this leopard print ‘feline’ version which is great for volume and lengthening.
The brush is chubby and torpedo shaped which works well to separate and build up volume.
The best thing about this mascara is the formula is near perfect. You get plenty of time to build it up as it sets quite slow and the longer bristles keep the lashes from sticking together and comb as you go for good separation.
Volume, length and long wearing. It’s all there.
*This mascara comes in a waterproof version as well, and is my HG for packing on beach vacations. THE BEST!
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (seen here is a mini size)
Comes with a shorter more chubbier wand in comparison to the Helena Rubinstein. This one though has a slightly fatter middle creating a more rounded, bushier brush.
An unexpected find which came in the form of a press sample. I really love how this volumises. Another one of those buildable formulas that you can layer and layer. You get fuller, thicker, lengthened lashes for a ‘bigger, blacker, badder lash’.
I believe i’ll repurchase this in a full size, quite loving it’s smooth, creamy texture and the colour intensity.
Lastly, this too isn’t a waterproof formula and comes off easily with a eye makeup remover.
Now a look at these worn on my poker straight lashes! Unfortunately you won’t be seeing much of a difference unless you click on the image for a closeup and look at the base of the lashes to see the more volumising ones :-)
I promise the differences between them are far more visible in person. I blame my poor selfie skills!
Bottom Line
For volumising and lengthening, the best would be Helena Rubinstein and Urban Decay. I like how buildable they are and never look clumpy. The TF is also a good option, though lacks that wow factor you’d expect for the price.
For waterproof mascara, the CDP hands down. I never have to worry about it flaking or smudging. If you don’t mind a natural lash look, this one’s great for everyday use. For other cheaper waterproof options you can also check out Helena Rubinstein.
For lift and curl i’d recommend the Dior IT-Lash. This is great for those of you with already thick lashes but just want them defined and lengthened. It’s my favourite for day to day use and have just repurchased!
