Mascaras - You can't live without them!

To finish off the eyes then…who can’t live without mascara?  I can't.  Although, I get very irritated by the amount of adverts on the TV – there seems to be a new mascara being launched every week by the same companies so when you’ve found one that works for you, they discontinue it and replace it with another.

Seven things I want from a good mascara: (1) volume or one that looks like I am wearing it, (2) no gloop in my tear duct, (3) soft, conditioned lashes, (4) smudge-proof (5) one that doesn’t make my lashes feel like iron filings, (6) not dried out within weeks of use (I once spent €33 on one with it to just dry up after a few weeks which was terrible), (7) one that is easy to remove with waterproof remover.

As I have small lashes, I tend to opt for mascaras that create more volume and I prefer a thin brush so I can get to the roots without making a mess and I especially like those conical shaped brushes as well.  Having said that, as my frequent readers are aware, I like The Viper (Makeup Revolution, €5) which is a very strange-shaped brush indeed but it gives me good lashes (see my previous blog entitled Once Bitten).  You get a great dense black, it lasts the day and surprisingly, my lashes are super soft to touch.  Once bitten, forever smitten…tee hee.

I used to LOVE Max Factor's Xperience mascara – I actually purchased a few of these but of course, they discontinued it.  Unfortunately, their newer ones don't suit me (see my list of requirements above).

I have a few KIKO ones and especially like their burgundy mascara.  It has a thick brush but it gives an intense rich colour to my lashes unlike a brown mascara would (it just looks flat).

I am not a fan of waterproof mascara though so I have none of that in my own personal kit.   I find normal mascara hard to remove as it is and it must leave a residue on the lashes at some point – even though I use my waterproof eye make-up remover.  So I worry that waterproof must leave something on the lashes as it is doubly hard to remove. 

Clarins do a great product that allows you to waterproof your favourite mascaras – it's a transparent sealer and you pop it on after applying your mascara (Double Fix Mascara, €24).  Good to have in your pro-kit too.  That reminds me, my sister bought me one years ago and I lost it so I must get another one.

My ultimate favourite was Lancome’s Définicils Mascara (€28) which I used to wear when I worked for another company!  Naughty me.  It’s nice to see that this mascara is still around.  Actually, I think I will pop this on my Christmas List (hope Hubbie D is reading this) to see if it’s still as good as it was back then.

Ooo, forgot to mention - top tip - apply mascara to your bottom lashes before you coat your tops ones...no more smudging on the lids.

Have a great weekend everyone!