As a makeup artist, I've had heated debates (with other artists, of course) over who makes the world's best mascara. Well, as in most cosmetic debates, there are three categories to consider: high end, affordable and natural - often broken down into department store brands, drug store brands and indie brands.
I unashamedly endorse Lancome for the best high end mascara makers in the world. Every one of their creations are wonderful - from Definicils to L'Extreme. When I want to treat myself (they are a bit pricey), I'll pick up one of their products.
As for drug store mascaras, I don't think anyone comes close to L'Oreal's Voluminous. It pumps up skinny lashes and accentuates length perfectly. And if scandalously dark lashes are your thing, carbon black is the color du jour. I'm wearing it in the above picture. $7.95, ladies. Go, L'Oreal.
Yeah, that's right. I said L'Oreal. I know I'm going to get heat about this from all of the Maybelline groupies out there. What is it about that little pink tube that elicits such ardent devotion? The mascara flakes, people. Get over it.
Moving along...I've yet to find a natural mascara that I like. I've tried quite a few and always walked away disappointed. Their performance has been minimal at best. And they don't stay put. I look like a raccoon three hours after application.
So, I wanted to get an expert opinion from someone who hand crafts natural makeup. I contacted my fave mineral cosmetic formulator, Kelley Maddison from Priia Cosmetics, to ask her what's the deal with natural mascaras.
"They don't have lengthening or thickening abilities. They only coat the lashes with color. Without polymers and acrylics (plastics) the product doesn't adhere to the lashes."
She also advised me to be careful of natural mascaras because their usage life is going to be shorter than mainstream mascara because they don't have preservatives. Sounds like an eye infection waiting to happen if you're not careful.
Thank you, Kelley.
But hold on. My girl, Milan, over at AGrlCanMac swears she's found the perfect organic/natural mascara by Physician's Formula. I hopped over to the the Physician's Formula site to check it out. They claim their Organic Wear mascara is 100% Free of Harsh Chemicals, Synthetic Preservatives, Parabens, Clumping, Smudging, Flaking, Fibers & Dyes. AND that it makes lashes look five times thicker and longer.
All of this for $9.95. I have to admit, I'm a little skeptical, but I haven't tried it - yet. Milan says it's wonderful. And she's a makeup girl all the way, so I should trust her assessment. I looked through the ingredients list for Physician's Formula mascara and saw that they've included beeswax. Could that possibly help with adherence? I don't know. I'm not a chemist. Just asking.
Any of you tried a good natural/organic mascara? What's your fave mainstream mascara (go ahead, Maybelline people, have your say now).
13 comments:
Thanks for the great tips! I will spread the word. My mom is ALWAYS looking for a good mascara. I recently CUT my hair and donated it, so I look a lot different. Welcome to the motherhood!!
I agree with you about Maybelline Great Lash...it's not all that great! I do love L'Oreal Voluminous in Carbon Black as well as Lancome's mascaras. Have you tried Max Factor's volume Couture? I know it's about to be phased out completely in the US in 2010, but it's my other go-to mascara from the drugstore.
BVB, are you wearing the Max Factor one in your picture? Your eyes look gorgeous! I will definitely try some. Wait, if they are discontinuing it maybe I won't. Why get hooked on something I can't get much longer? Why do companies do that??? Stop discontinuing the great products.
In my opinion, the best drugstore mascara is by Rimmel. It is just lash-lengthening awesomeness!
I like both Rimmel and Maybelline comb mascaras, No Racoon eyes.
Thank you so much for the info.
I am addicted to these two pencils right now for inner lower rims, the Origins ice blue eye brightener and Paula Dorf Baby Eyes enchancer.
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So far, I've had the best luck with Blinc's Kiss Me Mascara. It's the only one that doesn't run for me (even amidst all the waterproof brands). It has more of a natural look though unless you use the lash conditioner first.
I tried Maybelline's Great Lash once too and wasn't too impressed. Will probably the L'Oreal for my kit, to start :)
Clinique high definition lashes is my current fave. I didn't find maybeline to be flaky but I didn't find that all it did was just sit on my lashes.
I have NO lashes whatsoever until Clinique came along. Whatever is in that bottle is pure genius. The comb attachment makes perfect sense
lol, yes i am definitely a maybelline girl. but ONLY when it comes to mascara and eyeliner. i swear theyre the best. ive been using the same mascara for... my goodness, maybe ten years now? same with the eyeliner. every time i try another just for the 'what if' factor...NEVER comes close. and theyre easily available anywhere, and under $6 a piece. its fabulous. :)
I used to only wear "Lorac" by make-up artist Carol Shaw. It's been a while, and I think I need to get back on track. She takes all the unnecessary ingredients out, and replaces them with some better, more beneficial stuff...like chamomile in her eye shadow, which makes good health sense.
I do love Physicians but, have yet to try their mascara. I am a fan of any color softer than straight black.
Be well.
Hi, Thanks for stopping by my site. You know I'm guilty, I've been wearin' old Maybelline for years! Partly because I'm old and set in my ways:) I will step out and take your suggestion, I will try Voluminous! I'll let you know how it goes;) Love your site!
Wow!! You're one of the first makeup artist blogs I've seen.. But I think that's great! Especailly since you're brown like ME! :) I can't wait to read more of your tips!
Wow! this is very nice blog.
thank you for this blog...
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